Fritillaria imperialis aka Crown Imperial

Taxonomy

Fritillaria imperialis, also known as the crown imperial, imperial fritillary, or Kaiser's crown, is a stunning flowering plant belonging to the lily family. Native to various regions including Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Northern India, and the Himalayan foothills, it is widely cultivated for its ornamental beauty. This plant has also been reported to naturalize in Austria, Sicily, and Washington State, USA. The name "imperialis" and the common names allude to the striking circle of golden flowers that resemble an emperor's crown. This clump-forming, deciduous, bulbous herbaceous perennial boasts glossy green strap-like leaves. In spring, tall, upright spikes emerge, adorned with clusters of shiny, reddish-orange bell-shaped flowers that open from the bottom up. The seedheads provide visual interest throughout winter. Fritillaria bulbs belong to the lily family and are perennials. They are resistant to deer and feature deciduous foliage. These plants bloom during the spring season and their flowers, called nodding, are cup-shaped or bell-shaped and bend downward. The imperial crown Fritillaria is particularly captivating, adding a touch of grandeur to any garden. However, it can be a bit choosy when it comes to its preferred location. Once this hurdle is overcome, caring for this plant becomes easier. In summary, Fritillaria imperialis is a remarkable plant with its regal golden flowers and attractive foliage. It is a perennial that blooms in spring, showcasing its elegant bell-shaped flowers that nod gracefully. This plant adds a touch of majesty to gardens, although it may require some effort to find the perfect spot for it to thrive.

Common names

Crown Imperial, Imperial Fritillary, Crown Imperial Fritillary

How to care for Crown Imperial

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Crown Imperial due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Crown Imperial should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Crown Imperial loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Crown Imperial thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Crown Imperial Fritillary.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Crown Imperial has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Crown Imperial grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Crown Imperial’s native range is W. Asia - W. Himalayas, Turkey and Iran.


More info:
Wikipedia