Since the Crown Imperial, with its stunning, bell-shaped blooms, looks like something straight out of a Mediterranean paradise, a lot of gardeners get a little nervous when winter rolls around. It’s tempting to dig them up or move your pots indoors to keep them cozy, but honestly? That’s the last thing you should do. Here’s the scoop on why these beauties actually love the cold.
The Crown Imperial is a Winter Warrior
Here’s a fun fact: the Crown Imperial isn’t just hardy enough to survive the winter—it actually *needs* the chill. If you dig up the bulbs to keep them warm or bring your containers inside, you’re basically messing with the plant’s internal clock. That cold snap is what triggers the plant to produce those spectacular flowers. Without a proper winter “nap,” your spring bloom is going to be pretty disappointing, and let’s be real—those dramatic flowers are the whole reason we plant them!
Why keeping them indoors is a bad move:
- You’ll get fewer (or zero!) flowers.
- They take up valuable space in the house.
- The bulbs are toxic, which can be a risk for pets or kids.
- It’s just way more work than necessary!
How to Overwinter Your Crown Imperial the Right Way
Generally speaking, even a brutal winter isn’t a big deal for these plants, provided you planted the bulbs deep enough. A good rule of thumb is to bury them about three times as deep as the bulb is tall. When they’re tucked away in the garden, the soil acts as natural insulation. Even a layer of snow helps keep the ground temperature stable! Just make sure you get them in the ground at the right time so they can settle in before the deep freeze hits.
Now, if you’re growing them in containers, things are a little different. Pots are more exposed to the elements, and frost can attack from the sides. If you’re worried, just wrap the outside of the pot in some burlap or garden fleece. This keeps the soil from freezing solid too quickly. Also, try to pick a sunny spot for planting. They love the sun in the summer, and in the winter, those spots stay just a few degrees warmer than the dark, chilly corners of the yard.
