Fritillaria imperialis (picture right) is also known as the 'Crown imperial' or 'Kaiser's Crown' and is the largest growing of all of the fritillarias.

In cultivation F. imperialis is sometimes difficult to establish, however this is another bulb that is sought after widely around the world for its large and spectacular, if slightly smelly flowers.

F. imperialis comes in a variety of forms and colors including orange to red flowering F. imerialis rubra, F. william rex with its dark bronze flowers and the yellow flowering F. lutea.

Fritillaria Imperialis
Fritillaria imperialis in flower. (above)

Fritillaria imperialis Bulbs

The mature bulbs (picture Right) are large, almost as big as a fist, they have a hollow centre where the flower attaches and this cuases the bulbs to be susceptible to rot given a wet winter.

A fantastic flowering bulb with an unpleasant odour, so don't plant this fritillaria near your front door. Look fo F.imperialis lutea maxima, the yellow flowering form, and F.imperialis rubra maxima with its orange flowers.
Fritillaria imperialis bulbs
Fritillaria imperialis bulbs

Fritillaria imperialis are the largest growing frit growing to nearly 1m. The distinctive mop top heap ranges in color from the yellow of Fritillaria imperialis 'Lutea' to the more common orange.

Native to Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan these Fritillaria prefer hot dry summers and cold winters. Like most other species, in cultivation Fritillaria imperialis requires a well drained position to avoid bulb rot, and for extra care can be successfully grown in a container or pot. Growing F.imperialis from seed will take around 7 years to flowering size, keep the bulblets moist for their first two years. After that grow them in a container almost dry except in the growing season.

For more Fritillaria species and Fritillaria Nurseries in the UK see our Main Fritillaria page or view information on individual species below: