Tall striking perennial with orange-red flowers on a strong dark stem.
Order Code: 85-20
Fritillaria imperialis William Rex
F. imperialis William Rex has dark bronzy-red flowers about 2 ½ “ long, with lush broad leaves held erect on a darker stem. The “Crown Imperial Lily” has been grown in cultivation in Europe since the 16th century when it was introduced from Turkey. It grows naturally from Turkey through N Persia to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kashmir, on cliffs, rocky slopes and among scrub. It is a very good garden plant with up to 6 bell-shaped flowers hanging below a topknot of leaves that tip the stem. The “Crown Imperial” is called in Persian “Tears of Mary”, because of the great drops of nectar at the base of each petal. Christian tradition says that of all the flowers, it was the only one that did not bow its head when Jesus was passing to his crucifixion – it has bowed its head and wept ever since. Bees love it. The big bulb should be planted 8” deep if the soil depth allows in rich soil, which has had fertiliser added, and a small number may not flower the first year. They benefit from an annual feed of potash rich fertiliser (low in Nitrogen) soon after the new shoots emerge, and at flowering time – a proprietary brand for tomato plants would be suitable. The bulbs should not be disturbed until flowering diminishes when they can be replanted with more goodness under them. They need a dry resting dormancy in the summer. The bulb and young leaves have a strong foxy smell, more noticeable to some.
Planting instructions
Plant 8” deep in rich soil, which has had fertiliser added, preferably in loam or clay soils. They would benefit from an annual feed of potash rich fertiliser which is low in nitrogen when in growth – a proprietary brand for tomato plants would be suitable. The bulbs should be planted 8” deep. They need a dry rest in the summer. April flowering about 4 ft high with brick-red flowers.
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