Crown Imperial
Fritillaria imperialis: Majestic and regal, with its towering height and stunning pendant bells, this bulbous perennial commands attention and adds a touch of grandeur to garden landscapes.
Fritillaria imperialis, commonly known as Crown Imperial, is native to a wide area from Anatolia across the plateau of Iran to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Himalayan foothills.
Description: This striking plant is known for its bold and exotic appearance. It features a tall, upright stem topped with a ‘crown’ of bell-shaped flowers.
Growth Habit: Fritillaria imperialis is a bulbous perennial that grows in an erect form. The stems are stout, and the plant has a robust, imposing presence in the garden.
Size: Crown Imperials can grow up to 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet) tall, making them a standout addition to any garden.
Flowers: The ‘crown’ of flowers at the top of each stem is the most distinguishing feature of this plant. The bell-shaped flowers are downward-facing and are usually bright orange or red, though there are also yellow varieties. They are known for their slightly musky odor, which some gardeners find off-putting, but which serves to deter pests.
Foliage: The large, glossy leaves form whorls along the stem below the cluster of flowers, adding to the plant’s distinctive appearance.
Blooming Season: Fritillaria imperialis typically blooms for 2-3 weeks in mid to late spring.
Hardiness: It’s a hardy plant, suitable for USDA zones 5-8.
Uses: Given its imposing size and exotic appearance, Fritillaria imperialis makes a striking addition to borders or as a focal point in a spring garden. It can also be used in cut flower arrangements.
Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and can cause skin irritations.
Deer and Rabbit: Due to its strong scent and toxicity, Fritillaria imperialis is generally resistant to deer and rabbits.
Drought: Once established, Fritillaria imperialis can tolerate short periods of drought.
Invasiveness: This plant is not known to be invasive. It will propagate from its bulbs if conditions are suitable but is not typically a problem plant.
Key Facts: Despite its exotic appearance, Fritillaria imperialis is relatively easy to grow in the right conditions and makes a dramatic statement in the garden. The strong odor of the plant, while not to everyone’s taste, is an effective natural deterrent to many garden pests.
| Hardiness |
5 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
4 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Genus | Fritillaria |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), |
| Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
| Spread | 8" (20cm) |
| Spacing | 8" (20cm) |
| Depth | 8" (20cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Bees |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
There are several reasons why you might want to consider growing Fritillaria imperialis in your garden:
Dramatic Appearance: With their tall height and unique ‘crown’ of bell-shaped flowers, Fritillaria imperialis is sure to turn heads. These plants make a bold statement and can serve as an eye-catching focal point in your garden.
Pest Resistance: The strong scent of Fritillaria imperialis, while not always pleasing to humans, is effective at deterring common garden pests like deer, rabbits, and even rodents.
Attracts Pollinators: Bees and other beneficial insects are drawn to the flowers of Fritillaria imperialis, which can help to promote pollination in your garden.
Low Maintenance: Apart from regular watering and a bit of fertilizer in the spring, Fritillaria imperialis doesn’t require much upkeep. Once the plants are established, they can largely be left to their own devices.
In short, if you’re looking for a plant that’s out of the ordinary and can serve as a unique focal point in your garden, Fritillaria imperialis could be an excellent choice.
Designing your garden with Fritillaria imperialis, or Crown Imperial, can add an intriguing touch of drama and exotic flair. Here are a few ideas to consider:
Mixed Borders: Because of its towering height, Crown Imperial works well in the middle or back of mixed borders. The bold orange, red, or yellow of its flowers provides an eye-catching contrast to both early and late-spring bloomers. They can be paired with tulips, daffodils, or other spring bulbs for a vibrant display.
Focal Point: Fritillaria imperialis’s unique appearance makes it a natural focal point in a garden. A single specimen or small group can be a showstopper in a cottage, rock, or woodland garden.
Container Gardening: Crown Imperial can be grown in large containers, creating an elevated display that brings the beautiful flowers closer to eye level. The containers can be arranged around patios or along pathways for a dramatic effect.
Wildlife Garden: Despite its strong scent deterring mammalian pests, the flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of your garden.
Underplanting: Underplant the towering Fritillaria imperialis with low-growing groundcovers or spring-flowering bulbs like Anemone blanda or Forget-me-nots (Myosotis) for a layered look.
In all cases, remember that the Crown Imperial prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade might be appreciated. Their unique ‘crown’ of flowers and the unusual form they add to the garden landscape make them an excellent choice for a garden that stands out.
Fritillaria imperialism can be paired with a variety of other plants to create a beautiful and cohesive garden design. Here are some suggestions:
Early Spring Bulbs: To complement the bloom time of Fritillaria imperialis, consider other early-spring blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, or hyacinths. They can offer a complementary palette of colors and a variety of shapes and heights.
Late Spring Bulbs: Late spring bloomers like Alliums can follow the Fritillaria imperialis, maintaining interest in the garden after the Crown Imperials have finished blooming.
Groundcovers: Low-growing plants like Forget-me-nots (Myosotis), creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), or Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) can create a beautiful carpet of color at the base of the tall Crown Imperials.
5. Ornamental Grasses: Small to medium-sized grasses like fescues or Carex can add texture and movement to a garden design featuring Fritillaria imperialis.
6. Perennials: Crown Imperials also pair well with herbaceous perennials like Peonies, Columbines, or Foxgloves that start to fill in as the Crown Imperial finishes its bloom period.
Remember, when selecting companion plants, it’s crucial to consider similar growing conditions. Fritillaria imperialis prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. Choose companions that thrive in these conditions for a successful planting.
Growing Fritillaria imperialis can be an excellent way to add some drama to your garden. Here are the steps to help you grow this plant successfully:
Soil: Fritillaria imperialis prefers moderately fertile, sandy, well-draining soil. Heavy clay soils can be improved with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
Light: Choose a location that gets full sun to light shade. In hotter climates, a spot with afternoon shade would be beneficial.
Planting Time: Plant the bulbs in autumn. The exact timing may vary based on your local climate, but generally, the bulbs should be planted about 6 weeks before the ground freezes.
Planting Depth: Dig a hole about 8 inches (20 cm) deep and place the bulb with the pointed end facing upwards. The bulbs of Fritillaria imperialis have a depression at the top which can collect water, leading to rot. To prevent this, you can plant the bulbs on their sides.
Spacing: Space the bulbs about 8 (20 cm) inches apart to allow the plant enough room to grow.
Watering: After planting, water thoroughly, soaking the soil. Continue watering as needed throughout the growing season, especially if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. However, avoid overwatering as the bulbs can rot in waterlogged soil.
Care After Flowering: After the flowers have faded, leave the foliage in place. The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year’s growth. Water as needed and allow the leaves to die back naturally.
Mulching: A layer of mulch can be beneficial to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. However, avoid mulching right up to the stem of the plant as this can promote disease.
Feeding: Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer in early spring when the shoots first appear, and again after flowering has finished to encourage good bulb health and future flowering.
Pests: Fritillaria imperialis has a strong smell that often deters pests like deer, rabbits, and rodents. However, watch out for slugs and snails.
With the right care, Fritillaria imperialis can be a spectacular addition to your garden, offering an eye-catching display of color in the spring.
| Hardiness |
5 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
4 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Genus | Fritillaria |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), |
| Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
| Spread | 8" (20cm) |
| Spacing | 8" (20cm) |
| Depth | 8" (20cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Bees |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
