Culture
In St. Louis, plants are best grown in deep, organically rich, medium moisture soils in sunny locations with some light afternoon shade. Does best in full sun in the northern parts of its growing range. Plant bulbs 6" deep and space 9-12" apart in fall. Bulbs should be planted sideways to prevent the stem hole in the bulb from trapping water that could cause bulb rot. Foliage dies back by early summer as the bulbs go dormant. Bulbs are large but fragile and are best left undisturbed once planted. Bulbs appreciate a good winter mulch.

Noteworthy Characteristics
Crown imperial is an impressive plant that grows 3-4' tall. Each bulb produces a thick, stout, upright, ramrod-straight flowering stem which rises to 4' tall. Lance-shaped green stem leaves (to 6" long) with wavy margins appear in whorls around the lower 1/2 of the stem. Each stem is topped in spring with a crown of orange or red, drooping, bell-shaped flowers topped by a small pineapple-like tuft of leaf-like bracts. Yellow-flowered varieties are also available in commerce. All parts of the plant have a skunky odor.

= = = = =

I've found that the skunky odor can help repel moles, voles and other such pests. Two great reliable sources are Brent & Becky's Bulbs and John Scheepers.

Best of luck!