Crown Imperial Fritillaria imperialis 'Maxima Lutea'
ABOUT
The Crown Imperial 'Maxima Lutea' bears a striking and stately appearance with a unique flowering structure that sets it apart in the spring garden. The plant is characterized by its bold and vibrant blooms, which are clustered in a prominent tuft at the top of a single, sturdy stem. Each flower is bell-shaped, and a bright, sunny yellow hue adorns these pendants, providing a warm and cheerful display. Surrounding the cluster of flowers is a distinguishing feature of this variety – a 'crown' of small green leaf-like bracts that sits atop the flower cluster as if it were a regal headpiece. This whimsical touch adds to the majesty of the plant, earning it the royal reference suggested by its common name. The leaves are lance-shaped, glossy, with a rich green color, and they emerge in whorls along the stem, creating a tiered effect that enhances the plant's overall architecture. This foliage adds to the lush appearance of the Crown Imperial and provides a striking contrast to the bright flowers which it supports. The structure and disposition of leaves and flowers give the plant an imposing and exotic demeanor that can make it a focal point in any garden setting. Though strong and upright in its bearing, the stem itself is concealed within the plant's foliage, creating a seamless transition from the greenery to the floral display above. This feature imparts a sense of unity and completeness to the plant's structure, with every element from the base to the bloom contributing to the Crown Imperial's royal charm and distinct style.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Crown Imperial, Imperial Fritillary, Kaiser's Crown
Common names
Fritillaria imperialis 'Lutea Maxima'.
ToxicityTo humans
Crown Imperial, the common name for Fritillaria imperialis 'Maxima Lutea', is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant, especially the bulbs, can lead to mild to moderate digestive distress, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is generally not considered life-threatening, but ingestion should be avoided, and medical attention sought if symptoms are severe or persist.
To pets
In pets, the Crown Imperial may cause mild to moderate toxicity. If a pet ingests parts of the plant, especially the bulb, they could experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain. While these symptoms are typically not fatal, they can be uncomfortable for the animal, and it's important to prevent pets from ingesting this plant. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a Crown Imperial, contact your veterinarian for advice on how to proceed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Middle East
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Crown Imperial adds striking beauty to gardens with its tall stature and unique, crown-like flowers.
- Spring Bloomer: It heralds the spring season, bringing early color to the landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: Bees and other pollinators are drawn to its flowers, aiding in the health of the ecosystem.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: The bulb and plant have a scent that tends to deter deer and rodents, protecting other nearby plants.
- Architectural Structure: Provides an interesting vertical dimension to garden designs with its height and form.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is relatively low maintenance and can withstand periods without watering.
- Perennial Growth: Being a perennial, it returns year after year, making it a long-term addition to gardens.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The bulb of the Crown Imperial can be crushed and added to glue or varnish as a natural deterrent for rodents and moths, due to its strong scent that repels these pests.
- The striking appearance of the Crown Imperial makes it suitable for use in educational gardens to teach about historical horticulture, as this plant has been cultivated for centuries.
- Crown Imperial's unique shape and height can be used to create vertical design elements in garden landscapes, offering an architectural quality to garden designs.
- Because of their strong-smelling bulbs, Crown Imperials can be planted amongst vegetables to help deter deer, rabbits, and rodents from feasting on more desirable crops.
- In artisan crafts, the dried seed pods of Crown Imperial can be used to create natural, decorative additions to wreaths and dried floral arrangements.
- Photographers and artists may utilize the Crown Imperial in their compositions for its dramatic and unusual flower form that provides an exotic subject matter.
- The plant's tall and prominent flowers are used in ceremonies or festivals that celebrate spring, symbolizing rebirth and majesty in many cultures.
- Due to its height and bold blooms, Crown Imperial can be utilized as a living marker for garden boundaries or to signify the entrance to a distinct area within a larger garden.
- Bulbs of the Crown Imperial can be given as a traditional gesture of friendship and respect in horticultural circles, owing to their historical significance and beauty.
- Local beekeepers may favor the planting of Crown Imperials nearby, as its early blooming attracts bees at a time when nectar sources can be scarce.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Crown Imperial is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Crown Imperial is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Majesty: The name 'imperialis' meaning 'of the emperor' suggests grandeur and regality, and 'Maxima Lutea' is a grand cultivar.
- Pride: The crown-like ring of flowers on top of the tall stem is seen as a proud feature.
- Power: It’s a robust and towering presence in the garden, often used to make a statement due to its height and unique flower shape.
- Perseverance: It emerges early in the spring, often pushing through snow or frozen ground, symbolizing overcoming hardship.
- Uniqueness: With its striking appearance, it stands out among other plants and celebrates individuality.
WaterThe Crown Imperial requires consistent moisture during the spring growing season, so water it once a week if there hasn't been significant rainfall, using about 1 to 2 gallons per plant, depending on the size and soil conditions. Over the summer, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly and only water if the soil is very dry to avoid rot. In fall, when the temperatures cool down and there is more natural rainfall, you can often rely on the weather to provide sufficient moisture.
LightCrown Imperials prefer a position with full sun to light shade. They thrive best when they receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, so an ideal spot would be a sunny border or an open area in the garden that isn't overshadowed by trees or buildings, where they can bask in the sun's rays.
TemperatureThe ideal growing temperature range for Crown Imperials is between 50°F and 70°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about -10°F during their dormant period in winter. Extreme heat above 80°F could harm the plant, so it's important to ensure it's not in a spot that gets excessively hot in summer.
PruningPrune Crown Imperials after flowering by cutting back the spent flower stems to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. Pruning is typically required once a year, immediately after the flowers fade, usually in late spring or early summer. Avoid pruning the foliage, as the leaves need to remain intact to photosynthesize and gather energy for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCrown Imperials prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. A soil mix containing equal parts of loam, sand, and compost or aged manure will encourage healthy growth. Amend heavy clay soils with organic material to improve drainage and avert rot in the bulbs. Ideally, the soil pH should be around 6.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingCrown Imperials typically do not need to be repotted frequently since they are grown from bulbs planted in the garden soil. However, if grown in containers, repotting every 2 to 3 years or when the bulbs outgrow their current pot should suffice. Ensure to provide fresh soil with each repotting to renew nutrients.
Humidity & MistingCrown Imperials are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements. These hardy plants are accustomed to outdoor conditions and can thrive in the varying humidity levels typical of temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleFritillaria imperialis 'Maxima Lutea', commonly known as Crown Imperial, begins its life cycle as a bulb planted in the fall. As temperatures warm in spring, the bulb sends up a tall stem, followed by lance-shaped leaves arranged in whorls that encircle the stem. Early to mid-spring sees the development of a prominent flower cluster at the top of the stem, consisting of large, bell-shaped, yellow flowers hanging below a tuft of leaf-like bracts, creating a crown-like appearance. After blooming, the plant sets seed in a fruit that, when mature, releases seeds that can be dispersed to propagate the plant; however, plants typically propagate more effectively through bulb offsets. Following seed set, the foliage and stem begin to yellow and eventually die back, signaling the plant's entry into dormancy during the summer months. The dormant bulb survives underground throughout winter until it is time to emerge and begin the cycle anew the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early autumn
The Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis 'Maxima Lutea') is typically propagated by dividing and planting its bulbs. The best time to propagate the Crown Imperial by bulbs is in the fall, before the ground freezes. To do this, carefully dig up the bulbs after the foliage has died back, which usually happens by late summer. Divide the bulbs by gently pulling them apart at the natural dividing lines; each division should have at least one growth bud. After division, the bulbs should be immediately replanted at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) and spaced approximately 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to provide enough room for root growth. Planting the bulbs at the correct depth ensures proper anchorage and insulation during cold weather. Water the newly planted bulbs well to settle the soil around them and to help initiate root growth before the winter sets in.
