Rubra Crown Imperial Bulbs

• Variety: Rubra
• Species: Fritillaria imperialis
• Colour: Ripe mango orange-red
• Height: 70cm
• Flowering: April–May
• RHS AGM: No
• Sold as: Premium-size dry bulbs, hand-graded
• Plant: September to November
• Delivered: Autumn by courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Rubra Crown Imperial – Dramatic Orange-Red Bells Under a Crown of Leaves

Crown imperials are the tallest and most dramatic spring bulbs you can grow. Rubra carries its hanging bell-shaped flowers — ripe mango orange-red — in a ring beneath a topknot of glossy green leaves. The effect is part tropical, part Tudor, and entirely unlike anything else in the April garden. At 70cm, a group of three or five Rubra is visible from across a border and turns heads in a way that daffodils and tulips simply cannot match.

The bulbs are large and have a distinctive musky smell (the plant, not the flower — the flowers are inoffensive). This musk is thought to deter deer, moles, and voles, which makes crown imperials a useful companion for other bulbs that suffer from rodent attention. Plant with the hollow top of the bulb tilted slightly sideways to prevent water collecting and causing rot.

Planting Partners

Plant at the back of a border with tulips and daffodils in front. For a crown imperial pair, add Lutea (the yellow form) alongside.

Why Ashridge?

Your bulbs are premium-size, Dutch-grown, and hand-graded before dispatch. Bigger bulbs store more energy, which means more flowers. We import directly and check every batch. Delivered in autumn, ready to plant. If anything arrives soft or damaged, call Somerset and we replace it. Which? Best Plant Supplier. Browse all our flower bulbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do crown imperials smell?

The bulbs and foliage have a distinctive musky, foxy scent — not the flowers. This musk is believed to deter rodents and deer. Most gardeners notice it when handling the bulbs at planting time but not once they are in the ground.

How deep should I plant crown imperial bulbs?

About 20cm (8in) deep, and tilt the bulb slightly to one side — the hollow top can collect water and cause rot if planted upright. Good drainage is essential. Our planting guide covers technique.

Do crown imperials come back every year?

In well-drained soil, reliably. They dislike being waterlogged. Once established, the clumps increase slowly. Do not disturb them — crown imperials resent being moved and may take a year off flowering if transplanted.