If the crown imperial does not want to bloom at all, there can be various reasons. However, these can usually be remedied without much effort.
The imperial crown is one of the demanding plants that require care. But perseverance and sensitivity are rewarded with an impressive flower, because it can be a real eye-catcher in the front yard. Unfortunately, it happens again and again that the imperial crown simply does not form any flowers. There can be different reasons. In most cases, this circumstance is due to some care mistakes. However, these can usually be corrected quickly. So you can soon enjoy the beautiful flowers again.
The most common causes and treatment tips
» Cause 1: Wrong location
Crown imperials are light-hungry plants that feel most comfortable in full sun. The flowers sometimes still forgive a partially shaded location. However, if you plant imperial crowns in permanent shade, they often stop flowering after the second year.
➔ Solution:
Therefore, choose the sunniest spot available in your garden. If you already have the imperial crowns in the shade, it is better to plant new flowers. Imperial crowns do not tolerate a change of location.
» Cause 2 - Not enough nutrients
Crown imperials require a generous dose of nutrients to fully develop their flowering splendor.
➔ Solution:
The right soil creates the ideal conditions: permeable, nutrient-rich soil with a high proportion of compost is ideal for Kaiserkronen. Pure loamy or sandy soil should be excavated in August or September before planting the bulbs and mixed with fresh compost.
When the first shoots of the new imperial crowns can be seen from March, you can add another layer of mature compost and ensure a successful all-round supply with a mineral fertilizer. Cut off the flower stalks after flowering. Only remove the leaves of the plant after they have completely dried up. Half-yellowed leaves may not look very attractive. but they still wear itcontribute to nutrient absorption.
» Cause 3: Dug up Onions
Imperial crowns are hardy. It is unnecessary and even harmful to dig up the bulbs in November and overwinter them in the warmth of the house.
➔ Solution:
The root system develops in autumn. If you put the bulbs in the ground in the spring, there will be no time for growth. In addition, although the onions tolerate cold very well, they are sensitive to prolonged drought in heated rooms.
» Cause 4: Lily beetle infestation
Crown imperials belong to the lily family and are often subject to infestation by lily beetles. These sealing wax red, six to eight millimeter long beetles feast on the blossoms of the flowers from March and deposit their larvae on the underside of the leaves. The consequences are a general weakening of the plant and a smaller inflorescence.
➔ Solution:
The best way to deal with light infestations by lily beetles is to collect the pests by hand. Hold a bucket under the leaves as you do so, otherwise the bugs will simply drop to the ground and escape you. In the case of a heavy infestation, you can use a commercial spray for biting and stinging insects to get rid of the pests quickly and easily.