| Fritillaria imperialis 'Lutea'
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Yellow Crown Imperial
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Currently unavailable |
| Type/Hardiness |
Bulbous perennial, Hardy |
| Flowering period |
Late spring |
| Height |
24-36in/60-90cm |
| Light preference |
Full sun |
| Soil preference |
Fertile, free-draining |
| Sowing time/depth |
, |
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| This striking and imposing plant produces a bright yellow crown of bell-like flowers in spring, above which is a top-knot of small leaves. The stems are thick, straight and clothed in bright green spear-shaped leaves. The plant has a foxy odour which is said to ward off vermin. Our fig tree is underplanted with numerous bulbs of this plant, the yellow flowers contrasting beautifully with the green-grey young branches of the fig. The timing is perfect - just as the fritillaria are dying back, the young fig leaves appear. |
| Sowing and/or growing instructions |
| Plant deeply (as much as 12 inches for mature bulbs, although 6 inches should suffice and may be a sensible depth if you are intending to thin out the bulbs regularly) in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. It is a wise precaution to both stand and surround the bulbs in sharp sand or fine horticultural grit. The buds and mature flowers may benefit from a little protection if harsh frosts are forecast - loosely cover with some fleece. Crown imperials can be susceptible to lily-beetle infestations. I have found that the best way of dealing with these is to hold a deep container against the plants and to sharply tap the stems. The insects will fall into the container and can then be killed. On the whole, though, this is not a difficult plant.
Plant bulbs at 4 times their own depth, preferably on their sides, |
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