{"product_id":"fritillaria-imperialis-aureomarginata-bulbs","title":"Fritillaria imperialis 'Aureomarginata' Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFritillaria imperialis 'Aureomarginata'\u003c\/strong\u003e is an unusual and highly distinctive form of \u003cstrong\u003eCrown Imperial\u003c\/strong\u003e, combining dramatic orange flowers with striking variegated foliage. Its tall, dark flower stems carry a crown of large, downward-facing orange bells, topped by a characteristic tuft of narrow leaves edged with creamy yellow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlowering in April and reaching around 60-90cm tall, 'Aureomarginata' makes an impressive architectural feature in spring borders. Unlike ordinary Crown Imperials, the foliage is an attraction in its own right, with each green leaf picked out by a contrasting yellow margin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eFritillaria imperialis\u003c\/em\u003e 'Aureomarginata'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Variegated Crown Imperial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bulbous herbaceous perennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Orange\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e April\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60-90cm (24-36in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 20-30cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Green with broad creamy-yellow margins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun or light partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Borders, cottage gardens and architectural spring planting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Fritillaria 'Aureomarginata'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrown Imperials are among the most dramatic of spring-flowering bulbs, and 'Aureomarginata' adds an extra dimension with its colourful foliage. Strong upright stems emerge in spring, developing a ring of large, pendant orange flowers near the top. Above the flowers sits a conspicuous crown of narrow leaves that gives \u003cem\u003eFritillaria imperialis\u003c\/em\u003e its familiar common name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe deep orange flowers contrast particularly well with the dark stems and bright variegated foliage. Planted amongst lower spring bulbs and perennials, the tall stems create a strong vertical accent above the surrounding planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eStriking Variegated Foliage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe foliage is what really sets 'Aureomarginata' apart. Its long, narrow green leaves have prominent \u003cstrong\u003ecreamy-yellow to golden margins\u003c\/strong\u003e, producing a much brighter appearance than the plain green foliage of typical Crown Imperials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe variegation occurs both on the leaves arranged around the stems and on the distinctive leafy crown above the flowers. This means the plant remains visually interesting even before its orange flowers fully open.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Grow Crown Imperial 'Aureomarginata'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a warm, sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Light partial shade is also suitable, but good light helps encourage strong growth and flowering. Crown Imperials dislike sitting in cold, waterlogged ground, particularly while the bulbs are dormant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTheir height makes them particularly effective towards the middle or back of a spring border. Planting several bulbs together creates a dramatic display, while individual plants can be used as architectural accents amongst tulips, narcissi and other spring-flowering plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Fritillaria imperialis Bulbs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the large bulbs in autumn at approximately \u003cstrong\u003e15-20cm deep\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing around 20-30cm between bulbs. Crown Imperial bulbs have a natural hollow or depression in their centre. Planting them slightly on their side can help prevent excess moisture from collecting in this hollow during wet weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eImprove heavy soils with grit and organic matter before planting to provide good drainage. Once planted, the bulbs are generally best left undisturbed so they can establish and return each spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeight and Spread\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFritillaria imperialis\u003c\/em\u003e 'Aureomarginata' grows approximately \u003cstrong\u003e60-90cm tall with a spread of around 20-30cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its upright habit means it provides considerable height without occupying a large amount of border space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Flowering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce flowering has finished, leave the stems and foliage in place until they have yellowed and died back naturally. This allows the leaves to continue feeding the bulb and helps build up energy for the following year's display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant then becomes dormant below ground during summer. Avoid excessive watering around dormant bulbs, particularly in soils that are naturally heavy or slow to drain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Fritillaria 'Aureomarginata'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnusual variegated form of Crown Imperial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge, nodding orange flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStriking yellow-edged green foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowers in April\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImpressive architectural growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaches approximately 60-90cm tall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpread of approximately 20-30cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent statement plant for spring borders\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReturns each year in suitable conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Fritillaria 'Aureomarginata' flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt flowers in spring, typically during April in the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does Fritillaria 'Aureomarginata' grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlants typically reach around 60-90cm (24-36in) tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the spread of 'Aureomarginata'?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAllow approximately 20-30cm of space for each established plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes 'Aureomarginata' different from other Crown Imperials?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIts most distinctive feature is its variegated foliage. The narrow green leaves have prominent creamy-yellow margins, complementing the orange flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere should I plant Crown Imperial bulbs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlant them in full sun or light partial shade in fertile soil with excellent drainage. Avoid areas that remain waterlogged during winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow deep should I plant the bulbs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlant the bulbs approximately 15-20cm deep. Positioning the bulb slightly on its side can help prevent water collecting in its natural central hollow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Fritillaria 'Aureomarginata' perennial?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. It is a bulbous perennial and can return each spring when planted in suitable well-drained conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its combination of \u003cstrong\u003erich orange flowers, dark upright stems and spectacular yellow-edged foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e, Fritillaria imperialis 'Aureomarginata' is one of the most distinctive Crown Imperials for adding height and colour to the spring garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Bulb","offer_id":62373046059395,"sku":"JA-F6354","price":20.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/F6354_Fritillaria_imperialis_aureomarginata.webp?v=1789994848","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/fritillaria-imperialis-aureomarginata-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}