Fritillaria 'Early Dream', 10 stuks

Height: 60-80cm

Blooms: March-April

The botanical name Frittillaria comes from fritillus which is Latin for dice cup. Imperiales comes from Imperium or Empire. The lower half of the flower stem of this Imperial Crown has narrow, pointed leaves. On top of the stem is an imperial crown flower with 12 large hanging soft orange bell-shaped flowers with deeper orange stripes underneath.

The apostle flower, as it is also called because of its 12 flowers, attracts bees and butterflies that feed on the drops of nectar.The flower bulb is impressive and has a characteristic opening in the middle. It is said that the scent of the bulb repels moles. It is rich in starch and it appears that this starch was once used to starch collars.

An early bloomer that likes a sunny spot or light shade and a loose, fertile, not too wet soil.

In the 15th century, this plant was considered a symbol of wealth. In the 20th century, this exotic-looking emissary still enriches Dutch gardens.

Fritillaria 'Early Dream' is similar to Fritillaria Sunrise. However, the Early Dream blooms a little earlier, is longer and has a softer orange color.