The Plant Guide

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Crown imperial

Fritillaria imperialis

Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra Maxima'

This species draws much attention with its striking gaiety of color and form. Its large, bell-shaped flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and red dangle from tufts of shiny green leaf bracts. Sitting atop sturdy, 3-foot stalks, the flowers make a surprising and regal statement in the late spring garden.

CareThese bulbous perennials needs fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Plant at four times their own depth. The hollow-centered bulbs do best planted on their sides and surrounded with sharp sand.

PropagationSow seed in a cold frame in fall, provide winter cold treatment, and then move to cool greenhouse. Divide offsets in late summer.

ProblemsRust, leaf spot.

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Lee Valley Garden Knife

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These knives have a trowel-like blade with a sharp edge to let you use the same tool for digging, planting and cutting. The blade is sharpened on both sides, with serrations on one edge to help with cutting tough roots or dividing perennials. Deeply stamped markings on the blade (in 1/2" and 5mm increments) help you set the correct planting depth for seeds and bulbs.
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Ideal for summertime pest control, this garden cover effectively screens out Japanese beetles, potato beetles, cabbage worms, leaf miners, carrot flies and most vine borers. It transmits 97.6% of the light to your plants without allowing heat build-up, and it provides cold protection down to 41° F, to extend your growing season.
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  • Genus : Fritillaria
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Width : 6 to 12 inches
  • Uses : Containers
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Maintenance : Moderate
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Flower Color : Red, Yellow
  • Bloom Time : Spring
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest

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