Crown imperial 'Aureomarginata' Fritillaria imperialis 'Aureomarginata' (v)

Water

Crown Imperial requires moderate watering; during the spring growing season, water it thoroughly once a week with approximately 1-2 gallons per plant, making sure the soil is moist but well-drained. As the plant enters summer dormancy, reduce watering gradually to prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to bulb rot. In the fall, start increasing water again when new growth appears.

Light

Crown Imperial thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, though some afternoon shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates. Make sure to plant it in a spot where it won’t be shaded by taller plants as it grows.

Temperature

Crown Imperial performs best in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F during its growing season. It can survive cold winter temperatures down to 20°F, but should not be exposed to temperatures above 80°F for extended periods. The ideal growing condition mimics its mountainous habitat with cool, temperate climates.

Pruning

Crown Imperial benefits from pruning primarily to remove spent flowers and seed pods to encourage better bulb growth for the following year. Prune the stems back to ground level after the foliage has turned yellow and died back, usually in late spring or early summer. It's not necessary to prune this plant frequently; once a year is sufficient.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Crown Imperial ('Aureomarginata') prefers a well-drained soil mix with ample organic matter; use equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand. The ideal soil pH for this plant is mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Crown Imperials generally do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repot only when the bulbs become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 5 years.

Humidity & Misting

Crown Imperial thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. It is not particularly humidity-sensitive and adapts well to the natural fluctuations of outdoor conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow in bright light, cool temps, and well-drained soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, provide good drainage, shield from high winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Fritillaria imperialis 'Aureomarginata', commonly known as the Crown Imperial, begins its life as a bulb, which is typically planted in the fall. In early to mid-spring, the plant emerges from the bulb, sending up a tall stem and lance-shaped, glossy leaves often edged with a yellow or gold color, as the variegation 'Aureomarginata' suggests. Following the foliage, the plant produces a prominent flower cluster at the top of the stem, with bell-shaped flowers that are usually red, orange, or yellow and hang down around a central tuft of leaf-like bracts, blooming from April to May. After flowering, the seed pods develop, and once mature, they open to release seeds, though cultivation is more commonly through offsets from the main bulb. Throughout the summer, the foliage dies back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy, conserving energy in the bulb. In the next fall, the cycle begins anew, with the bulb either growing larger or producing offsets that will grow into new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The most popular method of propagation for Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis 'Aureomarginata') is through bulb division. This is typically done in the fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. Gardeners should carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate any offsets, which are smaller bulbs that have formed at the base of the parent bulb. Each offset should have a portion of the basal plate to ensure it can develop into a new plant. These offsets can then be replanted immediately, at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), ensuring sufficient space for root growth. The re-planted bulbs should be placed in a well-drained soil with adequate sunlight, as the Crown Imperial thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is important to water the newly planted offsets to help establish them, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to bulb rot.