Fritillaria 'Imperialis Aurora' (Crown Imperial)

1 bulb
£4.49
£4.49 each
3 bulbs
£12.59
£4.20 each
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6 bulbs
£22.99
£3.83 each
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The name 'Aurora' is the Latin name for the goddess of the dawn, a fitting tribute to the flower's warm, sunrise-like, orange-red colouring.

A classic and magnificent variety of Crown Imperial, 'Aurora' is celebrated for its stunning, warm-toned flowers. It produces a tall, thick stem which is crowned in mid-spring with a spectacular whorl of large, nodding, bell-shaped flowers in a beautiful shade of soft, brick-orange or coppery-red. A pineapple-like tuft of green, leafy bracts sits atop the floral crown, completing its regal appearance. Like all Crown Imperials, 'Aurora' has a distinctive musky 'foxy' scent that acts as a powerful and natural deterrent to deer, squirrels, and other rodent pests, making it as practical as it is beautiful. It is a true garden aristocrat, bringing an architectural and exotic presence to the spring border.

Flower type Crown Imperial
Bulb size 20/24 cm
Height 90-100 cm
Spread 20-30 cm
Spacing 1 bulb per 25 cm²
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Sunlight Full Sun / Partial Shade
Suitable for Borders, Architectural Plantings

Where to Plant:

This majestic Crown Imperial produces a dramatic ring of nodding, burnt-orange, bell-shaped flowers atop a tall, sturdy stem. To ensure it flowers reliably, it must be planted in a spot that receives full sun or only very light shade, in fertile and, most importantly, very well-drained soil. The bulbs need to be able to bake in the sun during their summer dormancy. It is a true statement plant for the middle of a border in spring.

How to Plant:

The large, pungent bulbs should be planted in early autumn. They have a distinct hollow on the top where the old flower stem was. To prevent water from sitting in this depression and causing the bulb to rot, it is essential to plant the bulb on its side. Dig a deep hole, approximately 20-25cm (8-10 inches) deep, add a layer of grit at the bottom, and lay the bulb on its side. Cover with soil and water in. Space bulbs at least 30cm apart.

Aftercare:

After the impressive flowers have faded, allow the foliage to die back completely. This is a vital period when the plant transfers energy back to the bulb for the following year's display. The tall stems may require staking in windy positions. They can be temperamental, but providing a sunny spot and excellent drainage is the key to encouraging them to return and flower year after year.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Rodent resistant

Naturalising

Fritillaria 'Imperialis Aurora' - Harding & Bloom

Fritillaria 'Imperialis Aurora' (Crown Imperial)

£4.49

£4.49

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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