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Description
Fritillaria imperialis rubra maxima, commonly known as Crown Imperial, is a stunning plant that is native to Turkey and the Caucasus. It belongs to the Liliaceae family and is grown for its ornamental value. The plant is characterized by its tall stature, reaching up to 3-4 feet in height, and its bright red or orange bell-shaped flowers that hang downwards. It blooms in early spring and has a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Fritillaria |
Appearance
The Fritillaria Imperialis Rubra Maxima has a tall and graceful appearance, with a single stem that grows up to 3-4 feet in height. The stem is covered with green, glossy leaves that are arranged in whorls. The bell-shaped flowers are the main attraction of the plant and hang downwards from the top of the stem. They can be bright red or orange and measure up to 10 cm in diameter. The flowers have a sweet fragrance, and the petals are marked with a subtle checkerboard pattern. The plant produces small bulbs that can be used for propagation.
Care Guide
Water: The Fritillaria Imperialis Rubra Maxima requires regular watering, especially during the growing season in spring and early summer. However, the soil must be well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring before the bulbs start to grow. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can damage the plant.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.
Sunlight: The Fritillaria Imperialis Rubra Maxima requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can affect its growth and flowering.
Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Fritillaria Imperialis Rubra Maxima is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases like Botrytis, which can cause the flowers to rot. Slugs and snails can also be a problem, especially during wet weather. It’s important to keep the area around the plant clean and free of debris to prevent fungal diseases. You can also use slug pellets or beer traps to control slugs and snails.
Habitat
The Fritillaria Imperialis Rubra Maxima is native to Turkey and the Caucasus, where it grows in mountainous regions. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Fritillaria Imperialis Rubra Maxima be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but make sure the container is deep enough to accommodate the long stem.
Q: How often should I fertilize the plant?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring before the bulbs start to grow.
Q: How do I propagate the plant?
A: The plant can be propagated by dividing the bulbs in late summer or early autumn.
Q: How do I protect the plant from slugs and snails?
A: Use slug pellets or beer traps to control slugs and snails. You can also keep the area around the plant clean and free of debris.
Related Plants
- Fritillaria Meleagris
- Fritillaria Persica
- Fritillaria Raddeana
- Fritillaria Thunbergii
References
- “Crown Imperial.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277713&isprofile=0&basic=Fritillaria%20imperialis. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021.
- “Crown Imperial.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9022/fritillaria-imperialis-rubra-maxima/details. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021.
- “Fritillaria Imperialis.” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/fritillaria-imperialis-crown-imperial. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021.
