Plant during the recommended period shown in the variety’s specifications. If you cannot plant straight away, store them somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.
Not all Fritillaries are subtle garden belles. The Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra' Maxima, also known as the Imperial Fritillary, is queen of the genus, and demands to be noticed. Not for her the need for a special little garden niche that allows her to be appreciated. She’ll announce her presence with a fanfare of deep orange blooms suspended beneath a mop-top tuft of leaves at the tip of each tall flowering stem. Use your bold Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra' as a background planting for golden tulips and edge the bed with blue grape hyacinths, or dot the bulbs amongst other flowering plants for height variation.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Check whether your varieties prefer sun or shade, then choose a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Most spring bulbs also grow well in containers.
Remove weeds and loosen compacted soil. Improve heavy ground with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost and ensure good drainage.
Plant at the depth recommended for each variety, as their requirements differ. Position shoots or pointed ends upwards. If the correct direction is unclear, plant them on their sides.
Follow the recommended spacing for each variety. Planting in clusters or informal drifts creates a natural display, but avoid placing them directly against one another.
Water after planting if the soil is dry. Keep containers lightly moist but never waterlogged. After flowering, allow foliage to yellow naturally before removing it.
- Botanical name
- Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra'
- Flower colour
- Red, orange
- Bulb size
- 22/+
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 20-30cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant spacing
- 16 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Exotic gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra' reviews
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Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.