Fritillaria imp. Rubra - Crown Imperial - ORG

The name ‘Crown Imperial’ is not just a figment of the imagination. Fritillaria imperialis Rubra has something imperial about it: a straight, dark stem, sometimes a metre high, topped by a wreath of fiery orange-red bell-shaped flowers, and finishing with a plume of pointed green leaves like a crown. It flowers in mid-spring and is, at that time, the undisputed ruler of the border.

In Europe for 400 years

Fritillaria imperialis is native to Asia Minor, where it grows on warm, dry, stony slopes. It arrived in Europe over 400 years ago — almost at the same time as the tulip. Since then, it has been bred and cultivated in the Netherlands. You can tell from its character that it has a long history: it is robust, reliable and impressive year after year. The Rubra, with its orange-red colour, is one of the most classic cultivars.

The scent and the moles

The Fritillaria Rubra has a strong, pungent scent that not everyone finds pleasant — but which does keep moles at bay. For this reason, it is also strategically planted alongside other bulbs that are susceptible to mole damage. A useful bonus from an already remarkable plant. Plant the bulb at an angle in the soil so that water cannot pool in the hollow at the top — this prevents bulb rot.

Planting and care

Plant the bulb in autumn at a depth of around 20 cm, at an angle or with the hollow facing sideways, 30 cm away from other plants. Choose a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. After flowering, decorative seed heads form, which also look lovely dried in a vase. The Rubra is hardy and returns every year in a suitable location. Organically grown, certified NL-BIO-01.