Fritillaria imperialis Aurora

Fritillaria imperialis Aurora

Fritillaria imperialis Aurora is lovely ornamental spring bloomer; its stately crowns hang down from the top of 3ft upright stems and have orange red bell-shaped flowers. Naturalizing over the years makes them perfect for planting in your herbaceous border. Best left undisturbed they will re-appear more abundant each year.

How to take care of Imperialis Aurora

Imperialis Aurora are quite easy to grow, choose a position that receives some sunlight every day. Handle Imperialis Aurora with care and never let the fleshy scales dry out. Add some sand to the planting hole and plant Imperialis Aurora on its side so that the hollow crown does not hold water and surround it with coarse sand to improve drainage.

Drainage is very important and Imperialis Aurora work better in a stony soil. Stake the taller species for support during the flowering period and fertilise with organic fertiliser early spring and every couple of years apply a mulch of well-rotted compost.

The shorter species are best grown in clumps in borders; groups of 5-7 bulbs are most effective. After flowering let the foliage die back naturally and cut back stems to ground level and mark the spot with a cane to avoid damaging the bulb during the dormant season.

Best left undisturbed.