Crown imperial 'Rubra' Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra'
![crown imperial 'Rubra'](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b578e62f8d.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
'Rubra' is a bulbous perennial, to 1.5m tall, with robust, upright stems clothed in whorls of shiny, bright green, pointed leaves. The upper part of the stem is deep purple, crowned in early summer with a cluster of hanging, scarlet, bell-shaped flowers topped with a tuft of leafy bracts
About this plant
Names
Family
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Crown Imperial, Imperial Fritillary, Kaiser's Crown.
Common names
Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra'
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
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 Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra', also known as the Crown Imperial, adds a dramatic touch to gardens with its striking red flowers and unique crown-like appearance.
- Spring Interest: Blooming in the spring, it provides early-season color when many other plants have not yet started to flower.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant blooms attract bees and other pollinators which are essential for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Height Variation: With its tall stature, typically reaching up to 3 feet or more, it adds vertical interest to garden beds and borders.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness making it suitable for gardens in regions with occasional water scarcity.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: The plant’s odor is often found to be disagreeable to deer and rodents, reducing the risk of grazing damage.
- Naturalizing: Over time, they can spread and naturalize in an area, creating a fuller and more robust garden display each year.
Medical Properties
- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Crown imperial bulbs can be used as a natural rodent repellent in gardens, as their scent is believed to deter moles and voles.
- The plant's strong odor can also keep away other wildlife such as rabbits and deer, protecting more delicate flowers and vegetables in a garden.
- Used in landscape design, crown imperials create a striking vertical element due to their height and bold flowers.
- Crown imperial's durable stems make them suitable as a natural support for weaker plants or vines that might otherwise require staking.
- The leaves of the crown imperial can be woven into small decorative items or used as part of natural art installations.
- When dried, the seed pods can be used in floral arrangements or as part of homemade potpourri mixes.
- The plant can serve as a learning tool in botanical studies due to its unique morphology and growing requirements.
- Photographers and artists may use crown imperial as a subject for their work because of its visually interesting and regal appearance.
- Being a less common garden plant, crown imperials can be used to add a sense of exclusivity and uniqueness to a garden collection.
- The bulbs, when planted strategically, can be used to create timed blooming patterns within a garden for extended seasonal interest.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Crown Imperial is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Crown Imperial is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Regality: The Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra', commonly known as "Crown Imperial," is often associated with majesty and elegance due to its crown-like appearance. Its stately posture and vibrant colors are reminiscent of royal symbols and attire.
- Power: The commanding presence of the Crown Imperial can symbolize power and authority, echoing its usage in historical royal gardens and its lofty stature among other plants.
- Pride: Due to its impressive height and prominent blooms, the Crown Imperial can signify pride, representing self-confidence and a distinguished demeanor.
- Resilience: This plant is known for its toughness and ability to withstand harsh conditions, making it a symbol of resilience and perseverance in adversity.
- Nobility: With its association with royal courts of Europe, the Crown Imperial embodies nobility and the grace that often accompanies it.
- Fortune: In some cultural contexts, the Crown Imperial is considered to be a bringer of good fortune and prosperity.
Water
Crown imperials should be watered regularly during their growing season in the spring, with increased frequency during dry spells, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. It is important to avoid overwatering as these plants are prone to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-drained and the top inch feels dry to the touch before adding more water. In the dormant season, after the foliage dies back, watering should be reduced significantly to prevent the bulb from rotting. A deep, less frequent watering is beneficial as it encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil.
Light
Crown imperials thrive in full sun to light shade. They perform best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these striking plants is in a South-facing garden that provides ample sunlight while protecting them from harsh late-afternoon sun, which in some areas can be too intense. Avoid deeply shaded areas where they may not bloom as profusely.
Temperature
Crown imperials are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, tolerating temperatures down to about -20°F for brief periods. They prefer cooler conditions during their growing season, with ideal temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. It's crucial that they have a period of winter chilling at temperatures below 50°F to ensure proper dormancy and subsequent flowering.
Pruning
Crown imperials do not require regular pruning, but spent flowers can be deadheaded after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding. Foliage should be left intact until it yellows and dies back naturally, as it provides energy for the bulb for next year's growth. Pruning is best done in the late spring or early summer, following the period when the plant has bloomed.
Cleaning
Not needed
Soil
Crown Imperial prefers a well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. A mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal to ensure adequate drainage and nutrient content.
Repotting
Crown Imperials typically do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years, as they do not appreciate being moved. Repot them only if necessary after flowering, every 3-5 years.
Humidity & Misting
Crown Imperial thrives in average outdoor humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements as long as it is planted in well-drained soil and is not overwatered.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, cool temp, minimal water for Crown Imperial.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, well-draining soil, frost-hardy, minimal care.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycle
Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra', commonly known as Crown Imperial, starts its life as a bulb, which is planted in the ground in late summer to fall. In the spring, from this bulb, a shoot emerges from the soil, which will develop into a tall stem bearing lance-shaped leaves and a prominent flower at the top, characterized by a stunning red, bell-shaped bloom that appears in mid to late spring. After flowering, the plant goes through pollination, often by bees, and if successful, it will produce a fruit capsule containing seeds. As the flowering ends and summer progresses, the above-ground foliage of the Crown Imperial withers and dies back, allowing the plant to enter a period of dormancy. During the dormant period, the bulb remains underground, storing energy for the next growth cycle. With the return of favorable conditions the following spring, the cycle begins anew with the bulb sending up new shoots, thus continuing its perennial life cycle.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Fritillaria imperialis, commonly known as Crown Imperial, is by bulb division. The ideal time for this activity is in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died down. To propagate by dividing the bulbs, carefully dig up the parent plant and gently separate the smaller bulblets from the base of the main bulb. Each bulblet should have a portion of the basal plate to ensure successful growth. These can then be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), spaced 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil with an addition of organic matter. It's crucial to plant them in a location that receives full sunlight to partial shade. Water the newly planted bulblets thoroughly to encourage root development.