How big does Crown imperial grow?

About 1 m × 40 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.9–1.2 m × 30–45 cm.

Is Crown imperial hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Crown imperial toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

When does Crown imperial flower?

Flowering: April–May, orange, yellow, red.

How much water does Crown imperial need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Crown imperial cost?

It sells for roughly €5 to €120 in local shops, depending on size.

Crown imperial

Fritillaria imperialis

Crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) is a perennial that reaches 1 m × 40 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Crown imperial — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A big spring bulb: a straight, metre-tall stem carries a ring of orange, yellow or red bells under a tuft of leaves, which makes it the showiest plant in the border in April. Plant the bulb in early autumn, deep, in fertile soil that drains well, ideally on its side or on a bed of sand, because water standing in the hollow at its centre rots it easily. Every part of the plant has a strong foxy smell and it dies back completely by early summer, so place it where neighbours will cover the gap and leave it undisturbed for years.

Watch out for

A common disappointment is that it does not flower again after the first year: on heavy clay, poor sand, in a damp spot or planted too shallowly the bulb weakens or rots. Plant it at least 20 to 30 cm deep, buy large, firm bulbs and get them into the ground as early in autumn as you can so they root before winter. The red lily beetle and its larvae strip the leaves, and slugs damage young shoots; leaf spot, rust and virus occur less often. The smell is said to keep moles and voles away, but that is garden lore rather than a proven effect.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1 m × 40 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, orange, yellow, red

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1 m × 40 cm
Ultimate size	0.9–1.2 m × 30–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, orange, yellow, red
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €5

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €5 – €120

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Plants for containers