Plant guide

Crown Imperial.

Fritillaria imperialis

Pronounced fri-ti-LAIR-ee-uh im-PEER-ee-ah-liss

Also known as Imperial Fritillary, Kaiser's crown, crown imperial

The Crown Imperial is a striking bulbous perennial that brings a dramatic flair to your spring garden. It features a tall, sturdy stem topped with a cluster of bell shaped flowers and a crown of leafy bracts. These plants are quite unique and definitely make a statement in any landscape.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Bulbous perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet
Growth rate: Medium

Care

Plant your bulbs in well draining soil with the nose facing upward to prevent rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often indicate poor drainage or overwatering. These bulbs prefer a dry summer dormancy period after they finish blooming.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the active growing season but allow it to dry out once the foliage dies back.
Feeding: Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer in the early spring as soon as the first shoots emerge.
Pruning: Remove the spent flower stalks after blooming, but leave the foliage until it turns yellow and dies back naturally.
Repotting: These bulbs prefer to stay undisturbed for several years until they become overcrowded.
Soil: Well draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

Safety

Pets: This plant is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

How to identify it

Tall sturdy central stem
Cluster of bell shaped flowers
Crown of leafy green bracts
Strong musky scent
Large bulbous root system

Science

Family: Liliaceae
Genus: Fritillaria
Order: Liliales
Class: Liliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your crown imperial looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.