Fritillaria imperialis Crown imperial (Liliaceae)

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Fritillaria imperialis
Crown imperial
(1 Page of 5)

The Fritillaria imperialis plant species is found in W. Asia - W. Himalayas, Turkey and Iran. It is a member of the Liliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Crown imperial.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Fritillaria imperialis
Common Name:  Crown imperial
Family:  Liliaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The bulb is poisonous raw[4, 114], it contains low concentrations of a toxic alkaloid[163, 240].

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Cliffs, rocky slopes and amongst scrub, 1000 - 3000 metres in Turkey[90]. On humus rich soils, usually in gullies and shaded sides of large rocks, 1800 - 2600 metres in Kashmir[145].

Cultivation Notes: Easily grown in a moderately fertile soil[90]. Prefers a heavy soil without any disturbance, not even hoeing[1, 42]. Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position[42, 90, 200] or the shade of deciduous trees or shrubs[90]. Succeeds in drier soils and is drought tolerant once established[190]. Plants succeed in most fertile soils, avoiding pure chalk, heavy clay and boggy sites[233]. The dormant bulbs are very hardy and will withstand soil temperatures down to at least -10°c[214]. A very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties[233]. The flowers smell of wet fur and garlic[245]. Bulbs should be planted 10 - 12 cm deep in July[1] on their side with sharp sand beneath them to ensure that they do not rot[42, 200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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