Taylors Bulbs Fritillaria imperialis 'Garland Star' Giant (1)

Crown Imperials don't do anything by halves, and 'Garland Star' is one of the most striking. From a single dark, sturdy stem, a ring of pendulous, warm orange-red bell-shaped flowers hangs beneath a spiky topknot of leaf-like green bracts — giving the whole flowerhead a curious, pineapple-like silhouette that's unmistakable in a spring border. It flowers in April and May, holds RHS Award of Garden Merit status, and reliably returns bigger and better each year once settled.

Supplied as a large, top-size bulb for the strongest possible display in the first season. The bulbs are fleshy and best handled with care: plant on their side (to stop water pooling in the natural dip at the crown) at around four times their own depth, in fertile, free-draining soil in full sun. Both the bulb and foliage carry a distinctive musky scent, which most gardeners find helps keep deer and rodents well away.

Reaching around 80–100cm tall with a spread of 25–30cm, it makes a bold architectural statement rising through the middle of a border. Its foliage dies back fairly quickly after flowering, so it's worth pairing with a later-emerging perennial nearby to fill the gap it leaves behind. As with all fritillarias, the bulb is ornamental only and not intended for eating, so take care in gardens visited by pets or children.

This bulb is hand-selected before dispatch. Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.