Fritillaria 'Aurora' (Crown Imperial)

Dispatch begins week of 14 September
Autumn planting varieties are seasonal and become available at the start of September. We will then prepare your order and begin dispatch during the week beginning Monday 14 September.

Choose your pack size Display scale; savings vs smallest pack
1 bulb
Planting coverageCreates one focal point
£5.39
£5.39 each
3 bulbs
Most popular Creates a balanced architectural group
£15.09
£5.03 each
Save 7% each
9 bulbs
Best value Builds a strong border statement
£42.69
£4.74 each
Save 12% each

Free delivery on £40+ orders

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Bloom or Bust Guarantee

Aurora, often admired for its orange colouring, is a bulb variety especially well suited to borders.

Fritillaria imperialis ‘Aurora’ is a wonderfully statuesque crown imperial, raising tall stems topped with a neat tuft of glossy green leaves and a ring of nodding, bright orange, bell-shaped blooms. It brings a refined sense of theatre to spring borders, and sits particularly well amongst early tulips, narcissi and fresh, emerging perennials.

Plant in autumn and allow it time to settle; once established, this is a confident, architectural bulb for naturalistic planting, under open-canopied deciduous trees, or in a sheltered position where its form can be properly appreciated.

  • Colour & form: bright orange bells beneath a leafy green crown
  • Best for: borders, naturalising, cottage & informal gardens
  • Flowering: March–May
  • Delivered as: premium-grade bulb (20/+)
Botanical name Fritillaria imperialis 'Aurora'
Flower colour Orange
Bulb size 20/+
Established height 90cm
Established spread 30cm
Plant spacing 25cm
Leaf colour Glossy green
Habit Upright
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 2
Sunlight Full-Sun, Partial Sun
Position Borders, under deciduous trees, sheltered spots
Suitable for Borders, Naturalising, Cottage & informal gardens
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Moist but well-drained
Soil type Loam
RHS Award (AGM) No
Growing skill Intermediate
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant Yes

Where to Plant:

Fritillaria 'Aurora' (Crown imperial) needs full-sun, partial sun and a warm, sheltered position for the best flowering. Plant into fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well, and choose a spot protected from strong winds, especially for taller varieties.

How to Plant:

Plant bulb from September to December once conditions are suitable. Set them at the correct depth for the variety, spacing 25cm apart where relevant, then firm in gently and water well after planting.

Aftercare:

Water regularly in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks once buds appear. Stake taller stems early and deadhead to keep plants flowering. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally before lifting or protecting bulb according to local conditions.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Planting
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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

Naturalising

Fritillaria 'Aurora' (Crown imperial) - Harding & Bloom

Fritillaria 'Aurora' (Crown Imperial)

£5.39

£5.39

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If a bulb or plant fails to perform in its first growing season after the care instructions have been followed, we will normally offer a replacement or store credit for the affected item. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Kind Words from Our Gardeners

Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!

Careane Wallace

Oxfordshire, UK

The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again

David P

Kent, UK

I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!

Eleanor R

Somerset