Crown imperial
Fritillaria imperialis · Liliaceae
📷 No machine-readable author provided. Magalhães assumed (based on copyright claims). · Public domain
⚠️ Bulbes, fleurs et feuilles toxiques par ingestion ; risque de troubles digestifs graves chez chiens, chats et enfants.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant crown imperial: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Fritillaria imperialis
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial bulb
- Adult height
- 80 to 120 cm
- Flowering
- April to May
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Himalayan range (Iran, Central Asia)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Fritillaria imperialis needs well-draining bulbs and dry rest in summer. Plant in September at 20 cm depth in soil enriched with sand/gravel.
The common mistake
Regular watering in summer after flowering: the bulb rots.
The pro's trick
Sprinkle powdered charcoal around the bulb at planting: this prevents rot and helps local drainage.
Care
Exposure
Crown imperial prefers full sun exposure for generous and intense flowering. It tolerates partial shade but will produce fewer flowers. Install it in an open spot, protected from strong winds that could bend its tall stems.
Watering
Water regularly in spring during active growth. After flowering and leaf development, continue moderate watering until the foliage naturally dies back in summer. In winter, the dormant bulb needs no watering.
Soil and planting
Plant the bulbs in autumn (September-November) in well-drained soil, enriched with compost or potting mix. Crown imperial hates waterlogged soil in winter, which risks rotting the bulbs. Adding coarse sand improves drainage in heavy soil.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer at the start of spring growth. Slow-release fertilizer promotes robust flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen, which stimulates foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and maintenance
Do not prune the stems during flowering. After flowering, let the foliage dry out naturally and disappear before removing the residue. This phase is important for storing energy in the bulb.
Diseases and pests
Bulb rot is the main risk if there is excess winter moisture or waterlogged soil. Slugs and snails can damage young shoots in spring. Ensure optimal drainage to prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
Crown imperial has fascinated botanists and gardeners since the 16th century, imported from Central Asia via Ottoman gardens. Its name 'imperialis' and stately bearing made it a symbol of power in European royal gardens. Interestingly, its flowers release a very distinctive, musky and slightly unpleasant smell according to some, which is a natural mechanism to attract its specific pollinators.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Wild tulipTulipa sylvestris
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.