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Fritillaria imperialis Rubra

Fritillaria imperialis Rubra
Crown Imperial

3,9/5
8 reviews
2 reviews
0 reviews
0 reviews
3 reviews

I bought 3 young plant bulbs on sale at the beginning of December and I planted them as soon as I received them. All three have sprouted, but they are weak. Maybe because they were planted too late? I hope they will do better next year." Revised translation: "I purchased 3 young plant bulbs on sale at the start of December and planted them as soon as I received them. All three have sprouted, but they are underdeveloped. Perhaps it's because they were planted too late? I hope they will thrive better next year.

Nelli, 12/04/2023

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

A bulbous perennial with a crown of reddish-orange bell-shaped flowers. It reaches a height of 90cm (35in) from the ground.
Flower size
7 cm
Height at maturity
80 cm
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Recommended planting time September to November
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Flowering time April to May
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Description

Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra' produces 5 large bell-shaped flowers at the end of a long, straight stem. Its lovely red-orange flowers are delicately veined. They bloom in whorls and are crowned with upright green leaves. This arrangement gives it the name of the imperial crown.

 

This bulbous perennial is a variety derived from a cold-resistant and tolerant species of fritillary. It is completely hardy when planted in well-drained soil in a warm, sunny location. These plants are magnificent! Their atypical silhouette attracts all eyes. Use them to add height to your beds or to fill a rockery. You can also grow them in pots to enjoy them on a patio.

It is toxic. The bulb releases an unpleasant odour that repels rodents, but this odour is not noticeable once the bulb is planted.

 

In the past, the imperial crown was called "tears of Mary." Its Persian name means "the flower that weeps" because the fritillary has nectaries in the centre of its petals that produce large drops of nectar.

Fritillaria imperialis Rubra in pictures

Fritillaria imperialis Rubra (Flowering) Flowering
Fritillaria imperialis Rubra (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 80 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour red
Flowering time April to May
Flower size 7 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Fritillaria

Species

imperialis

Cultivar

Rubra

Family

Liliaceae

Other common names

Crown Imperial

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference545031

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Planting and care

Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra' thrives in full sun. It needs light but not necessarily direct sunlight. It ideally thrives in a continental climate where winters and summers are dry and springs are humid. Plant it in fertile and well-drained soil. Avoid heavy soil to prevent the appearance of fungi. If drainage is insufficient, the fritillary may rot. Plant it from September to October by adding sand, gravel, or pumice to the planting hole. Place the bulb at a depth of 20cm (8in). In winter, we recommend mulching the fritillary. Remove faded flowers if you do not want them to self-seed. Do not water your fritillaries in summer and winter. If the soil is too dry in spring, lightly water to initiate bulb growth, but without excess. 

Planting period

Recommended planting time September to November
Planting depth 20 cm

Intended location

Type of use Border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 20 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, rich and well-drained

Care

Soil moisture Moist soil
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
3,9/5
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