Fritillaria 'Rubra' (Crown Imperial)

Delivery August/September
Available for delivery in August/September, when the autumn planting season begins.

1 bulbs
£4.99
£4.99 each
3 bulbs
£14.59
£4.86 each
Save 3%
9 bulbs
£36.89
£4.10 each
Save 18%

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Rubra, often admired for its scarlet with purple stem tones and green bracts colouring, is a bulb variety especially well suited to borders.

Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra' brings unmistakable theatre to the spring border: tall, assured stems crowned with a whorl of glossy green leaves, then finished with a dramatic ring of rich scarlet, bell-shaped blooms topped by a jaunty tuft of leafy bracts. It is a wonderfully architectural choice for naturalistic planting as well as more formal schemes, rising confidently through fresh spring growth.

Plant in autumn in fertile, well-drained loam and choose a sheltered position to protect those statuesque stems. The bulbs are best handled with care and planted deeply for a secure, long-lived display. Once settled, 'Rubra' will reward you year after year, taking a little time to build to its full presence.

Botanical name Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra'
Flower colour Scarlet with purple stem tones and green bracts
Bulb size 20/22
Established height 100-150cm
Established spread 10-50cm
Plant spacing 30cm
Leaf colour Green
Habit Upright
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 2-3 years
Sunlight Full-Sun, Partial Sun
Position Sheltered
Suitable for Borders, Naturalising
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Loam
RHS Award (AGM) Yes
Growing skill Intermediate
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant Yes

Where to Plant:

Fritillaria 'Rubra' (crown imperial 'Rubra) 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 30cm 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

RHS Award (AGM)

Naturalising

Fritillaria 'Rubra' (crown imperial 'Rubra) - Harding & Bloom

Fritillaria 'Rubra' (Crown Imperial)

£4.99

£4.99

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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