Crown Imperial
Fritillaria imperialis
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Pl. BE96 — Fritillaria imperialis
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IOverview
Overview
Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) is a striking bulbous plant native to Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Turkey, as well as the West Himalaya. Known for its ornamental value, this plant also has edible roots that can be consumed. Preferring full sun to partial shade, Crown Imperial thrives in moist to dry conditions with medium to heavy clay soil. It is hardy in zones 7-9 and grows to a height of about 1 meter. Its distinctive feature includes large, showy orange or yellow flowers with black spots at the base, making it a popular addition to gardens despite its bulb being used for culinary purposes.
Quick answers
What is Crown Imperial?
Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) is a striking bulbous plant native to Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Turkey, as well as the West Himalaya. Known for its ornamental value, this plant also has edible roots that can be consumed.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crown Imperial thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist but well-draining soil that is medium or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 7-9 and can grow up to 1 meter tall. Crown Imperials require moderate watering; avoid overly dry conditions. Propagate by planting the bulbs, which are edible. While they prefer a temperate climate, these plants can adapt to various soil types as long as drainage is adequate.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-9
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Crown Imperial for the first time
7steps
Start with Crown Imperials to add a striking presence in your garden, suitable for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Crown Imperial bulbs and well-draining soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in autumn, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun or partial shade. Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep, spacing them about 20 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rot. Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water during dry spells and mulch around the base for moisture retention. Fertilize once in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
After flowering, cut back spent flower stems but leave foliage to gather energy for next year's blooms.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Crown Imperial's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often used raw or cooked, though it may require peeling before consumption due to its tough outer layer. Drying the roots is another method of preparation, which helps preserve them for later use. Skip the detailed recipe; focus on these basic uses instead.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 6 native· 2 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)AustriaBulgaria
Asia5 regions
native (5)AfghanistanIranIraqPakistanTurkey
Broader regions
native:West Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · be96238c-01c1-41a3-ad14-582f61abfc39
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