Fritillaria imperialis Argenteovariegata

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.