White Flower Farm
Fritillaria imperialis 'Lutea'
The Fritillaria imperialis 'Lutea' offers striking clear lemon yellow bells, sometimes graced with faint purple veins, creating a beautiful contrast, especially when planted with reddish-orange tulips. This heirloom variety, dating back to 1665, is aptly named the Crown Imperial for the distinctive crown of leaves atop its stem. These large bulbs provide a unique, eye-catching garden feature. Their natural, faint odor deters pests like voles. For optimal growth, plant in full sun with rich, well-drained soil that remains dry during summer.
$24.00
Owner Satisfaction
3.8
/ 5
Category Rank
3159
/ 3232
#3159 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
Bulb Size
2024
/ - cm
Who it's for
- Dramatic Spring Presence
- Natural Rodent Repellent
- Unique Bright Yellow Color
Who should skip it
- Unpleasant Musky Odor
- Rapid Foliage Decline
- Specific Planting Requirements
Key Specs
Bulb Size
20-24 cm
Mature Height
2-3' (up to 76.2 cm)
Spacing
10-12" apart
Planting Depth
6-8" for F. imperialis
Hardiness Zones
5-7S, 9W
Exposure
Full Sun to Part Shade
Ships as
BULB
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 9
Features
- Heirloom variety from 1665
- Naturally repels voles and other pests
- Unique crown-like foliage
- Reliable spring blooms
- Deer resistant
- Striking yellow flowers
What customers say
Customers express enthusiastic satisfaction when the Fritillaria imperialis 'Lutea' successfully blooms, praising its vibrant yellow color and architectural presence in the spring garden. The quality of the initial bulbs received is frequently highlighted as excellent. A significant benefit noted by many is the natural resistance to deer and rodents. However, overall sentiment is conditional, tied directly to performance. Achieving consistent re-blooming proves challenging for some gardeners, often due to species specific planting requirements. While the initial cost is high, many feel the investment is worthwhile for the spectacular display. When the plant fails to perform, the perceived value diminishes considerably, reflecting a high reward but demanding cultivation experience.
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$24