Fritillaria imperialis (Crown Imperial)

This is by far the most well-known species and the most impressive too!

• Native to such locations as Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan, Fritillaria imperialis grows up to 40-44 inches tall (100-110 cm) in a beautiful display of orange, yellow or red pendant, bell-shaped flowers topped by a crown of small leaves; this striking ensemble rises high at the end of an upright stem bearing lance-shaped, glossy leaves.
• Blooming occurs in mid to late spring and lasts for 2-3 weeks.
• Specimens that receive what they need often continue to flower year after year in the same location.
• Plant in fall in a full sun or partial shade area (some shade is particularly important in warmer climate zones) with moderately fertile, sandy and moist but well-drained soil for best results. The soil must drain quickly and thoroughly; heavy soil will definitely need the addition of extra sand. Water only once every 1-2 weeks and keep the soil dry for a few days before watering again. This will prevent the bulbs from rotting.
• Spectacular in groupings of 6-12 bulbs (at the back of the border). Mixes beautifully with other flowering bulbs such as the elegant lily-flowered Tulip 'Ballerina' with its luminous tangerine orange reflexed petals, Muscari armeniacum (Grape hyacinth) with its cobalt-blue flowers or 'Narcissus 'Mount Hood' or 'King Alfred', two very fragrant daffodils that will show off the pendant golden flowers of this 'Maxima Lutea' to perfection!
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• The flowers have a distinctive musk-like odor and contain large drops of nectar.