Fritillaria
Fritillaria Bulbs
Plant the bulbs 15cm deep in well-drained soil in a sunny open position, on their side, so that water cannot gather in the hollow at the top of the bulb as the new shoots develop. A dressing of sulphate of potash in spring and again in autumn will encourage flowering in the years to come. Anna Pavord, in Bulb, describes using some of the more unusual bulbs as jewel-box gardening, planting them in single pots or small groupings where the perfection of individual blooms can be admired. She applied the idea particularly to the fritillaria family.
Jewel Box Gardening
The Most Exotic of the Spring Bulbs
We always try to add crown imperials every year; they are the most exotic of the spring bulbs, and go well in a mixed border with daffodils or tulips. The splendid stately spikes will grow to over 1.25m (4ft) and make excellent plants for large bedding schemes or for pockets in the border, creating a focal point.
Light Shade and Woodland
Fritillaries are beautiful and rewarding plants to grow, they love the light shade of woodland conditions and can be stunning in pots. Many of these smaller bulbs can easily be lost in the border unless planted in larger swathes. Planted nearer the house or in containers they can be enjoyed all the more.
In Grass
For a woodland or meadow effect there is little to beat fritillaria meleagris in grass, planted alongside crocus, snowdrops, scilla and the dwarf daffodils. There are few more spectacular sights than masses of naturalised bulbs, informal sweeps that look like Mother Nature did the planting herself.
A Note on the Smell
Crown imperials do have a reputation of being smelly. You may notice a scent up close but it is virtually undetected at arm’s length. The odour can actually work in your favour. Rodents, squirrels and deer don’t like them and are repelled by the smell, so a few planted amongst your tulips may deter these pests.
