Fritillaria imperialis ‘William rex’

Fritillaria imperialis William Rex has dark bronzy-red flowers about 2 ½” long, with lush broad leaves held erect on a darker stem. The Crown Imperial Lily has been grown in cultivation in Europe since the 16th century when it was introduced from Turkey. It grows naturally from Turkey to Pakistan on cliffs, rocky slopes and among scrub.

It is a very good garden plant with up to 6 bell-shaped flowers hanging below a topknot of leaves that tip the stem. Pollinating insects including bees are attracted to it. The bulb and young leaves have a strong foxy smell which is more noticeable to some.