Imperial performers
Aspectacular display of 300 crown imperial bulbs is set to wow visitors to a West Sussex garden next spring. The giant bulbs, which grow to 90cm (3ft) or more, with orangeyred, bell-shaped flowers, have been planted in the new Italian Garden at Borde Hill Garden in West Sussex.
The battalion of Fritillaria imperialis ‘Rubra’ bulbs have been paired with 200 ‘Globemaster’ alliums, whose giant, purple spheres on stout 72cm (2½ft) stems will provide a dramatic contrast. “I’ve never grown them on this scale before, but I think they’re going to look stunning,” said head gardener Andy Stevens.
The Italian garden was changed from a tennis court in 1980, but has recently been restyled by garden custodian Eleni Stephenson Clarke, with help from Andy. l Borde Hill Garden, near Haywards Heath will reopen to the public from March 25, 2019. Visit www.bordehill.co.uk.