Tall bulb (90 cm or more) with a crown of pendant orange, yellow or red bell flowers topped by a tuft of leaf-like bracts. A dramatic mid-spring statement plant.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 5–9 | −28.9 °C to −1.1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H6 | −20 °C to −15 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 5–8 | −23 °C to −1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–3 | −15 °C to 0 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Flowers April–May — a dominant feature of mid-spring borders
- Both bulb and foliage have a strong foxy smell, traditionally said to deter mice and voles from bulb plantings nearby
- Plant bulbs on their side at depth to prevent water collecting in the hollow crown of the bulb and rotting it
- Needs winter chilling to flower reliably
Pet caution: Crown imperial is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Crown imperial against your zones