Fritillaria 'Rubra' Crown Imperial Bulbs

Plant Fritillaria 'Rubra' bulbs in fall before the first frost, and enjoy their stunning mid-spring blooms. This heirloom variety creates an eye-catching display with its large clusters of downward-facing, bell-shaped flowers, each topped with a pineapple-like tuft of spiky leaves. Held on thick, stately stems that reach 36 to 40 inches tall, these bright orange pendants are surrounded by whorls of lance-shaped, glossy green leaves around the lower half of the stem. The vibrant flowers not only attract attention from onlookers but also draw in pollinators, making them uniquely beautiful cut flowers for dazzling spring bouquets.

Fritillaria 'Rubra', a cultivar of Fritillaria imperialis, commonly known as crown imperial lily, is a bulbous herbaceous perennial with an upright habit. The bulbs multiply well, with the plants spreading each year, but Fritillaria 'Rubra' is most impressive when grouped or massed in garden beds and at the back of borders, where its striking appearance can be fully appreciated.

Fritillaria 'Rubra' thrives in sunny to partially shady locations with moist but well-draining soils. In hot summer climates, it benefits from some light afternoon shade and a winter mulch to protect the bulbs. After blooming, allow the foliage to die back naturally before removing it. This ensures that the leaves continue to nourish the bulbs, promoting healthy growth and blooming in future seasons. The unique scent of crown imperial lilies not only repels deer but also helps deter rodents, making Fritillaria 'Rubra' a resilient choice for your garden.

For best results, plant Fritillaria 'Rubra' bulbs immediately upon receipt. Space the bulbs 8 inches apart and plant them 5 to 6 inches deep, setting them at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from sitting in the bulbs' stem hole. Water well to settle the bulbs and feed with a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong growth and abundant blooms.

For tips on creating a stunning spring bulb garden, check out our blog post on How to Plant a Spring Bulb Garden. And don't forget to visit our Garden Essentials page for all the tools and products you'll need to get started.