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
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.
Origin
This plant is a cultivar of Fritillaria imperialis.
Links
- Back to genus Fritillaria
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
Advertisements