Fritillaria 'Aurora Imperialis' - 6 Stück - LumiBlumi

Crown Imperial 'Aurora' - 6 pieces

CHF 35.16

Crown Imperial 'Aurora' - 6 pieces

Name: Crown Imperial 'Aurora' - 6 pieces
Brand: Fritillaria
Price: 35.16 CHF
Availability: OutOfStock

Fritillaria imperialis 'Aurora'

CHF 35.16

Ring of orange bell-shaped flowers
Green tuft of leaves above the flowers
About 90–110 cm tall
Flowers in April and May
Strong, typical smell, avoided by voles

Crown imperial 'Aurora' bears a ring of hanging orange bells on strong stems, topped by a tuft of green leaves. At about 90–110 cm tall, it is the proud centrepiece of any spring border. Its distinctive smell is also said to keep voles away.

About this variety

The crown imperial owes its name to the crown of leaves that sits above the ring of flowers. In 'Aurora' the hanging bells are warm orange, with a slight reddish sheen depending on the light. The thick, upright stem carries the flowers well above the other spring flowers.

At about 90–110 cm tall, it belongs in the middle or back of a border, or as a specimen in a prominent spot. Dark violet tulips, blue grape hyacinths and forget-me-nots suit it underneath. Later, perennials such as daylilies or hardy geraniums cover the dying foliage. In a large, deep container it also makes an impression on the terrace.

The flowers provide plenty of nectar for bees and bumblebees in spring. The whole plant gives off a strong, somewhat pungent smell that voles and deer usually avoid. In a vase it makes a grand statement, but because of the smell it is better left outdoors. Crown imperials are poisonous. Just three bulbs make an impressive group that sets the tone in the garden in spring. Over the years strong clumps form.

Planting

Plant the bulbs in autumn, from September to November. Lay them at a slight angle or on their side on a bed of sand so that no water collects in the hollow at the top and the bulb does not rot. The planting depth is 10–20 cm, the spacing 15–30 cm. Choose a sunny to partly shaded spot with fertile, well-drained soil.

Care

Leave the foliage after flowering until it yellows. Only then cut off the stem. Crown imperials are hungry plants and appreciate compost in spring, but not fresh manure. Wear gloves when handling the bulbs, as the plant is poisonous. After a few years you can divide large clumps in late summer.

Specifications

Botanical name: Fritillaria imperialis 'Aurora'
Genus: Fritillaria
Class: Various
Supplied as: Flower bulbs
Flower colour: Orange
Fragrant: Yes
Fragrance strength: Strong
Flowering time: April, May
Flowering season: Spring, Late spring
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Height: 100 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Habit: Clump-forming
Position: Sun, Partial shade
Suitable for: Bed, Rock garden, Wildlife garden and meadow, Bed edge and border, Pot and container, Cutting garden
Soil type: Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Drainage: Well-drained
Soil moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
Planting time: August, September, October, November, December
Planting depth: 10-20 cm
Spacing: 15–30 cm
Number per m²: 25
Hardiness in Switzerland: Hardy in Switzerland
Hardiness by location: Hardy, also at higher altitudes
Hardiness zone (USDA): 3–4
Overwintering note: Generally hardy in garden soil in Switzerland. At high, windy sites and in containers, plan extra winter protection and avoid winter wet.
For containers: Well suited to containers
Container note: Grow in a sufficiently large container with drainage holes and good drainage.
Cut flower: Suitable as a cut flower
Naturalising: Partly suitable
Naturalising note: Can return for several years. Spreading on its own is not guaranteed for this variety, however.
For bees and butterflies: Pollinator-friendly
Deer and rodent resistant: Yes
Edible: Not edible
RHS hardiness: H7