Fritillaria Imperialis

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Pixie, Mar 23, 2011.

  1. Pixie

    Pixie Gardener

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    Hi,

    Has anyone grown the Imperialis? I just wanting to know more about growing this before buying any bulbs as they are not cheap. Is it difficult or easy to grow, does it need to be taken out of the ground each year or would it survive if left in the ground?

    Thanks.
     
  2. Victoria

    Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

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    :) Hi Pixie

    I tried one here a few years ago .. and had no success whatsoever ... :cry3:

    Hopefully someone will come along and give you some positive advice / comments.
     
  3. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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    Hi Pixie, I've got Imperials that I planted in the early 90's and they're still going strong underneath a large Lilac. I've also got 7 in a circle and 3 in the center which I plants about 4 years ago. They did well for 2 years, went quiet for 2 , and then started up again.

    I find that if you plant them deep - around 10" they like it, it's cool and damp that deep and they're well protected from the frosts.
     
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    • Pixie

      Pixie Gardener

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      Oh dear, well that's the kind of information i need, so as not to waste time and money and to move on, if they are too difficult. I don't have a greenhouse to grow them in, so they need to be able to grow either in my border or in a pot.
      Many thanks Victoria. So sorry it didn't work out, i absolutely adore them!
       
    • Pixie

      Pixie Gardener

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      Ooh! Thanks Armandii, sounds great! Maybe i should just give it a go and plant them deep. Is it too late to plant them this year?

      Many thanks.
       
    • ARMANDII

      ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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      Hi Pixie, well, the old ones under the Lilac are 3' high at the minute, but the 4 year old ones are only just appearing out of the ground. I would plant them and see what happens - isn't that what gardening is about! I've got certain favourites in plants and have failed to raise them successfully first time, but I kept trying until l got the conditions for the plant right - and that's a great feeling when you see them growing happily.

      I love Imperials - but the smell of them is strong and not the most beautiful.
       
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      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        Ours has been in for at least ten years :thumbsup:. Like ARMANDII, we have planted it in a sheltered position under a Japanes Maple. It seems quite happy there. :)
         
      • Pixie

        Pixie Gardener

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        Thanks everyone, i'm going to give it a go!
         
      • Spotlandman

        Spotlandman Apprentice Gardener

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        I'll have another go then
         
      • Pixie

        Pixie Gardener

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        Armandii, do you know if the smell helps ward off beasties, like slugs/snails etc?
         
      • Spruce

        Spruce Glad to be back .....

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        You have hit the nail on the head Armandii by planting them deep what you also could do is when you plant them two inch bed of gravel then put the bulb on and cover again with gravel then soil on top they are not that easy to grow and yes the £££ you dot want to waste your money , good drainage is the key. Also I have tried planting on their side as they have a hollow running through them collect water and rots them also when planting deep you hopfully keep the slugs out as its 5 STAR hotel
        I tried several times before I got it right , but they do look stuning and if it was a daffodil you woudnt look at it so long and admire .
        Spruce
         
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        • ARMANDII

          ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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          Hi Pixie, I've never actually given it any thought that the strong smell deters slugs and snails, but going on the basis that they've never been troubled by them there might be something in that thought!!

          I know that after buying the ones that we got in the 90's, and not realising about the pong, I stuck them in the back of the Jeep. My wife and I spent the rest of the journey home looking at each other sidewise wondering who had too many beans!

          I was sitting in the garden last week and even 25 yards away the breeze made me aware of them. They're definitely a plant worth growing though.
           
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