{"product_id":"fritillaria-imperialis-inodora-purpurea-bulbs","title":"Fritillaria imperialis var. inodora-purpurea Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFritillaria imperialis var. inodora-purpurea\u003c\/strong\u003e is an unusual form of the magnificent \u003cstrong\u003eCrown Imperial\u003c\/strong\u003e, producing tall stems topped with a spectacular ring of nodding orange flowers. One of its most interesting characteristics is the absence of the strong, distinctive scent normally associated with \u003cem\u003eFritillaria imperialis\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing to around 100cm tall, this impressive spring-flowering bulb creates a strong architectural feature in borders. The upright stems carry whorls of narrow green leaves before finishing with a cluster of large, bell-shaped orange flowers beneath a leafy crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eFritillaria imperialis\u003c\/em\u003e var. \u003cem\u003einodora-purpurea\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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-May\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 100cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 25-30cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Narrow green leaves\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 planting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Fritillaria imperialis var. inodora-purpurea\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrown Imperials are instantly recognisable when in flower. Strong, upright stems rise above surrounding spring plants, carrying a dramatic cluster of downward-facing flowers. Above these sits a tuft of narrow leaves, creating the characteristic crown that gives the plant its common name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVar. \u003cem\u003einodora-purpurea\u003c\/em\u003e produces particularly attractive rich orange flowers. Its height and strong vertical habit make it an excellent choice for introducing structure amongst lower-growing spring bulbs such as tulips, narcissi and muscari.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Crown Imperial Without the Usual Strong Scent\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFritillaria imperialis\u003c\/em\u003e is well known for the unusual musky scent produced by its bulbs and plants. Var. \u003cem\u003einodora-purpurea\u003c\/em\u003e is notable for lacking the characteristic strong Fritillaria smell, making it an interesting alternative for gardeners who enjoy the spectacular appearance of Crown Imperials but would prefer a less strongly scented form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Grow Crown Imperials\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant \u003cem\u003eFritillaria imperialis\u003c\/em\u003e var. \u003cem\u003einodora-purpurea\u003c\/em\u003e in a sunny, sheltered border. Light partial shade is also suitable, but good light encourages sturdy stems and reliable flowering. A position protected from strong winds is useful because mature flower stems can reach around a metre in height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe soil should be fertile but, most importantly, \u003cstrong\u003ewell drained\u003c\/strong\u003e. Crown Imperial bulbs dislike prolonged wet conditions, particularly during dormancy. Heavy clay soils should be improved with grit and organic matter before planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Fritillaria imperialis Bulbs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the bulbs in autumn, approximately \u003cstrong\u003e15-20cm deep\u003c\/strong\u003e and around 25-30cm apart. Crown Imperial bulbs have a natural hollow in their centre. Planting each bulb at a slight angle or on its side can help prevent water from collecting in this hollow during wet weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHandle the large bulbs carefully and plant them promptly after receiving them. Once established, they are generally best left undisturbed, allowing the bulbs to develop into increasingly impressive plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeight and Spread\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFritillaria imperialis\u003c\/em\u003e var. \u003cem\u003einodora-purpurea\u003c\/em\u003e reaches approximately \u003cstrong\u003e100cm tall with a spread of around 25-30cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its relatively narrow, upright growth makes it easy to incorporate into mixed borders without requiring a large amount of ground space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Flowering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAllow the foliage and flower stems to die back naturally after flowering. The leaves continue photosynthesising after the flowers fade, replenishing the bulb and helping it produce a strong display the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the foliage has completely yellowed it can be removed. The bulb then remains dormant underground through summer and should not be subjected to excessive moisture while dormant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Fritillaria imperialis var. inodora-purpurea?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpectacular rich orange flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnusual form without the typical strong Crown Imperial scent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImpressive architectural habit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrows to approximately 100cm tall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpread of around 25-30cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for adding height to spring borders\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerennial bulb that can return year after year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairs beautifully with tulips and other spring bulbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Fritillaria imperialis var. inodora-purpurea flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt normally flowers during April and into May, depending on local conditions and the spring weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does it grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nEstablished plants reach approximately 100cm tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is its spread?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nExpect an established plant to occupy approximately 25-30cm of space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Fritillaria inodora-purpurea smell?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis form is notable for not producing the characteristic strong scent normally associated with Crown Imperials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere should I plant the bulbs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nChoose a sunny or lightly shaded, preferably sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow deep should Crown Imperial bulbs be planted?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlant approximately 15-20cm deep. Positioning the bulb slightly on its side can help prevent water from sitting in its natural central hollow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Fritillaria imperialis var. inodora-purpurea perennial?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. It is a perennial bulb and, given suitable drainage and growing conditions, can return to flower each spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003etowering stems, superb orange flowers and lack of the usual strong Crown Imperial scent\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eFritillaria imperialis\u003c\/em\u003e var. \u003cem\u003einodora-purpurea\u003c\/em\u003e is an unusual and imposing spring bulb for adding height and drama to the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Bulb","offer_id":62373046124931,"sku":"JA-F6357","price":10.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Bulbs","offer_id":62373046157699,"sku":"JA-F6357x10","price":59.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/Fritillaria-imperialis-Inodora-Purpurea_0718-scaled-e1623851777184.webp?v=1789996856","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/fritillaria-imperialis-inodora-purpurea-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}