This herbaceous bulbous perennial has purplish stems with pale green lance-shaped leaves and forms a clump. In spring it produces pendant bell-shaped red or yellow flowers in a cluster towards the top accompanied with a crown of leaf-like bracts. 

Hardiness zones 4 to 9 

Fritillaria imperialis is naturally found from southern Turkey to Iran, Afghanistan and Kashmir growing in scrubland and rocky places. 

It prefers a partially shaded dry cool position in a sunny wind protected position and grows in most sharply-drained moderately fertile organic rich sandy soils, pH 5-7 and is frost and drought tolerant.  

Crown Imperial is grown for its pendant flowers and clumping habit. It is planted small gardens along herbaceous borders or in rockeries and may be used in deep patio pots or planter boxes. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 2-3 years and is moderately long-lived. This perennial is also used for naturaliseing in woodland settings or mass planting in parks and public places. ID 3697

Fritillaria (FRIT-il-AH-ree-ah) imperialis (im-PEE-ree-AH-lis)

Liliaceae (lil-ee-AY-see-ee)
Lily Family