Overview
Fritillaria imperialis Double is a perennial bulb in the genus Fritillaria, part of the Liliaceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Fritillaria imperialis Double grows best in full sun, and tolerates loamy and clay soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is native to Turkey to Himalaya.
About the genus
Fritillaria (fritillaries) is a genus of spring flowering herbaceous bulbous perennial plants in the lily family (Liliaceae). The type species, Fritillaria meleagris, was first described in Europe in 1571, while other species from the Middle East and Asia were also introduced to Europe at that time. The genus has about 130–140 species divided among eight subgenera.
Wikipedia contributors, "Fritillaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fritillaria
In the garden
Fritillaria imperialis Double is a bulbous perennial from the stretch of country between Turkey and the Himalaya and sits within the lily family, Liliaceae. Plants reach roughly 1.0 m and form an unmistakable spring presence, flowering between March and May. Position the bulbs in a sunny spot on loamy or clay soils that drain freely yet retain some moisture; the species prefers moist but well-drained conditions and an open, full-sun exposure. It carries a UK hardiness rating of H5 (hardy), and corresponds to USDA zones 7–9, so it tolerates typical UK winters when planted where frost and waterlogging are not combined problems. In British gardens it suits the rear of a mixed border or any site where a tall, seasonal bulb can be shown off in spring. Because the bulbs are ornamental and not edible, handle with protective gloves and keep bulbs out of reach of pets and children; follow HTA guidance if you are concerned about potentially harmful garden plants.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Fritillaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Fritillaria imperialis Double size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial bulb
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Native to
- Turkey to Himalaya
- Toxicity
- Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Fritillaria imperialis Double
- Propagation
- By bulb offsets
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Fritillaria imperialis Double?
Fritillaria imperialis Double prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Fritillaria imperialis Double need?
Fritillaria imperialis Double grows best in loamy and clay soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Fritillaria imperialis Double grow?
Fritillaria imperialis Double reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Fritillaria imperialis Double hardy in the UK?
Fritillaria imperialis Double has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Fritillaria imperialis Double?
By bulb offsets.
Is Fritillaria imperialis Double toxic?
Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.
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More in the Fritillaria genus
- Fritillaria cirrhosayellow Himalayan fritillary
- Fritillaria imperialiscrown imperial
- Fritillaria imperialis 'Aurora'crown imperial 'Aurora'
- Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora'Fritillary
- Fritillaria imperialis 'Orange Brilliant'Fritillary
- Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra Maxima'crown imperial 'Rubra Maxima'
- Fritillaria persicaPersian lily
- Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman'fritillary 'Adiyaman'