Crown imperial Fritillaria imperialis
Crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Liliaceae family, native to Turkey and Iran to the western Himalayan foothills. It grows 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) tall and 30–40 cm (12–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Crown imperial at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–40 cm (12–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Turkey and Iran to the western Himalayan foothills |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Crown imperial toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: bulbs, all parts
Contains cardioactive steroidal alkaloids such as imperialine; the foxy-smelling bulb is poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Crown imperial
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Crown imperial
- How far apart should I plant Crown imperial?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–40 cm (12–16 in).
- Does Crown imperial need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Crown imperial need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Crown imperial?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Crown imperial flower?
- From about April for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Crown imperial poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. Contains cardioactive steroidal alkaloids such as imperialine; the foxy-smelling bulb is poisonous.
- What grows well with Crown imperial?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Crown imperial. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Needs sharp drainage; bulbs can rot in wet winters. Rodents and deer usually avoid it.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lily Lilium
- Tulip Tulipa gesneriana
- Toad lily Tricyrtis hirta
- Snake’s head fritillary Fritillaria meleagris
- Madonna lily Lilium candidum
- Regal lily Lilium regale
- Easter lily Lilium longiflorum
- Tiger lily Lilium lancifolium