Crown imperial

A striking variety of fritillaria that has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in recognition of its outstanding excellence. Bright yellow flowers rise majestically from the light green foliage and are topped with a crown of green leaf-like bracts, hence the common name, crown imperial. A large clump of these stately plants is an imposing sight, and quite undemanding once the bulbs are established - they may take a season to flower after planting. Efficient drainage is essential, and on the heaviest soils it's a good idea to plant the bulbs sideways in a bed of gravel.