I love the nodding, bell-shaped flowers on these spring-bloomers. Even more so when they're orange, which for some reason is always the most difficult color to find. After visiting several local nurseries last fall, to no avail, I found the 'Crown Imperials' in stock at Michigan Bulb Company.
My order of 6 bulbs was pricey, but they proved themselves worthy in the perennial border inside my picket fence.
Here's a replay of an entry written at that time about a dog, an odor and my first fritillaria bulbs:
The first time I purchased “Crown Imperial” Fritillaria bulbs, it was by mail order. When the package arrived, I brought it in the house and set it on the kitchen counter. Some 10 minutes later, when the dog, Shelby, entered the room, I noticed a very strong, foul skunk-like odor. Naturally, I put the dog out.
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| The suspect |
And so it continued for the better part of an hour -- in and out -- with accusations flying among family members about who had fed what to the dog.
Then John happened upon the box and determined it was the bulbs, not poor Shelby.
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| The culprit |
Word to the wise: when you bring your Fritillaria bulbs home, if you’re not going to plant them right away, store them in the garage or outdoors in a protected area. The good news is they not only repel people -- rodents and deer stay away as well.
Comments (1)
Even after they are planted they stink, but the flowers are worth it!