Fritillaria - Imperialis Red

[Keith2202]

Got a bulb from Wilkinsons last year as it looked like it could be spectacular.

I had 2 shoots from one bulb (does this mean that the bulb is actually in the process of splitting into 2 bulbs?).
They grew nicely to about 60 cms. Then a few weeks ago the leaves started to go brown, I thought it was maybe what happened to the leaves as it didn't seem unhealthy. It seems to be dying off now though.

I can't find much info other than these which suggests maybe that is normal and I may get flowers in the future:
How to grow Fritillary - Fritillaria | Growing and caring for Fritillary plants in the garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Fritillarias—Spring-blooming Bulbs of Legend and Lore
Planting Guide - Fritillaria

Has anyone had any experience of growing them?
The packet didn't mention anything about a smell funnily enough, I wonder if it would repel the dreaded cats?

[vicky]

I've tried to grow these for SO many years! The flowers are pretty hard to get - 9/10 times you get nothing. If there's a secret I want to know it!
i will try again using richer soil and planting more deeply, can't think of anything else!

The smell.....well, of course I wouldn't know, but don't you think it smells a bit like marijuana....?

[Flummery]

I've a feeling they flower in Spring. Leave it where it is and you might get a good show next year.

I've heard them called Stink Lillies - I think it's the bulb that pongs - never grown Crown Imperials meself.

[Keith2202]

Thanks, I'll just leave it there then and hope it works next year.

I seem to recall when I planted the bulb that it did smell like marijuana now you mention it!

[Flummery]

How do you know?

[vicky]

We don't!

[Keith2202]

Ha ha, well I do live in East London & you get all sorts of smells wafting around down here so have to hazard guess what makes them

Incidentally, I have friend who grew 3 plants under a skylight in his bedroom, no hydroponics or electric lights/heaters etc, just seeds in a pot (if you will!) He is a non-gardener and I doubt he did any research on growing or tending. If only it were that easy to grow parsnips,chillis,tomatoes,sweetcorn,whatever!
Of course I may just have imagined this!