These were the first Crown Imperials I have planted in a long time. I planted three really large bulbs last fall. Every single one I have planted in the past never bloomed and never returned either. I have read that they can't be allowed to dry out too much in the summer but I don't know if they tolerate wet conditions either.
On an aside, I've collected some seed from my fritillaria meleagris, does anyone have any experience growing them from seed?