Crown Imperial
fritillaria imperialis
Also known as: ["Crown Lily","Kings Crown"]
Overview
A striking bulbous plant with pendulous, checkered flowers atop a tall stem, often crowned with a tuft of leafy bracts.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Fritillaria |
| Botanical Name: | Fritillaria imperialis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny spot with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; remove dead foliage in late fall.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing spent flowers and dead leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring; partial shade during hot summer afternoons; adjust based on intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun; protect from harsh midday sun; plant in a location with afternoon shade if summers are intense.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; focus on root zone during active growth.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; use raised beds in heavy soils; avoid waterlogging.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F/10–21°C) during growth; tolerate cold winters but need a period of dormancy.
Protect from extreme heat; ensure good drainage in cold; maintain moderate temps during growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before flowering; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs;Offsets can be separated during dormancy.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature bulbs.
- Separate offsets.
- Replant at the correct depth.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall when bulbs are dormant.
Environment
Cool, dry conditions during dormancy; moderate moisture when growth resumes.
Medium
Well-drained bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–2 years to mature; bulbs establish quickly if healthy.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Handle bulbs carefully to avoid damage; plant offsets at the same depth as the parent bulb.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; trim yellowing foliage as it dies back naturally.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to the bulb; minimal pruning needed otherwise.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; cut cleanly; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall during dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches if repotting in containers.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at twice their height in fresh, well-drained soil.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years; avoid disturbing bulbs unnecessarily.
Checklist
Check for crowded bulbs; use fresh soil; ensure proper depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in dormant periods.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring; reduce watering in summer dormancy and winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; rot or failure to emerge in cold, wet conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage if soil is waterlogged; may delay or prevent flowering.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil; mulch to insulate roots; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can scorch foliage, reduce flowering, and stress the bulb.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; water deeply but infrequently; use mulch to retain moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use bulb-specific fertilizer; apply at recommended dilution; fertilize only during active growth.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced bulb fertilizer in early spring as growth begins; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; discontinue during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicFritillaria imperialis is toxic to cats, with the bulbs, flowers, and leaves containing cardiotoxic glycosides that can cause severe gastrointestinal and cardiovascular issues in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe bulbs, flowers, and leaves of Fritillaria imperialis are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cardiotoxic glycosides. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal and cardiovascular distress in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicFritillaria imperialis contains toxic compounds, primarily cardiotoxic glycosides, which can disrupt heart function and cause severe physiological effects upon ingestion. The plant's effects are particularly pronounced in the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Crown Imperial bulbs poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, containing toxic alkaloids.
Q: How should Crown Imperial be planted?
A: Plant bulbs in fall, 8–10 inches deep in well-drained soil, with the pointed end up.
Q: Why do Crown Imperial leaves turn yellow?
A: Yellowing leaves may indicate poor drainage, bulb rot, or nutrient deficiency.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
