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Fritillaria imperialis Argenteovariegata

Fritillaria imperialis Argentea Variegata
Crown Imperial

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A rare variety in cultivation, with magnificent foliage bordered in cream-white. It bears bright orange bell-shaped flowers, assembled in a crown, topped with a tuft of small leaves. This large plant is spectacular in a sunny flower bed. It can be grown in any well-drained soil. The bulbs should be planted in late summer or early autumn. Flowering occurs in April-May, depending on the region.
Flower size
6 cm
Height at maturity
75 cm
Spread at maturity
25 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time August to September
Recommended planting time January, August to November
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Flowering time April to May
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Description

Fritillaria imperialis 'Argenteovariegata' is a rare variety of crown imperial, with variegated cream-white silver foliage that perfectly enhances its bright orange flowering. In spring, a tall and majestic floral stem rises, proudly bearing a crown of large campanulate flowers topped with a beautiful tuft of green leaves. This impressive bulbous plant always makes an impression in sunny flower beds. With a strong personality, it fits well in a contemporary setting, alongside narcissus or tulips, in a harmonious blend of colours. 

 

Fritillaria imperialis belongs to the Liliaceae family. This species is very cold-resistant, in well-drained soil. It is native to eastern Turkey, northern Iraq, Iran, and has spread to Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a large scaly bulb, whose vegetation emerges from the ground in late winter and disappears after flowering. The 'Argenteovariegata' cultivar reaches about 75 to 80cm (30 to 32in) in height when in bloom. The stem is green at the base, but dark brown in its upper part, and bears leaves only in its lower half. They are narrow and pointed, with a bright green colour margined with silver-white, measuring about 12cm (5in) in length. They are arranged in whorls, meaning they are inserted in a bouquet at regular intervals. They somewhat resemble lily leaves. The plant emits an unpleasant odour. Flowering occurs in April-May, at the top of the stem. It takes the form of a crown composed of 6 to 20 pendant bell-shaped flowers, measuring about 6cm (2in) in diameter. The flowers are a very bright intense orange.

Fritillaria imperialis are striking plants. Their atypical silhouette attracts all eyes. Use them to add height to flower beds or to fill a rockery. Grow them in pots to enjoy them on a patio. The toxic bulb emits an unpleasant odour that repels rodents, but this odour is not perceptible to humans once the bulb is under ground. Crown imperials are often planted among carpets of tulips, narcissus, or muscari, from which their tall floral stems emerge. They can also be paired with plants with decorative foliage, such as lady's mantle or fennel, for example. The fritillary occupies a prominent place in bouquets immortalised by Flemish masters such as Jan Brueghel the Elder.

In the past, the crown imperial was called "tears of Mary." Its Persian name means "the flower that weeps" because the fritillary has large nectaries in the centre of its petals that produce large droplets of nectar.

Fritillaria imperialis Argenteovariegata in pictures

Fritillaria imperialis Argenteovariegata (Flowering) Flowering

Plant habit

Height at maturity 75 cm
Spread at maturity 25 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour orange
Flowering time April to May
Flower size 6 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour variegated with white

Botanical data

Genus

Fritillaria

Species

imperialis

Cultivar

Argentea Variegata

Family

Liliaceae

Other common names

Crown Imperial

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference545881

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Planting and care

It thrives in full sun. It needs light but not necessarily direct sunlight. It ideally thrives in a continental climate where winters and summers are dry and springs are humid. Plant it in fertile and well-drained soil. Avoid heavy soil, as it may lead to the development of fungi. If drainage is insufficient, the fritillaria may rot. Plant it from September to October by adding sand, gravel, or pumice to the planting hole. Place the bulb at a depth of 20cm (8in). In winter, we recommend mulching the fritillaria. Remove faded flowers if you do not want them to reseed. 

Planting period

Best planting time August to September
Recommended planting time January, August to November
Planting depth 20 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 20 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, rich and well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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