Fritillaria 'Early Sensation'
"Crown imperial"
Orders placed before 1 September 2026
You can expect your order in August/September
Orders placed 1 September - 15 October 2026
You can expect your order in September/October
Orders placed 16 October - 15 December 2026
You can expect your order within 10 business days
Free tracked delivery
on orders over £50
Tracked delivery £4.99
on orders under £50
All orders are responsibly packed and delivered carbon neutral — Learn more
Delivery to Northern Ireland
Tracked delivery £6.99
on orders under £50
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Our top-size flower bulbs are sourced from carefully selected growers to deliver bigger, healthier, more vibrant blooms. Perfect for gardeners who don’t settle, bigger bulbs mean more impressive flowers and a garden that truly stands out. Learn more
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Description
Rising early in the spring display, Fritillaria 'Early Sensation' has the sort of upright poise that makes a border look instantly more composed. This crown imperial forms neat clumps of glossy, strap-like green leaves, topped by tall spikes carrying clusters of shiny yellow, bell-shaped flowers. The blooms open from the bottom upwards, giving Fritillaria 'Early Sensation' a lovely sense of progression as the season gathers pace. Its clear, golden colouring sits beautifully with rich purples, soft blues and fresh green foliage, making it a natural companion for spring bulbs and early perennials.
For height, structure and a little well-mannered drama, Fritillaria 'Early Sensation' is hard to resist. It stands handsomely in sunny borders, gravel gardens and large containers, where its vertical flower spikes can be admired without crowding its neighbours. After flowering, the plant gradually retreats, while the seedheads remain to offer quiet architectural interest through winter. There is something rather satisfying about a bulb that performs so elegantly above ground, then slips away without fuss. Plant Fritillaria 'Early Sensation' in groups for the strongest effect, and enjoy Fritillaria 'Early Sensation' as a polished, luminous crown imperial with lasting seasonal presence.
Key features
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Good for cutting
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Comes back every year
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Loved by pollinators
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Packed in paper bags
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Low maintenance
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Fully hardy
Specs & details
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Botanical name
Fritillaria imperialis 'Early Sensation'
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Flower colour
Yellow
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Bulb size
20/+
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Established height
70cm-1m
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Established spread
20-30cm
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Plant spacing
16 bulbs per m2
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Leaf colour
Green
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Habit
Upright
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Life cycle
Perennial
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Hardiness
Fully hardy
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Years to establish
1st year
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Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade, Dappled shade
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Position
Sheltered
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Suitable for
Borders
Cottage gardens
Cut flower gardens
Large containers
Low maintenance gardens -
Soil acidity
Any
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Soil moisture
Free draining
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Soil type
Loam
Loam-based compost
Multipurpose compost
Sandy -
Growing skill
Easy to grow
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Scented
No
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Pollinator-friendly
Yes
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Mouse resistant
No
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Rabbit resistant
Yes
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Deer resistant
Yes
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Toxicity
No report
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- Planting
- Flowering
Useful information
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Plant your Fritillaria 'Early Sensation' bulbs from mid to late autumn;
Plant in borders or containers in sun or partial shade;
Plant your "Crown imperial" bulbs two to three times as deep as the bulb is high;
Space the bulbs about twice the bulb diameter apart;
Place the Fritillaria 'Early Sensation' bulbs with the pointed side facing upwards.
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Orders placed before 1 September 2026
You can expect your order in September 2026Orders placed 1 September - 15 October 2026
You can expect your order in October 2026Orders placed 16 October - 15 December 2026
You can expect your order within 10 business days
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