Fritillaria 'Maxima Lutea' (crown imperial)

Delivery begins from 14 September 2026
Spring flowering bulbs and plants are scheduled to begin delivery from 14 September 2026.

1 bulbs
£10.39
£10.39 each
3 bulbs
£27.69
£9.23 each
Save 11%
6 bulbs
£46.99
£7.83 each
Save 25%

Delivery begins from 14 September 2026

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Maxima Lutea, often admired for its yellow colouring, is a bulb variety especially well suited to naturalising.

Fritillaria imperialis 'Maxima Lutea' is a wonderfully statuesque crown imperial, prized for its bright yellow, nodding bells held beneath a jaunty tuft of pale green foliage. Rising with calm assurance through spring borders and naturalistic plantings alike, it brings height, structure and an unmistakably refined drama just as the garden begins to gather pace.

Plant in generous groups for the most convincing effect, allowing the tall stems to thread through tulips, late daffodils and fresh spring greens. A sheltered position is particularly flattering, keeping the stems looking immaculate as they reach their full 100–150cm stature.

  • Colour: Yellow flowers with pale green foliage
  • Shape: Bell-shaped, nodding blooms
  • Ideal for: Naturalising, cottage & informal gardens, and smart city courtyards
  • Reliable character: Fully hardy; noted as deer resistant and pollinator friendly
Botanical name Fritillaria imperialis 'Maxima Lutea'
Flower colour Yellow
Bulb size 20/22
Established height 100-150cm
Established spread 10-50cm
Plant spacing 30cm
Leaf colour Pale green
Habit Upright
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 2-3 years
Sunlight Full-Sun, Partial Sun
Position Sheltered
Suitable for Naturalising, Cottage & informal gardens, City & courtyard gardens
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Moist but well-drained
Soil type Loam
RHS Award (AGM) Yes
Growing skill Easy
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant Yes

Where to Plant:

Fritillaria 'Maxima Lutea' (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 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 'Maxima Lutea' (crown imperial) - Harding & Bloom

Fritillaria 'Maxima Lutea' (crown imperial)

£10.39

£10.39

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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