Fritillaria imperialis 'Aurora' (Emperor's Tulip)

Fritillaria imperialis Aurora.

Fritillaria imperialis, also known as emperor's crown or emperor's lilac, is an impressive and distinctive perennial plant, which is part of the Liliaceae family. This plant native to the mountainous regions of Western Asia, including Turkey, Pakistan and the Himalayas, is valued for its spectacular and regal appearance in gardens.

Fritillaria imperialis rises to a height of about 0.6 to 1 meter, having a thick, straight stem, which ends with a compact cluster of large, bell-shaped flowers. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including shades of red, yellow and orange, and are uniquely placed under a crown of small, green leaves that sit at the top of the stem, giving the plant a crown-like appearance.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the crown-emperor is its strong smell. This smell is a defense mechanism against rodents and other animals that might consume the bulbs.

Cold resistance: -29°C
Flowering period: April
Height with pots included: varies depending on the stage of the plant
Pot diameter: 12 cm