White Flower Farm
Fritillaria imperialis 'Aureomarginata'
Best statement bulb for gardeners seeking pest-resistant spring color.
Fritillaria imperialis 'Aureomarginata' is a striking garden treasure, known as the Crown Imperial, featuring variegated green leaves with creamy yellow margins. This variety produces dramatic reddish-orange blossoms atop purple stems reaching 2 to 3 feet tall, creating a firework-like display in spring. The large bulbs emit a faint skunky odor, which naturally deters pests like voles. For best results, plant these bulbs in full sun to partial shade in rich, well-drained soil that remains dry during the summer months. They ship as dormant bulbs ready for fall planting.
$42.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 3183
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
+78%
Above average
Bulb Size
2024
/ - cm
Who it's for
- Gardeners struggling with hungry voles, squirrels, and deer
- Designers seeking foliage interest beyond just the blooms
- Landscapers wanting bold, vertical focal points in spring
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for standard spring bulbs
- Homeowners sensitive to strong odors near living spaces
- Gardeners working with heavy, poorly draining clay soil
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Dramatic height and vibrant colors create an undeniable garden focal point.
Pest Resistance
Natural scent profile effectively discourages voles and other common garden intruders.
Foliage Quality
Variegated margins offer aesthetic appeal long before the blossoms emerge.
Planting Ease
Requires specific soil drainage conditions to prevent bulb rot during dormancy.
Hardiness Range
Limited to specific climate zones, restricting its utility for some gardeners.
Bulb Vigor
Large 20-24 cm sizing ensures robust growth and reliable spring blooming.
Key Specs
Bulb Size
20-24 cm
Mature Height
2-3 feet
Spacing
10-12 inches apart
Planting Depth
6-8 inches deep for large types
Blooms In
April-May
Hardiness Zones
5-7S/9W
Ships as
Dormant, bare bulb
Features
- Variegated foliage with creamy yellow margins provides visual interest.
- Produces striking reddish-orange blossoms atop tall stems.
- Unusual profile draws attention, reminiscent of a pineapple-like crown.
- Faint skunky odor naturally repels common garden pests like voles.
- Historical garden variety dating back to 1665.
- Ships at the optimal time for fall planting in your region.
- Backed by a 1-year money-back guarantee.
What customers say
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, driven by the superior quality of the bulbs and the dramatic visual impact they deliver. Customers consistently report receiving large, healthy bulbs that reliably produce the distinctive variegated foliage and exotic orange flowers. While this variety represents a premium purchase, the reliable performance and unique design elements make it a worthwhile investment for gardeners seeking a statement plant.
Know before you buy
Because these bulbs are quite substantial, they should be planted 6 to 8 inches deep. Ensure the soil is rich and well-drained to prevent the bulbs from rotting.
Yes, the bulbs emit a faint, skunky odor that is generally unpleasant to voles and other common garden pests. This natural trait helps protect the bulbs while they are in the ground.
Fritillaria imperialis requires rich, well-drained soil. It is particularly important that the soil remains relatively dry during the summer months when the plant is dormant.
When planted in the correct hardiness zones (5-7S/9W) and provided with proper drainage and sun exposure, these bulbs are reliable spring bloomers. They thrive best in full sun to partial shade.
For the best visual impact and to ensure the plants have enough room to thrive, space your bulbs 10 to 12 inches apart.
The bulbs are shipped in a dormant, bare state, which is the ideal condition for fall planting. They are large, high-quality bulbs measuring 20-24 cm, ready to establish roots before winter.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$42