Fritillaria imperialis 'Red Beauty'
Fritillaria imperialis 'Red Beauty'
Fritillaria imperialis 'Red Beauty', often called Crown Imperial, produces tall stems topped with clusters of hanging dark orange-red bell-shaped flowers in spring.
The flowers open from the bottom upward along the stem. A crown of glossy green leaves sits above the blooms, giving the plant its well-known Crown Imperial appearance.
This bulb forms a clump of strap-like green leaves at the base. It grows upright and adds height to borders during the spring flowering season.
You can use it to create vertical interest in mixed borders, wildlife gardens, and cottage garden planting schemes.
Key Features
- Botanical name: Fritillaria imperialis 'Red Beauty'
- Common names: Crown Imperial, Imperial Fritillary
- Plant type: Deciduous bulbous perennial
- Flower colour: Dark orange-red
- Flowering period: Spring
- Height: up to 1m
- Spread: up to 30cm
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moist but well-drained soil
Benefits for UK Wildlife
- Spring flowers provide nectar for early pollinating insects.
- Supports bees and other pollinators when many plants have not started flowering.
- Dense foliage at the base offers shelter to small insects.
Planting Tips
- Plant bulbs in autumn for spring flowering.
- Place bulbs around 15–20cm deep.
- Space bulbs about 20–30cm apart to allow room for growth.
- Choose fertile, well-drained soil to prevent bulb rot.
- Add grit or compost to heavy soil before planting.
- Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering to feed the bulb for next year.
Why Grow Fritillaria imperialis 'Red Beauty'?
- Adds height and structure to spring borders.
- Produces bold bell-shaped flowers in striking red tones.
- Returns each year once established.
- Provides nectar for early pollinators in wildlife-friendly gardens.
Where could you use the height of Fritillaria imperialis 'Red Beauty' in your garden? Plant it at the back of borders or among spring bulbs to create a layered display.