Highlights

Striking Spring Blooms – Produces vibrant red, bell-shaped flowers topped with lush green bracts.
Tall Growth Habit – Reaches up to 1.2m (4') in height, perfect for adding drama at the back of borders.
Compact Spread – Grows to a neat 30cm (12") wide, ideal for planting in groups or clusters.
Seasonal Interest – Flowers in mid- to late spring, creating a bold statement when most gardens awaken.
Easy Care – Plant bulbs in autumn in fertile, free-draining soil and full sun for best results.
Indoor & Outdoor Versatility – Impressive as a cut flower for arrangements or as a garden focal point.
Planting Guidance – Space bulbs 20cm (10") apart and plant 12cm (5") deep; water well after planting.
Soil Requirements – Prefers well-drained soil; add grit and compost to improve drainage and avoid rot.

We're offering you a 3 or 6 Red Fritillaria Imperialis Bulbs for £7.99, saving you up to 47% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £14.99 (correct as of 02.09.2025).

Exotic Spring Bulb

Add Exotic Elegance to Your Garden with Fritillaria Imperialis

The Red Fritillaria Imperialis, also known as the Crown Imperial, is a showstopping perennial from the lily family (Liliaceae) renowned for its towering stems and dramatic spring display. Each bulb produces a stately spike up to 1.2m (4') tall, crowned with clusters of vivid red, bell-shaped flowers and topped with a tuft of glossy green bracts.

Why Grow Red Fritillaria Imperialis?

Dramatic Vertical Impact: Perfect for the back of borders or as a striking centrepiece in mixed beds.
Long-Lasting Blooms: Enjoy bold colour from April to May—just as other spring bulbs begin to fade.
Wildlife Friendly: Attracts pollinators while being generally avoided by deer and rabbits due to its distinctive scent.

Growing Guide

Planting Time: Best planted in autumn (September–November) before the ground freezes.
Soil & Site: Prefers fertile, free-draining soil in full sun. Avoid waterlogged spots by incorporating grit and compost at planting time.
Spacing & Depth: Plant bulbs 12cm (5") deep and 20cm (10") apart, pointed end upwards. Handle gently—bulbs are fragile.

Care Tips

Irrigation: Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil. Once established, Fritillaria prefers moderate moisture but dislikes soggy conditions.
Fertiliser: Top-dress with well-rotted manure or balanced bulb fertiliser each spring for robust growth.
Pest Resistance: Naturally deters most garden pests—no need for intensive protection.

Design Ideas & Companions

Add Red Fritillaria Imperialis among tulips, alliums, or early perennials like euphorbia for a layered spring border. Their statuesque form makes them perfect for cottage gardens or formal plantings.

FAQs

When is the best time to plant these bulbs?
The ideal planting window is autumn, from September through November before the first frosts arrive.
How tall do Red Fritillaria Imperialis grow?
Mature plants reach up to 1.2m (4') tall with a spread of around 30cm (12").
What type of soil do they prefer?
This species thrives in fertile, free-draining soil. Improve heavy soils with grit and compost before planting.