Pointed petal fritillary Fritillaria acmopetala
ABOUT
The plant known as the Crown Imperial bears unique and striking flowers. The blooms are characterized by a downward-facing bell shape, notable for their elegance and exotic appearance. Each flower boasts a rich and vibrant color that can range from a greenish-bronze to a delicate yellow-green shade, often with a subtle glaze of purplish-brown that adds to its distinctive look. The petals are arranged in a way that they curve slightly backwards, giving the flowers a poised, yet inviting appearance. Additionally, the inside of each petal is adorned with a prominent nectar gland that is often contrasting in color, creating an eye-catching feature that adds depth and complexity to the bloom. The leaves of the plant are narrow and lance-shaped, forming a tufted cluster around the stem and adding to the plant's overall ornamental value. The Crown Imperial carries its flowers proudly above the foliage, creating a spectacular display that cannot be mistaken for any other.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Pointed-Petal Fritillary
Common names
Fritillaria acmopetala var. wendelboi, Fritillaria elwesii, Fritillaria wendelboi
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Mission bells does not have a well-documented profile of toxicity to humans. However, it is generally advisable to treat all parts of unknown plants with caution as they may contain compounds that could be harmful if ingested. Without specific toxicity information, it is prudent to avoid ingesting any part of the Mission bells plant to prevent any potential adverse effects.
To pets
The plant known as Mission bells has no specific documented toxicity to pets. However, as with humans, it is generally wise to prevent pets from ingesting plants of unknown toxicity. Without concrete information on the plant's toxicity, assume that all parts of the Mission bells could potentially contain harmful substances, and take care to keep pets from chewing on or consuming any part of the plant to avoid possible poisoning symptoms or health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Greenish-yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Eastern Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Fritillaria acmopetala, commonly known as pointy-petal fritillary, provides ornamental value to gardens with its unique and attractive bell-shaped flowers, which have a distinctive green and purple coloration.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, pointy-petal fritillary typically requires minimal care, thriving in a variety of soil types and not needing frequent watering.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the pointy-petal fritillary attract bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Resistant to Pests: Pointy-petal fritillary is not commonly subject to pests, making it a valuable addition for gardeners looking for resilient plant species.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant can tolerate dry conditions once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant has a particular blooming season (usually in spring), providing a seasonal highlight and complementing other plants with different blooming times.
- Naturalising: The pointy-petal fritillary can naturalize and spread over time, creating a more dynamic and evolving garden space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fritillaria acmopetala, commonly known as guinea-hen flower, can be used in ornamental gardening to provide a unique bell-shaped floral display in the early spring.
- The guinea-hen flower's bulbs can be used in botanical studies to understand bulb development and propagation in Fritillaria species.
- The plant can be utilized in landscape design to create patterns and contrasts due to its distinctive checkered pattern on the petals.
- The dried stalks and seed pods of guinea-hen flower can be included in floral arrangements for their interesting texture and shape.
- Guinea-hen flower can be a subject in photography, particularly macro-photography, due to its intricate pattern and coloration.
- The species can be studied for its adaptability to various soils, providing insights for gardening enthusiasts interested in soil health and management.
- This plant's rare and striking aesthetics make it a candidate for botanical illustrations and plant-focused art projects.
- Educational programs in horticulture may use guinea-hen flower as a case study for plant life cycles and seasonal blooming patterns.
- The plant, being attractive to certain pollinators, can be incorporated into gardens and landscapes designed to support local biodiversity.
- The seed dispersal mechanisms of guinea-hen flower can be researched as a part of ecological studies focusing on the survival strategies of plants in the wild.
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- Uniqueness: Fritillaria acmopetala, also known as the Pointed-Petal Fritillary, is a unique and rare plant, so it symbolizes individuality and the beauty of being different.
- Mystery: With its bell-shaped flowers and subtle colors, the Pointed-Petal Fritillary is often associated with mystery and can represent the unknown.
- Royalty: Fritillaries in general have a regal presence, and associated with their checkered patterns, they can symbolize sovereignty and nobility.
- Perseverance: This plant blooms in the spring, often pushing through the last of the snow, symbolizing overcoming challenges and the determination to thrive.
WaterThe Pointed-Petal Fritillary should be watered moderately during its growing season, typically once weekly with about 1 inch of water. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings, but never completely. When the plant is dormant, after the foliage has died back, reduce watering significantly to prevent bulb rot. During the dormant period, you might only need to water lightly every two to three weeks, just to keep the soil from becoming completely arid. It is essential to provide good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the bulb.
LightPointed-Petal Fritillary thrives in dappled sunlight or part shade. It prefers a spot where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or filtered light throughout the day. Avoid placing it under harsh direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, which can scorch its leaves and flowers. An ideal spot could be under the light canopy of deciduous trees that allows sunlight to penetrate through in a softened manner.
TemperaturePointed-Petal Fritillary prefers cool to moderate temperatures and can survive in a temperature range between 50°F and 70°F. It is hardy and can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit during its dormant period. However, it is not well-suited for extremely hot climates, and the bulbs should be planted at a depth of about 3 inches to ensure they are insulated against temperature extremes.
PruningPointed-Petal Fritillary does not require regular pruning. Deadheading the faded flowers after blooming can encourage better bulb development for the following year. It is best to leave the foliage until it has completely yellowed and died back naturally, as the leaves are gathering sunlight and providing nourishment to the bulb below. Once the leaves have died back, they can be gently removed, typically in late summer or early fall.
CleaningNot needed
SoilPointed-Petal Fritillary requires a well-draining soil mix with added grit or sand to promote drainage, and a slightly alkaline to neutral pH of 6.5-7.5. A mix of equal parts loam, leaf mold, and sharp sand or perlite works best.
RepottingPointed-Petal Fritillary bulbs should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and allow room for growth.
Humidity & MistingPointed-Petal Fritillary thrives in moderate humidity levels and does not require excessively high humidity; regular indoor humidity levels are typically sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and cool temperatures for indoor Pointed-Petal Fritillary.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; partial sun to light shade for outdoor Pointed-Petal Fritillary.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleFritillaria acmopetala, commonly known as Pointed-petal Fritillary, begins its life cycle as a bulb which lies dormant underground during the hot and dry summer months. In the autumn, with the onset of cooler and wetter weather, the bulb sends out roots and a shoot that emerges above ground, producing lance-shaped leaves. By spring, the plant develops one or more nodding, bell-shaped, greenish-yellow to purple flowers with distinct pointed petals, usually on a single stem. After pollination, often by bees, the flowers give way to a capsule containing seeds. As the seeds mature by late spring or early summer, the above-ground part of the plant withers, and the seeds are dispersed to start new plants. Meanwhile, the bulb enters a period of dormancy to survive the summer until the cycle begins anew with the cooler weather of the next autumn.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Fritillaria acmopetala, commonly known as Pointed-Petal Fritillary, is typically propagated by dividing its bulbs after the foliage has died back, usually in late summer or early fall. The most popular method involves gently lifting the mature bulbs from the soil using a garden fork, being careful not to damage them. Once out of the ground, the offsets, which are the small bulbs that form around the base of the parent bulb, can be separated by hand. These offsets can be immediately replanted about 3 inches deep (approximately 7.6 cm) and at least 6 inches apart (around 15.2 cm) in well-drained soil with some added compost to provide the necessary nutrients for growth. It is important to position them with the pointy end facing upward. After planting, the area should be watered thoroughly to help establish the young bulbs. It's worth noting that the offsets may take a couple of years to flower.
