Fritillaria 'William Rex' (crown imperial)

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

1 bulbs
£6.59
£6.59 each
3 bulbs
£19.69
£6.56 each
Save 0%
9 bulbs
£50.59
£5.62 each
Save 15%

Delivery begins from 14 September 2026

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Our "Bloom or Bust" Promise

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

Fritillaria imperialis ‘William Rex’ brings a wonderfully architectural note to the spring border. Each tall stem carries a rich crown of bronze-red to orange, nodding bells, finished with a crisp tuft of leafy bracts—formal enough for a structured scheme, yet perfectly at ease in a relaxed cottage planting.

Plant in autumn and allow this crown imperial to settle in; once established it makes a refined statement among tulips, early perennials and fresh green foliage, and it is also valued for being pollinator friendly and deer resistant.

  • Why we love it: statuesque, theatrical spring flowers with a beautifully tailored silhouette
  • Best for: borders, naturalising, cottage and informal gardens, and smart city plots
  • Seasonal moment: a confident flourish from early to late spring
Botanical name Fritillaria imperialis 'William Rex'
Flower colour Orange
Bulb size 20/+ cm
Established height 90cm
Established spread 30cm
Plant spacing 30cm
Leaf colour Green
Habit Upright
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 2
Sunlight Full-Sun, Partial Sun
Position Borders
Suitable for Borders, Cottage & informal gardens, City & courtyard gardens, Naturalising
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 'William Rex' (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
Flowering

Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

Good for cutting

Naturalising

Fritillaria 'William Rex' (crown imperial) - Harding & Bloom

Fritillaria 'William Rex' (crown imperial)

£6.59

£6.59

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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