Fritillaria imperialis ‘Aureomarginata’

Yes, indeed – a variegated crown imperial. Before you mutter “what will they think of next,” consider that this venerable cultivar first unfurled its cream-edged leaves and orange-red flowers to the early spring sun more than 350 years ago. The 3-foot flower stems are heavily stained with purple. Antiquity and novelty, in one pungent package. Steppe/Montane; C Asia. Zone 4.