Scientific Name
Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra Maxima'
Common Name(s)
Crown Imperial
Synonym(s)
Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra'
Scientific Classification
Family: Liliaceae
Subfamily: Lilioideae
Tribe: Lilieae
Genus: Fritillaria
Origin
This plant is a cultivar of Fritillaria imperialis.
Flower
Color: Caramelized orange-red
Bloom Time: Spring
Description
Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra Maxima' is a bulbous herbaceous perennial that grows up to 3.6 feet (1.1 m) tall. It is an impressive, colorful garden sculpture with tufts of green pineapple-like leaves on top of the large hanging, bell-shaped, caramelized orange-red flowers.
Blooming occurs from mid to late spring and lasts for 2 to 3 weeks.

Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 5a to 8b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 20 °F (−6.7 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Unusual and hardy, Fritillaria bulbs produce best when planted in moist soil in a sunny to part shade location in the flower bed. Wildflower Fritillaria lilies are an excellent choice for gardeners who want out-of-the-ordinary specimens among more common spring-blooming bulbs.
Growing Fritillaria may reach 4 feet (1.2 m) or more in spring. Use wildflower Fritillarias as specimens, in groupings, or as an addition to a traditional bulb bed.
Be prepared to plant bulbs as soon as they arrive. Plant larger bulbs with the base about 5 inches (12.5 cm) below the soil surface, while smaller Fritillaria bulbs should be planted about 3 inches (7.5 cm) down. Plant bulbs in well-drained soil and keep it moist until the root system is established.
Fritillaria bulbs resist deer, squirrels, and bulb-digging rodents and may help protect other bulbs that are favorites of the critters.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Fritillaria Bulbs.
Links
- Back to genus Fritillaria
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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