Fritillaries imperialis

Smell? Ok. So best not to put the pots too near the house!

You should be able to buy some pot grown ones in garden centres and nurseries, Nfk. They might not be available just yet but as soon as they show some growth I expect they'll be on sale. The smell puts some people off so you may need to bit of research to see who is selling them.

Like Agus I have a clump of these very eccentric looking plants in my border, they are very tall so plant at the back or in the middle. We have them by a stone wall in a south facing garden in sandy soil. They come up reliably every year, get no special treatment, and are always a talking point for visitors, if it's the first time they have seen them.

I have a clump of these in a sheltered spot with good drainage. Really worth planting such a beautiful flower.

Thank you Merlot. I tried growing them here and in our last garden - and failed. Last garden - good drainage but cold, this garden - warmer but poorer drainage and acid. I'll try pots. I take it too late for this year?

I had some, but they got buried under some unwanted vegetation - OK, weeds - and I never replaced them. A pot sounds like a better idea.

Yes, you can grow them in pots, Galen. You could buy some pot grown ones from a garden centre and transplant them to your own pots. The roots need to be deep, 8" - 10". You could also start some bulbs off yourself in the autumn in individual pots.

Might try some in pots for my Italianate patio. Would that work?

I first saw these at Kew Gardens many years ago, so bought some bulbs and was lucky with them. Sheer chance, as my fingers are not green
so the soil must have been just right or something. They were magnificent.
Moved house since and never bought any more, but will look for some now that you reminded me.

They are certainly a wonderful sight in the Spring. I wish more people grew them as they have to be the largest single source of colour available for the time of year. They are very hardy, very popular in Lincolnshire where they can be seen in many front gardens.

Sorry, galen, I should have said pot grown not established.

They like a sunny position and good drainage is essential. They need an alkaline soil and protection from strong wind. Once established they don't like to be moved. Water well to establish once they have appeared but then they prefer hot dry conditions.
If planted as bulbs you have to be careful not to let the bulb get waterlogged so I put mine in as established plants that I bought from a nursery.

Must try them. Are they easy?

Don't put them under a window, petra as they have a foxy smell which is quite unpleasant. I think they are stunning as well. I grow mine in a mixed border alongside Euphorbias.