Lilies tiger: How to Grow and Care for Tiger Lilies

How to Grow and Care for Tiger Lilies

Tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium or Lilium tigrinum) is an herbaceous perennial that grows from bulbs with a moderate growth rate. While it’s an Asian species, a tiger lily is not rare to see in the United States. You can plant tiger lily bulbs in the fall or spring and expect blooms in the summertime. The plants have strappy leaves and long flowering stems. Tiger lily flowers feature curved petals and are speckled with dark spots. They’re typically orange, though there also are several other tiger lily colors, including red and yellow. Tiger lilies only bloom once per year. However, they’re a more profuse bloomer than most lilies, producing as many as 10 flowers per stem. And tiger lilies come back every year, as long as they’re well cared for.

Beyond its beauty, what is special about the tiger lily is its meaning: The flower is said to represent wealth, pride, and nobility. However, it’s important to note that while the flowers are edible, the pollen is toxic to humans. Also, tiger lilies are toxic to cats but not dogs or horses.

Common Name	Tiger lily
Botanical Name	Lilium lancifolium (also Lilium tigrinum)
Family	Liliaceae
Plant Type	Herbaceous, perennial
Mature Size	3–5 ft. tall, 7–8 in. wide
Sun Exposure	Full, partial
Soil Type	Loamy, moist, well-draining
Soil pH	Acidic
Bloom Time	Summer
Flower Color	Orange, red, yellow, white, pink
Hardiness Zones	3–9 (USDA)
Native Area	Asia
Toxicity	Toxic to cats, toxic to humans

Tiger Lily Care

Tiger lilies should require minimal care on your part. The plants will come back year after year, and they’ll likely spread to form clumps. You also can grow these flowers in a cutting garden or containers.

The key is to plant your tiger lilies in a spot with good drainage, as a waterlogged area can rot the bulbs. Then, over the first few years, water your lilies regularly until their root system has matured. After that, they can better tolerate some drought and are fairly low-maintenance plants.

Trista Sweeney / EyeEm / Getty Images

Panoramic Images / Getty Images

Light

Tiger lilies prefer to grow in a sunny location with roughly at least six hours of direct sun on most days. However, these tough specimens are not nearly as fussy about growing conditions as many other flowering plants are. They will tolerate partial shade and can actually benefit when shaded from the hot afternoon sun.

Soil

To ensure proper soil drainage for the bulbs, you might need to amend your soil with compost or humus. Peat moss, sand, or straw mixed into the beds are also options to improve drainage and retain appropriate moisture. Otherwise, tiger lilies can tolerate various soil types, though they prefer soil that’s fairly fertile and slightly acidic.

Water

Tiger lilies have average water needs. Mature plants can tolerate some drought, but they still prefer consistent watering. If your area receives regular rainfall, that should be sufficient to keep them happy. If the soil is very dry, you’ll probably need to water on a regular basis to prevent the soil from drying out.

Temperature and Humidity

Tiger lilies begin to grow in the spring after the last frost and go dormant in the fall and winter. If you live within their USDA hardiness zones, the temperature shouldn’t be an issue. Tiger lilies also grow well in both humid and dry environments, provided the soil moisture is appropriate. They tolerate hot summer days if the bulbs have been planted deep enough to remain cool. It’s a good idea to plant lower-growing annual or perennial plants near or around tiger lilies to protect their roots from drying out in hot weather.

Fertilizer

Tiger lilies don’t need much fertilizer. A layer of compost around the base of the plants once or twice a year should provide all of the nutrition they require. Apply mulch in late spring to keep the roots cool during the summer. If you want to encourage more flowering, you can use a 5-10-5 fertilizer. When growing these plants in alkaline soils, feeding with an acidifying fertilizer might be beneficial.

Types of Tiger Lily

The familiar orange tiger lily is a pure species that has no named cultivars. However, L. lancifolium has been crossed with other species to create types of lilies with red, pink, white, and yellow flowers. These are often unnamed cultivars, but they all have the characteristic black or brown spots on petals that sharply curve backwards. These two characteristics are not found together on any other types of lilies.

There are also many other related species and hybrids within the genus Lilium. Fortunately, they do not all bloom at once. Rather, they disperse their vibrant colors and bold floral shapes across June, July, and August. This makes them valued allies for gardeners who demand a colorful variety of flowers throughout the summer months. There are nine individual classes of lilies within the official classification system, but most gardeners will find their needs met by these three types of lilies:

• Asiatic hybrids: These lilies generally flower in June into July, producing blooms in red, orange, yellow, white, pink, and more. These are very durable, easy-to-grow plants that will multiply and spread with little effort. These lilies fall into Division 1 in the official lily classification system.
• Easter lilies (Longiflorum hybrids): These lilies are often forced into early bloom in pots for early spring celebrations. When planted in the garden—or if potted plants are kept growing in their pots—they usually bloom in mid-summer. These lilies belong to Division 5, featuring trumpet-shaped, brilliant white flowers.
• Oriental hybrids: Oriental hybrids, such as the famous stargazer lily, generally begin blooming mid-to late summer and feature large flowers in rich colors. These are somewhat more delicate plants than the Asiatic lilies, and the bulbs might lose their vigor after a few years, requiring replanting. But the flowers are spectacular, and many offer a spicy scent that is almost as dramatic as they look. Oriental lilies fall into Division 7 of the official classification system.

Pruning

Foliage on the lower part of the stalks will fade first (in late summer). These yellow leaves won’t be as noticeable if the plants are growing in the back row of a garden bed. Once all of the leaves have yellowed by late fall, cut the stalks down to ground level, and dispose of them.

Propagating Tiger Lilies

Tiger lilies, though not classified as an invasive species, have invasive growing tendencies and spread easily if you let them. If you want to propagate your lilies, you can do so with bulbils (small bulbs that form on the parent plant) or by bulb division. Ideally, this should be done in spring before the season’s growth picks up, but you also can divide them in the fall in warmer climates. Here’s how:

1. Carefully dig up the entire plant when it is dormant.
2. Gently separate the individual bulbs.
3. Replant your bulbs as separate plants with the pointed side aimed upward.

Bulbils form along the stem of the plant at leaf axils. If you wish to minimize spreading, remove the bulbils and dispose of them. Or if you wish to propagate, you can carefully remove the bulbils and pot them. Bulbils will take an extra year of growth before they begin to bloom.

How to Grow Tiger Lily From Seed

It’s easy to grow tiger lilies from their seeds, or bulbils. They can be planted in the fall after they’ve ripened on their parent plant or in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Plant each bulbil, roots downward, roughly 1/2 to 1 inch deep. The spot should receive bright, indirect light. Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Root growth will occur over the winter, followed by foliage growth once the temperature warms in the spring.

Potting and Repotting Tiger Lily

When growing tiger lilies in containers, select a pot with drainage holes that’s at least 8 inches wide and deep. Unglazed clay is an ideal container material to allow excess moisture to evaporate through its walls. Use a quality, well-draining potting mix.

You’ll likely have to repot or divide your plant every couple of years. If you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or popping above the soil line, that’s a good sign that your plant is root-bound and needs a bigger pot. To repot, gently ease the plant out of its old pot. Position it at the same depth in a new pot that allows for a couple inches between the root ball and container wall. Fill around it with fresh potting mix.

Overwintering

Tiger lilies will go dormant over the winter. The bulbs can survive freezing temperatures in the ground, but they’ll benefit from a couple inches of mulch over their planting site for insulation. Also, make sure the planting site never becomes waterlogged, as the bulbs need very little water while they’re dormant.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Tiger lilies are a resilient species and aren’t very susceptible to disease. However, they can harbor viruses, such as lily mosaic virus, that can harm other types of lilies. If you suspect this disease, the plant and bulbs should be pulled and destroyed. (Don’t add it to your compost bin.)

Lily leaf beetles (Lilioceris lilii) and aphids can be problematic pests for the lilies. So treat your plants as soon as possible if you notice the leaves are being damaged.

How to Get Tiger Lily to Bloom

Tiger lilies are one of the later flowering plants, blooming by mid to late summer each year. While the bright orange speckled flowers only bloom once annually, the bloom period can stretch into early fall. Deadheading, or removing the spent blooms, isn’t essential, but it can help to prolong the bloom period. Otherwise, simply continue to ensure proper moisture levels while the plant is in bloom.

Common Problems With Tiger Lily

Tiger lilies tend to thrive when given the environment they like. But if conditions are off, they can develop some problems.

Leaves Turning Yellow

If your tiger lily’s foliage is yellowing, that’s often a sign of overwatering and/or poor drainage. An overall droopy appearance or a lack of blooms also can be signs of too much moisture. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. If this doesn’t do the trick, you might need to dig up your bulbs and amend the soil the improve drainage.

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Lilium Lancifolium. Chicago Botanic Garden.

2. Tiger Lily. ASPCA.

3. Lilium (Group) – Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden.

4. Types of Lilies. North American Lily Society.

Tiger Lily Bulbs – Shop & Buy Our Tiger Lilies

Tiger Lillies – A Quick Overview

Old-fashioned tiger lilies are remarkable perennials revered for their exotic beauty, hardiness and long flowering periods. Their large, bell-shaped, recurved flowers have wide petals sprinkled with attractive black dots. These plants, which are native to the Far East, are summer-flowering bulbs that grow during spring and summer and are dormant in fall and winter. Be aware that tiger lilies are very toxic to cats, so keep this in mind when choosing where to grow them.

Tiger Lily Flower FAQ:

How tall are tiger lily flowers?

Tiger lilies are shorter than Oriental lilies, and about the same height, or slightly shorter, than Asiatic lilies.

Keep in mind that different varieties of tiger lilies will grow to different heights. Our Pink Giant tiger lily grows to 40 inches, which Tiber lilies stand under three feet tall. Pure-bred lancifolium, or tiger lilies, grow to a height of two to five feet tall. Some tiger lilies are hybridized with asiatic lilies for additional height and unique shape.

Standing at an average of three to four feet tall, tiger lilies are at the tall end of the perennial garden. Tiger lilies don’t require staking, and their thick stems and glossy, lance-shaped foliage stands out even when the plants aren’t yet in bloom.

How should tiger lilies be planted?

Tiger lilies should be planted in spring, about 8″ apart from each other. After tilling the soil, dig 6″ deep holes and place each bulb pointed upwards!

Pat down soil and water bulbs. Pat the soil down over the newly planted bulb. Water the bulbs thoroughly, then place a few inches of mulch on the area. By midsummer, when many other flowers have faded, you will be entranced by the large, colorful blooms as they soar atop strong stems and over attractive, fountain-like foliage.

Do tiger lilies spread?

Absolutely. In fact, they are among the best-naturalizing flowers available to gardeners, because they multiply freely and require little care. They are a great choice for growing in sunny or partially shaded beds and borders, performing best in well-drained soil that receives sufficient moisture. Gardeners tend to divide and separate the bulbs while they are dormant, to prevent overcrowding.

What zone is best to plant tiger lilies?

Tiger lilies are hardy in planting Zones 3 to 9, meaning that, as long as they’re allowed to enter their dormant state naturally before the cold weather sets in, they won’t be damaged by winters as cold as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep your lilies healthy, allow their foliage to die back naturally, and cover your planting space with mulch if you live in a particularly cold area. Check your planting zone here.

Do tiger lilies return every year?

Yes. Expect your tiger lilies to return year after year, and to naturalize and spread outward, as long as you are gardening in Zone 3 or above. In temperate and warm climates, tiger lilies will comes back year after year with little effort on your part!

Expect your tiger lilies to produce 6-10 blooms per stem in their first year and then a steadily increasing number of flowers, reaching 20 or even more, in subsequent years.

What flowers to plant with tiger lilies?

Tiger lilies lend a wild, bohemian look to any space. While tiger lilies are typically an attention-commanding bright orange, with black or deep red spots, but some newer species bloom in shades of yellow, white, or pink. Their long, confetti-like stamens add even more depth to these attractive flowers. Tiger lily colours go beyond just orange to include pastels, brights, and even variegated hues!

Here are a few of our favorite ideas for pairing tiger lilies with other perennials.

• Choose dark-hued flowers to draw attention to the splashy spots on the tiger lily petals. Black iris and dark-hued Night Rider lily are excellent choices for this high-contrast look.
• Plant these bold flowers with flowers featuring bloom times just before or just after your lilies’ bloom times, to keep the floral show going for several weeks. Early summer bloomers like gladiolus, dahlia, and canna lilies have similar sun requirements and pair nicely.
• Or, allow your tiger lilies to shine in a row of all lilies. Because these plants clump and naturalize, you’ll have a thick spread of tiger lilies within a few years.
• Avoid aggressively-rooting companion plants, as powerful roots growing underground can pierce or damage the tender bulbs of your tiger lily.

Be sure to choose companion plants for tiger lilies that also need well-draining soil and plenty of sun. Other tuberous perennials make great flatmates for your lilies, and annuals can help to fill in any blank spaces.

How To Grow Tiger Lilies

It’s fun to grow lilies from bulbs, and Tiger Lily flowers (Lilium lancifolium) from the genus Lilium (true lilies) are a particularly striking and dramatic specimen.

PinTiger Lilies flowers

Other synonyms of the tiger lily plant include:

• Lilium tigrinum
• Lilium catesbaei
• Pine lily
• Leopard lily
• Kentan
• Lilium columbianum
• Oregon lily
• Wester wood lily
• Chalice-cup lily
• Western red lily

… and more.

Table Of Contents

1. Success With Tiger Lily Flower Starts With Good Soil Preparation
2. Tiger Lily Flower Appearance
3. Plant Tiger Lily Bulbs In Late Fall Or Very Early Spring
4. Trim Spent Blossoms Diligently
5. Propagation, Divide & Feed In Autumn
6. Mulch In Springtime
7. When and How To Plant Tiger Lily Seeds?
8. Pests And Diseases On Tiger Lily Flowers
9. Why Choose Tiger Lilies?
10. Where Does The Tiger Lily Grow Wild?

The Tiger Lily is very rewarding to grow because with very little preparation and care they yield vibrant and abundant results. Tiger Lillies are very hardy (USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9).

In this article, we will discuss the skills and steps necessary to grow and care for the Tiger Lily plants. Read on to learn more.

Success With Tiger Lily Flower Starts With Good Soil Preparation

Growing Lilium tigrinum is easy as long as you give them well-drained soil and the appropriate moisture.

Begin with soil that has been thoroughly tilled and loosened to provide your lily bulbs with excellent drainage.

Establish beds of tiger lily bulbs in full sunlight as these lilies are sun-loving flowers.

If you plant Lilium lancifolium in a shaded or partially shaded area, they will tend to lean in the direction of the sunlight.

In full sun, they will grow tall, straight, and strong.

Tiger Lily Flower Appearance

So, what is a tiger lily and what does a tiger lily look like?

There are orange, red tiger lilies, and other tiger lily colors.

The tiger lily flower wears orange petals with black spots which suit the summer bulb flowers vibe. The orange-black color made it look like the tiger’s skin, a good reason for earning the name tiger lily.

Tiger lilies crossed-bred with Asiatic lilies resulted in hybrid tiger lilies of different colors.

From the black and orange combination, the cross-breeding gave birth to red, yellow, and white lilies. Each color holds a slightly different appearance compared to others.

On the other hand, the double tiger lily bears a lot of tepals and no stamens. The stems of this type of lily shoot up to 30″ to 48″ inches tall and grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9.

The bright orange flowers grow along roadsides and ditches, which is why it is called the ditch lily.

This species of lily have different growth habits. It grows from tuberous roots and bears healthy grass-like foliage coming from the base of the lily plant.

Plant Tiger Lily Bulbs In Late Fall Or Very Early Spring

Once you’ve prepared the bed, dig individual holes and plant your bulbs. Dig the holes approximately 8″ inches apart and about 6″ inches deep.

Place bulbs carefully in the holes with the flat part on the bottom and the pointy part sticking up. Cover them completely with fresh soil and tap them down lightly.

Follow up with a thorough watering. Covering with a few inches of mulch will help protect the bulbs and hold moisture into the ground.

Here’s a quick roundup on lilies shared by the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier:

Find a sunny, well-drained location in the garden, loosen the soil, and plant lily bulbs 6″ to 8″ inches deep, pointy end up. Handle with some care to avoid losing scales on the bulbs. How simple is that? After blooming, snip off the stems, leaving behind about 1/3 of the stem. Wait until the stems are completely dry before gently tugging them out.  Via wcfcourier.com

You may also like: 

• The Mexican Tiger Flower (Tigridia)
• Growing The Stargazer Lily Flower
• Eremurus – Foxtail Lily breathtaking in beauty and size, flower spikes 8′ to 10′ feet tall.

PinYellow Tiger Lily Bloom

Trim Spent Blossoms Diligently

Once your true lilies begin blooming, you’ll have an abundant supply of fresh large flowers for creating indoor floral arrangements for your home.

Even if you do not cut flowers for decoration, keep a close eye on your lilies and deadhead old flowers frequently to encourage more blooms.

Propagation, Divide & Feed In Autumn

In the autumn, your lilies will die back and begin to go dormant. Before winter sets in its propagation time. Dig the bulbs up, divide them (look for new bulbils at leaf axils) and replant them.

Keep the tiger lily plants away from Asiatic lily and oriental lily. Tiger lilies acquire the mosaic virus quickly. Although it won’t affect them, they can pass it to other lilies planted nearby.

Hybrid lilies affected by the mosaic virus will bear distorted and mottled blooms. You need to take away those infected by the disease to avoid further outbreaks.

If you don’t have enough space to plant more lilies, remember that lily bulbs make an excellent gift and the holidays are right around the corner!

Autumn is also the perfect time to amend your soil by adding properly aged compost, sand, and/or peat moss.

All of these additions help nourish your Tiger Lily bulbs and provide better drainage for the soil. Remember that Tiger Lilies are especially intolerant of soggy conditions.

Related: When Do You Cut Back Tiger Lilies?

Mulch In Springtime

Remember to keep your Tiger Lilies well-mulched with organic mulch that will provide them with nutrients throughout the growing season and help hold water into the soil so that they can make the most of available water.

If you use finished garden compost as mulch, it will do double duty as a boost of essential nutrients at the start of the growing season.

When and How To Plant Tiger Lily Seeds?

Tiger lily seeds are contained inside the bulbil, which is a small bulb-like growth that develops after the flower has faded.

If you want to collect these seeds, do not deadhead your Tiger lilies when they finish blooming.

When do tiger lilies bloom?

They bloom at the end of the summer.

Instead, allow the bulbils to form completely. When they are ready to gather, they will be quite dark and will fall off the plant readily when bumped.

Planting Options:

• Plant them, directly into your garden soil as soon as you gather them.
• Place them in the refrigerator to stratify them for a month or so before starting them indoors in sterile potting medium.

This video demonstrates how to start Lily bulbils indoors.

Pests And Diseases On Tiger Lily Flowers

In general, tiger lilies encounter few growing issues, but several pests and diseases to be aware of.

Botrytis – a fungal disease caused by excessive moisture and warm temperature. It affects the tiger lily leaves, with the first signs appearing as white spots on the leaves.

Control this disease by removing the spotted leaves. Spray the plant with a baking soda mixture. Ensure plants get plenty of air circulation to prevent an outbreak.

Basal Rot – a common fungal disease the “root rot” attacks the bulb through the roots. Early disease symptoms include premature yellowing of foliage caused mostly by warm moist/wet soil.

To prevent its occurrence, provide good drainage and avoid over-watering plants during summer. Remove the infected scales and use a fungicide to treat bulbs.

Blue Mold – Due to high sugar content, mechanical injury or bruises on the bulb can create the penicillin mold. A dusting of a fungicide powder will remove the harmless mold.

Virus Diseases – Spread mainly by aphids and red lily beetles. The main virus symptoms display flecking in the leaves or irregular mottling, distorted growth, and reduced plant size.

Control the spread of the virus to other lilies by discarding infected bulbs and scales, and removing affected plants.

First, try killing aphids with a homemade spray or control them using approved synthetic chemical insecticides.

Related Reading:

• When To Plant Lily Of The Valley Pips

Why Choose Tiger Lilies?

The Tiger Lily is an old-fashioned, traditional addition to your garden that puts on a grand show and can actually provide you with a bit of privacy since well-cared-for specimens can grow to be several feet tall.

Surprisingly, Tiger Lilies are also fairly drought tolerant. Although you need to water deeply and regularly (about once a week) during the first growing season. Once established Tiger Lilies do very well on only existing rainfall.

Naturally, you will want to keep a close eye on them and if they begin to show signs of suffering from heat and dryness, give them a deep, slow watering that will last them a week or more.

There are many different types of lilies, and they all grow wonderfully; however, Tiger Lilies are the hardiest. They also produce vast numbers of flowers (as many as 12 per stem) in a wide range of vibrant shades of yellow, gold, orange, and red.

Where Does The Tiger Lily Grow Wild?

Tiger lilies originated in the far east. Although they are Asian natives, they have adapted very well to life in the United States and naturalize easily in USDA zones 3-9.

They can be grown in any well-draining soil in partial shade to full sun. Their water needs are low-to-moderate.

Because these plants are so tough and adaptable, many people describe them as “wild tiger lilies.”

They naturalize in woodlands, open spaces, along railroad tracks, and in vacant lots in many and varied locations across the US and into Canada.

It is important to understand that there is no American “wild tiger lily”.

There are actually two types of lily called “Tiger Lily”. One is the Day Lily (Hemerocallis fulva), which is not listed as invasive and can be planted in gardens in controlled numbers. [source]

The second is the true Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium/Lilium tigrinum). These plants are invasive, so if you plan to plant them, be sure to keep them contained and under control. [source]

Tiger Lily: Growing Lilium Lancifolium

Table of Contents

Gardening the stunning blooms of the tiger lily flower is well worth the effort. Originating in Asia, tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium, also called Lilium tigrinum) is a popular ornamental plant that’s become widespread internationally due to its vibrant image. It’s even become naturalized in parts of the United States and is seen throughout New England in the wild.

Of course, there’s a Native American character Tiger Lily from Peter Pan who became popular in the children’s story. It’s hard to find tips on growing these glorious flowers online because half the time, you’re more likely to find references to her!

There are similarities between the two. Tiger Lily’s a strong and independent character. In traditional lore, the tiger lily meaning is said to represent the fierceness and confidence of women. Some actually purport the gift of a tiger lily says “I dare you to love me!”

Good Products At Amazon For Growing Tiger Lily:

• Neem Bliss 100% Cold Pressed Neem Oil
• Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap
• Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew (Spinosad)

Quick Care Guide

Tiger lily flowers are stunningly dramatic. Source: Patti O’Shea

Common Name	Tiger lily, Orange Tiger lily, White Tiger lily, Pink Tiger lily, Red Tiger lily, Yellow Tiger lily, a number of cultivar names
Scientific Name	Lilium lancifolium, aka Lilium tigrinum
Family	Liliaceae
Height & Spread	4 feet tall, 8 inches wide
Light	Full sun to partial shade
Soil	Rich, well-draining soil
Water	1 inch per week
Pests & Diseases	Aphids, red lily beetle, lily mosaic virus, basal rot

All About Tiger Lily Plants

Pink Tiger is a popular cultivar of tiger lily. Source: orchidgalore

The tiger lily (known botanically as Lilium lancifolium) is also known by numerous cultivar names – hybrids included. Tiger lily plants originate in China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. Today people grow perennial lilies, or lilium flowers in their gardens to add dimension and pops of color. 

Tigerlilies grow on an upright stem that tops out at 4 feet in optimal conditions and remains relatively compact at 8 inches wide. Their lanceolate leaves are bright green and about 4 inches long. Gardeners grow tiger plants specifically for their vibrant orange flowers, which have a characteristic lily shape, pronounced stamens, and reddish petals that have stark black spots. 

You may have seen pictures of the striking appearance of the tiger lily flower. Tiger lilies’ flowers grow from bulbils that sit at each of the leaf axils. Each has a bloom time of a day or two. If pollen exchanges between two plants, spent flowers produce a small seed capsule. These lovely flowers grow from tiger lilies bulbs, with different needs than herbaceous plants that grow from branching roots. If you give the bulbs a great head start and keep your lily plants healthy they will multiply. Today people are gardening tons of different types of tiger lily: purple tiger lily, pink tiger lilies, orange tiger, yellow tiger lily, and other hybrids. That’s because members of this species are striking and relatively easy to care for. The tiger lilies’ meaning is reputed to be mercy, compassion, and loyalty. It’s also tied to wealth and success.

Apparently, a Korean folk tale tells of a hermit who helped a tiger who was shot by an arrow. The hermit removed the arrow, and the tiger swore unending friendship in return. When the tiger died of old age, the hermit used his power to turn it into tiger lily flowers, keeping its beauty intact. Once the hermit himself finally passed away, the tiger lily searched for its friend. Some say it’s still searching. Like all members of the lily family, these are toxic to humans and pets. To keep them and children safe from harm, limit access to containers or garden areas these toxic plants grow in. But whether you’re seeking a fierce blossom of orange and black, or a loyal plant that might take over your garden, the tiger lily is perfect for you. Let’s bring a piece of Neverland home for you and your friends to visit and explore the world of tiger lilies!

Tiger Lily Care

The Red Tiger cultivar is vividly red in coloration. Source: John Brandauer

Tiger lily plants are not terribly fussy, and any effort put into caring for them is worth it. Let’s talk about the basics to get you growing tiger lily flowers. You may discover wild tiger lily flowers dominating your garden site!

Planting Tiger Lily

When it comes to tiger lilies, plant tiger lily bulbs in the garden or in containers in spring or fall. Choose a site in full sun with partial afternoon shade, or a container that’s at least 10 inches deep. Dig holes about 2 to 3 times the size of the bulbs. In warmer areas, work on the deeper side to protect bulbs from the heat. Mark where you’ve placed them. Save the extra bulbs, and  store them in a cool, dark place for next season.  

Sun and Temperature

Orange tiger lilies thrive in full sun conditions. In hotter climates, they tolerate partial shade, especially during the heat of the afternoon. Give them 6 hours of sunlight in your garden daily. Tiger lily plants thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. The leafy parts of your plants won’t survive temperature extremes but the bulbous roots allow blooms to emerge again in spring. They’ll tolerate cold down to 25°F. 

Water and Humidity

Established tiger lily plants are drought-tolerant and survive in arid climates, provided they get 1 inch of water per week. Younger plants require more water until they’ve matured and spread their roots deeply. Extra moisture spurs larger plant growth, helping roots form easily in the growing season. Mulching with peat moss, sand, or straw mixed into the garden soil during hotter and drier times of year helps keep the roots cool and appropriate moisture in the soil. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to water. Cut back on watering your garden when summer and winter arrive, as these are dormant times for the tiger lily plant. 

Soil

These plants like rich, well-draining soil. While they tolerate moisture that stays in compost-rich soil, they don’t like wet feet. Sandier soils are fine for these plants. They grow in clay soil as well, but it takes them longer to become established, and drainage will be a problem. Add a little compost and agricultural sand to improve drainage if poor soil is present. The optimal pH for growing tiger lily flowers is 5.5 to 6.5.  

Fertilizing

The Yellow Tiger cultivar is a deep goldenrod color. Source: Property#1

Tiger lilies don’t need much fertilizer. An application of compost around the base of the plants two times a year provides all the nutrition they require as their bulbs form clumps throughout the garden bed. If you want to encourage more tiger lily flowers, use a liquid 5-10-5 fertilizer in late spring and late fall.

Pruning

As summer eases towards fall, your lilies will die back. Cut back the stalks when all the leaves yellow. Remove them to the ground, and allow the plant to go dormant for the winter. Annual pruning prevents future plant diseases in your garden and reduces pests. When spring comes again, divide your tiger lilies before new shoots form, or allow them to come back on their own. If you live somewhere with sub-freezing temperatures during winter, spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch overtop. This protects the bulbs. Dormant bulbs may experience damage if they repeatedly freeze and thaw, though.

Repotting

If the potted lily you are gardening has stopped producing blooms, it might not have enough room for its roots to grow. At this point, repot it into a larger pot, or divide it in the spring or fall into multiple pots for more flowers in your garden. Plant tiger lilies at the same level of soil they were planted before. Give them well-draining soil that’s rich to provide plenty of nutrition.

Tiger Lily Propagation

Propagation is possible in your garden by bulbil or by division of the roots. Do this during the spring before new growth appears. Dividing them in the fall in warmer climates is possible as well. Bulb division requires digging up the plant carefully when it’s dormant and gently separating individual bulbs. Replant them separately with the pointed side aimed upward. Bulbils form along the stem of the plant at leaf axils. Carefully remove these and pot them as if they were bulbs to grow a new plant. They’ll take an extra year of time to form a tiger flower, so it’s a slower process. Most tiger lily species are aggressive spreaders. Divide your plants every couple of years so they don’t take up space in your garden beds. Pot them and give away divided plants to friends, or compost them. Keep them contained to have healthy, happy blooms in your garden.

Tiger Lily Flowers and Blooming

This section is dedicated to a quick list of questions and answers related specifically to producing tall lovely flowers you’ve no doubt seen an image of in gardening magazines.  

• How many times will a tiger lily bloom? Annually, tiger lilies bloom up to 10 flowers per stalk. 
• Do tiger lilies bloom more than once? Even those in colder climates will produce flowers in succession throughout their blooming season.
• What do you do with tiger lilies after they bloom? They make great cut flowers for arrangements, saving you a trip to the florist’s shop. Use annual pruning time to divide and plant more in your garden. See the propagation section to determine how to move them around the garden.
• What month do tiger lilies bloom? The tiger lily flower makes an appearance in mid to late summer, often in July. If mid and late summer has passed, that’s a sign to wait to grow tiger lillies until next season.
• Why did my tiger lilies not bloom? We’ll talk more about this in the Growing Problems section (no doubt!). The culprit of issues with garden tiger lilies is poor drainage. 

Troubleshooting

White Tiger has just the faintest blush of yellow on its petals. Source: Sarah Braun

Gardening this plant is fun, as you may have gathered from the last section. But there are a few issues that could arise when working with this plant. 

Tiger Lily Growing Problems

If you’re gardening potted tiger lilies, don’t leave them in standing water. Overly-wet soil leads to optimal disease conditions. Check the soil with a fingertip and water when it feels dry. Without proper drainage, you may have trouble obtaining blooms. In this case, wait for fall, and gently remove the bulb with attached roots, then add some agricultural sand. Plant the bulbs into the garden, and they’ll bloom bright orange tiger lily flowers next year. 

Pests

Aphids are a common garden pest. Control them with neem oil. They transmit plant diseases to the rest of your garden during feeding. Because lily can host other plant diseases, keep aphids at bay. Plant plants that beneficial insects enjoy – ladybugs in this case –  to attract them to your garden where they’ll thrive on an aphid diet. Establish these around your lilies before they bloom in summer and the likelihood of attracting beneficials increases.  

The red lily beetle dines upon the leaves of lily species. Small holes in the leaves are a sign the beetle is present in your garden. While it’s still not widespread in the U.S., it’s at risk of becoming so if not kept under control. Avoid this pest by regularly spraying your plants with neem oil. Neem repels adults and kills larval and egg stages of the beetle. Spinosad sprays have also shown effectiveness in killing adult lily beetles.

Diseases

Tiger lilies are a known carrier of lily mosaic virus. The first sign of this disease is yellowed streaking on the leaves of your plant. Note that while this mosaic virus doesn’t harm in most cases, infected ones can transmit it to other lilies nearby, especially if aphids are present in summer. Keep your plants away from other lily species for this reason.

The biggest plant disease that impacts tiger lilies is basal rot. Present in warm, moist soil, often in the heat of summer, this causes bulb rot and can be catastrophic. One sign basal rot has set in is a mushy and browning stem. Prevent this by providing excellent drainage in the soil and not overwatering during the summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

A closeup of the center of a pink tiger lily. Source: quacktaculous

Q: What is special about the Tiger Lily?

A: It’s a plant that has many meanings, and looks great in the garden. 

Q: Do tiger lilies come back every year?

A: Yes. They are perennial. 

Q: How much sun does a Tiger Lily need?

A: Full sun to partial shade.

Q: When should tiger lilies be planted?

A: Plant them in spring or fall. 

Q: Can you grow tiger lilies indoors?

A: Yes. They need lots of light indoors, though. 

Q: What does tiger lily smell like?

A: They have no smell at all.  

Q: What is the difference between a tiger lily and a daylily?

A: They’re different species and tiger lily plants face downward rather than upward like daylily plants.

Q: Are tiger lilies invasive?

A: They can be if they aren’t controlled. 

Q: How tall do tiger lilies get?

A: Up to 4 feet tall.

Everything You Should Know Before Planting

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By Ibrahim Clouds AND Rochelle Heath-Harris/Updated: Sept. 15, 2022 2:28 pm EDT

We’ve always had a special spot in our heart for lilies. Their flowery blossoms, seamless growth process, year-round independence, and ability to tolerate drought and remain aesthetically pleasing keep us hooked. That explains our recurring pieces on how to grow lilies here at House Digest. Much earlier, we discussed how to raise a Queen Emma lily, and not quite long ago, we did a piece on the popular lily of the valley. Today, we’re here with one more species known as the tiger lily (Lilium Lancifolium).

The tiger lily is a herbaceous perennial with green leaves and long and strappy stems that blooms in midsummer. The flowers tend to blossom in orange with notable black spots — which we think makes it reminiscent of a leopard. This perennial is a plus for every gardener and garden, because not only is it easy to grow, but you also get bragging rights because they bloom in numbers. Tiger lilies grow best in USDA hardiness zones of about 3 through 9, writes Michigan Bulb Co., and can grow up to 3 to 5 feet tall and 7 inches wide.

How to use tiger lilies in your garden

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The very first perk of having this flower in your garden is that it indiscriminately serves as a pest repellant. Imagine never having to purchase pest and disease repellents as a matter of urgency? Yup, Gardenia writes that the tiger lily helps protect other plants from pests, even more so as it multiplies in bulbs underground.

Another way to use tiger lilies in your garden is for their aesthetic appeal — we mean, what’s the point of having flowers that don’t add all the color and pop and beauty to your garden? Additionally, the multiplication rate of this downward-facing, spotty orange flower is fast, providing you with the crème de la crème of lily beauty, says One Green Plant.

Lastly, if you live in climes that are susceptible to drought and you want a flower that will thrive nonetheless (because, let’s face it, what’s the point of growing flowers only to have them die after one season?), you should grow the tiger lily, writes The Gazette.

How to grow tiger lilies

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First off, we have to establish that growing a tiger lily is quite simple. Does it seem too good to be true? We’ll wager that we can convince you. First off, growing tiger lilies does not start from a seed, as you might have assumed because of its antecedents. Instead, you grow them from bulbs, says American Meadows – bulbs that you either separate from other tiger lilies or purchase right from a store. We’ll stick with the store story here.

Secondly, you can plant one in the fall and you’ll have a bloom in late summer. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Let’s go right ahead and learn how. According to Pickup Flowers, the first step to growing a tiger lily is to find the perfect location, soil, and temperature zones. This affects the overall turnout of your plant. The ideal conditions as specified are spots where the plant can get up to six to eight hours of sunlight daily, rich and well-draining soil, and a USDA hardiness zone from 3 to 9 (an amazing range!). Afterward, your next step is to till the ground and then place the bulb in it with the larger part being on the bottom and the top pointy part facing upward. Support the bulb with a hand and cover it up with mulch, compost, and soil.

How to care for tiger lilies

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Now that you have your tiger lily plant well-established in your garden, the next step will be to ensure it blooms and doesn’t die, as well as how to maintain it even after blooming. We have a lot of information for you, so you might want to get a pen. Just kidding — this plant is very easy to take care of; lazy gardeners will easily find it a favorite.

As you know, the standards are six to eight hours of sunlight daily. However, according to the experts at Michigan Bulb Co., tiger lilies can also tolerate part shade. The only major maintenance you have to do with this plant is the water control issue. Remember that we recommended tilling the land before planting? Well, that was to ensure that you have a sufficient draining system as too much water can rot the roots of the tiger lily, and then all your work will have been for nothing.

When it comes to pruning the plant, you should bear in mind that after blooming the foliage of the tiger lily plant tends to turn yellow. Once this happens, uniformly, it’s time to prune to ground level and dispose of it. Finally, on the drainage matter, it is important to add humus or compost every once in a while to help the drainage process and to, of course, prevent rot.

Tiger lily varieties

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There are at least nine varieties of the tiger lily plant. However, none of them are pure cultivars, sadly. Instead, they are more of cross-bred variation with other plants, writes Plant Lilies. These variations are mostly native to Asia, whereas the original tiger lily is native to North America.

The known variations of the conventional tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium or L. Tigrinum) include, but are not limited to, Lilium tigrinum, Asiatic hybrids, Lilium catesbaei, pine lily, leopard lily (see!), Easter lily, Oregon lily, oriental hybrids, and Kenton lily.

• Asiatic Hybrids: This variation bears a striking resemblance to the martagon. Its major colors are peach with plum freckles and a darker peach color at its crux — a strikingly beautiful lily, we might add! The experts at John Scheepers say that this one blooms in the early summer and can grow up to 4 to 8 inches wide and 3 to 5 feet tall.

• Pine Lily: The distinguishing characteristic of the pine lily (lilium catesbaei) is its red petals mixed with a buttery yellow and then an abundance of purple spots. These lilies can grow up to 2 to 3 inches tall and are native to Florida, writes The Florida Wildflower Foundation.

• Easter Lily: This variation of the tiger lily is more of a celebration plant. According to South Dakota State University Extension, they are available just before Easter and are grown for that purpose. They can grow up to 4 to 7 inches tall.

Are tiger lilies toxic?

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Right, now the toxicity question. Each time we do a piece on a new plant, we feel obliged to tell you that it is important that you know the toxicity levels before planting it. Toxic plants can cause a serious problem for your pets, toddlers, and even you; ignorance is not an option. It might seem like we’re reading you the riot act, but it’s better than a sick pet — you’ll agree, won’t you? Great!

Eat the Weeds say that the tiger lily is an edible plant. It has been used to make stellar concoctions like traditional meals in Japan, writes Pro Garden Tips. However, just because it is edible doesn’t mean it is toxin-free. Come along, we’ll explain what we mean.

First off, if you’re a cat mom, or dad, or granny, in general if you are a cat person it is important to note that this plant is deathly toxic to your furry kitten, says Pet Poison Helpline. So, you might want to keep the tiger lily off your garden list — unless, of course, you can manage the risks (we would not recommend this though). Next up, while it is edible to humans, some sources say that tiger lily pollen can be toxic to humans. Weird combo — we found it fishy so we decided to dig in. What we found out was that if you get exposed to the pollen, it’s likely nothing will happen to you.

How to repot tiger lilies

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There’s one caveat, gardeners — the tiger lily is an invasive plant, per Potomac. Now that we’ve done our part to let you know, we’ll teach you how to manage it. Did you think we were going to leave you hanging? Nope, we don’t do that here. 

Since they grow from bulbs (bulbs which replicate underneath the ground), tiger lilies tend to grow on their own. You might not have to repot them, unless you want them strategically planted — and we wager that you do want them strategically planted.

The best time to propagate tiger lilies is in spring or fall. This will ensure that you see the next summer’s bloom. Now that you know, here’s how to do it. Gardening Know How says that the first thing to do is to dig up the existing plant, carefully divide the bulb with your hands, and then cover up the original. Pick a location for the next plant (remember the six to eight hours of full sun measure), till the ground for proper drainage, and replant the bulb in the same way we discussed much earlier. Take good care of this new one and you’ll have an exotic bloom in the next few months!

How to care for tiger lilies in the winter

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So you may be asking how to take care of tiger lilies in the wintertime. Plant Care Today says we need to cut these flowers back and prune them once a year for them to last longer and keep their lush beauty. If you’ve never grown tiger lilies before, you might be fooled into thinking they’ve died when they have entered their dormant stage. This happens just before winter, so it’s important to cut them back in the fall before this occurs. You may mistake that this hardy plant is dying towards the end of summer when the leaves begin to turn yellow. In reality, it’s preparing for its dormant stage.

You want to allow the yellow leaves to remain but cut back the ones that die. This will give the plant the best chance for survival through the winter months and subsequently thrive the following spring. The annual pruning of your tiger lilies is also important to its overall health because it will help prevent both disease and pests. Trimming and removing the dead leaves will prevent rot that develops in the roots, and additionally helps guard against pests being attracted. Beware of over-pruning, however, and wait until they turn brown, never removing too many at once, or the plant is at risk of losing its ability to flower. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, you’ll also want to cut the dead stalks back in late fall or early spring. Before winter, add about 4 to 6 inches of mulch to protect the roots from the snow and freezing temperatures, and leave it in place until after the last frost is over. Remove only gradually, when the shoots begin breaking through in the spring.

Tiger lily pests and diseases

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According to the Alberta Regional Lily Society, preventative care is the best chance for your tiger lilies to thrive and achieve their health potential. They are naturally hardy plants, and the stunning blooms are worth every bit of care you put into growing them. When it comes to pests and disease, they’re surprisingly resistant to much. However, they can succumb to a handful of things, and the first is fungal diseases. Of course, ideal conditions for this type of disease are warm, moist weather for extended periods. Don’t use a fertilizer high in nitrogen for your tiger lilies. They’re particularly sensitive to botrytis and basal rot. Botrytis affects the stems and leaves, while basal rot affects the bulb’s base.

Like most plants and other living things, tiger lilies are susceptible to viruses. Avoid planting any tulips near your tiger lilies, as they can spread a disease they get to lilies called the tulip breaking disease, which creates white streaks and splotches on the flower. The other way viruses spread is through piercing insects like aphids, which brings us to one of the two main pests that bother tiger lilies to watch for: the lily beetle. The lily beetle is native to Asia but has invaded North America in recent years and is now a major pest in Canada. You may have to remove any of these pests you get primarily by hand, but they’re hard to miss with their bright scarlet red color.

When and how to deadhead your tiger lilies

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Farmers’ Almanac says that deadheading our lilies is recommended for optimum health. You can remove the blooms and the stem once they fade, but avoid cutting the leaves until completely brown and dead, as previously directed. Lilies, in general, need energy and the leaves help them last through winter, so they should not be removed until the end of their season in the fall. You’ll be cutting back the dead stalks then, too. But the blooms will take up energy making seeds if not removed, so when the flowers lose their vibrancy and wilt, it’s time to deadhead. You won’t need the seeds because you have the plant’s bulb, which will lie dormant over the winter but will regrow in the spring.

Tiger lilies are a perennial plant, which means paying careful attention in the fall especially will pay off year after year, with gorgeous, exotic blooms. Every three to four years, you’ll want to divide your plants as they begin growing in the spring by separating the clumps of bulbs and replanting them with some compost. For tiger lilies, using fertilizer heavy with potassium is best. Though these flowers are strikingly lovely, deadheading them will not enable them to bloom again since they only bloom once a year. Still, it is recommended for optimal health of the plant.

How to cut blooms for display

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Interestingly, B&D Lilies explains there is a specific method for cutting blooms you want to display in a vase or for a show. Tiger lilies make wonderful cut flowers due to their longevity. Following this guideline will enable you to enjoy them for up to two weeks after cutting, referencing back to the reliable Farmers’ Almanac. First, do your harvesting in the morning, generally before 8 a.m. This is when the most moisture is in the stems, while in the heat of the day, the plant’s water is stored in the bulb. Cutting them early in the morning keeps them from wilting right away.

Secondly, try not to remove the leaves, never taking more than 1/3 of the leaves or more than 2/3 of the stem. Removing too much can inhibit the plant’s ability to bloom the following year. Lilies only grow one stem (stalk) a year, so it’s important to take good care of it for the next year. Choose blooms with buds that are just barely beginning to open and have a hint of color showing, and as the ones on the bottom fade, the top ones will be fully opening. And before immersing them in water, remove any lower leaves, so the foliage is not under the water. Trim the stems diagonally before putting them into the water, and be sure to change the water in your vase every few days.

Day lilies vs. tiger lilies

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According to Garden and Happy, it’s easy to confuse day lilies with tiger lilies, and the care differs greatly between them. Not only that, it is very important to remember that real tiger lilies are toxic if eaten, causing severe problems for children and will kill cats or small animals. Therefore if you have cats, do not plant actual tiger lilies, and take care that small children do not go near them. Day lilies, in contrast, are edible to most people. However, one in 50 people report experiencing serious stomach issues after digesting it, so it’s best not to snack on it.

So how do you know which is which? Great question! The easiest way to tell is by the blooms. A real tiger lily has bright orange flowers with black speckled or spotted petals that point downward. Day lilies are more trumpet-shaped, and the blooms point upward. Both kinds do have different colored varieties. Additionally, as previously discussed, tiger lilies grow from bulbs, with one stem growing from each bulb and each stem producing up to 10 blooms that grow in groups around the stem. Day lilies grow in groups, and multiple stalks grow from the center of the plant. Depending on the variety, many day lilies only last for one day; hence, the name.

How To Grow for Them & When Do The Flowers Bloom?

The Lilium tigrinum, more commonly known as the tiger lily, is an herbaceous perennial that grows from a bulb and produces beautifully coloured flowers in summer. The bulbs can be planted in the spring or autumn and will bloom by midsummer.

The flower is easily identifiable due to its curled back petals, dark spots with six stamens and a long style.

If you’re keen to add this type of lily to your garden, learn more with our guide.

Jump To a Section Below

• Growing Tiger Lilies
• Tips For Growing Tiger Lilies:
• Are Tiger Lilies Toxic?
• Pests To Look Out For On Tiger Lilies
• Pruning Tiger Lilies
• Are Tiger Lilies Edible?
• Ideal For The Amateur Gardener
• Other Types of Lilies

Growing Tiger Lilies

Although they’re indigenous to Asia, these hardy plants can thrive almost anywhere, and you’ll find them in gardens all over Europe and the rest of the world. The bulbs will return each year with little effort and you can grow these flowers in containers or cutting gardens. To make a bold statement, place the bulbs in various groups or use them as a border in your flower beds.

The key to planting tiger lilies is to plant the bulbs in an area with good drainage to prevent the space from becoming waterlogged and rotting the bulbs. Once the bulbs have become plants with a properly developed root system, they’ll be able to live through droughts and require less hands-on effort.

Tips For Growing Tiger Lilies:

Light: While they’re not fussy about location, they do prefer sunny spots – especially after an icy cold winter, just like you! Partial shade can be beneficial when it comes to protecting them from the harsh afternoon sun.

Soil: To ensure proper soil nutrition you may need to add fertiliser or compost to the mix. The soil also needs adequate drainage, which can be further assisted by adding straw, moss, or sand.

Water: While mature plants are hardy and able to withstand droughts, they still require regular water. The easiest way to ensure proper growth is to keep the soil moist at all times. This one should be a no brainer; everything needs water to live.

Temperature: Tiger lilies begin growing in the spring once the last frost has passed. The temperature shouldn’t be an issue as the dormant bulbs are able to withstand the icy soil in winter

Fertilizer: Depending on the composition of your soil, tiger lilies don’t need a lot of fertilizer to grow. Adding a layer of compost around the plant’s base should be sufficient in terms of nutrition for the year. Of course, if you want to encourage blooming, you can add fertilizer to the mix too.

Potted lilies: If your lilies are in pots and have stopped blooming, they may have outgrown the pot and need more room for the roots to grow. Try repotting it in a bigger container or transfer it into your garden if you have the space. It’s important to keep the lilies in the same quality of soil as what they were before.

Propagating lilies: If not properly maintained, tiger lilies can take over your garden. To prevent this, you can separate the bulbs before the growth season kicks in. This process needs to be done carefully to prevent damage to the bulbs and ensure the new “bulbs” grow.

You can remove the bulbils along the stem to prevent the plant from spreading – or to create a new plant elsewhere. As with most invasive plant species, they can be beautiful but overpowering when not properly monitored.

Are Tiger Lilies Toxic?

While they are safe for people, dogs, and most animals, tiger lilies are toxic to cats. Even the slightest exposure to the plant can cause a reaction in cats that can result in kidney failure. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, a lack of appetite and lethargy. Immediate medical attention is required to ensure your cat receives life-saving treatment before it’s too late.

Pests To Look Out For On Tiger Lilies

The plants may be hardy, but they can still carry diseases like mosaic virus that damages other lilies. Aphids and red lily beetles can become a problem, so keep an eye on the leaves to make sure they’re not being munched away.

Pruning Tiger Lilies

 

The leaves on the lower parts of the plants will die off in the late summer. This may be difficult to notice depending on the location of the plant. Once the leaves have turned yellow, cut the stalks to ground level.

Are Tiger Lilies Edible?

Yes; unless you’re a cat of course! The taste and texture are similar to that of a turnip and can be roasted, tossed in a salad, or used in a stir fry. It’s safe to say that you can use your imagination when eating these colourful flowers, and you may even come across them in dishes in some of the top restaurants.

Ideal For The Amateur Gardener

If you’re looking to add colour to your home or garden without having to commit to regular maintenance, a tiger lily is the ultimate lazy gardener flower. All you need to do is prep the soil, plant the bulbs and keep the soil moist as soon as the last frost has passed. That’s all there is to it!

Other Types of Lilies

There are many species of lilies available – and there are hybrids too. They don’t all bloom at the same time, which means that if you plan properly, you can have lilies in your garden all year round. Here are just a few other types of lilies to add to your garden.

Asiatic hybrids: They’re pink, red, white, yellow, and orange – and grow at the beginning of summer.

Easter lilies: They’re white and trumpet-shaped – and grow in spring and summer.

Oriental hybrids: This includes the stargazer lily and they often grow towards the end of summer.

Tiger lily: cultivation, planting and care at home

Tiger lilies belong to the Lily family, which includes more than 600 plant species. Under natural conditions, they grow in East Asia and on Sakhalin Island. It is believed that the tiger lily ranks second in the world in beauty after the rose. This lanceolate perennial symbolizes hope, freedom and purity. The plant is unpretentious in care and is able to survive even in the Siberian taiga without losing its decorative effect.

Bouquets with lilies look sophisticated and elegant. You can order such flowers in Uzhgorod and other cities of Ukraine around the clock. Our managers will certainly tell you exactly which compositions are suitable for a particular occasion.

Description of tiger lily

The flower reaches one and a half meters in height, tiger stems are felt, straight, with pubescence. The plant has a creeping root system and cream-colored oval bulbs. The leaves do not have a special decorative effect, narrow – 15 cm in length. They are alternately arranged on the stem, the shape of the plate is lanceolate, the color is predominantly green. The apical leaves are shorter than the rest, bulbs are formed in their axils, which are used for reproduction. The inflorescences are loose, racemose, consist of 4-10 flowers, very similar to exotic bells. There is a legend according to which, if you have lilies in your garden, a person will have freckles. The flowers reach a length of 12 cm, the aroma is almost not felt, the pedicels are pubescent. Inflorescences are simple and terry, the latter are more decorative. The color of the tiger lily depends on the variety, and the color on the buds lasts only a week. Previously, this plant was grown in Asian countries as a food crop. Lily bulbs are edible and taste vaguely reminiscent of potatoes.

Types of tiger lilies

The wild species has become the basis for the creation of many new hybrids and varieties. The tiger lily has an orange peduncle with dark spots on the inside of the bud. Blooms from early July to September. Only patient growers will be able to see the magnificent flowering, because it will have to wait at least 3 years after planting the bulb. In this article, we will look at some of the most popular types of tiger lily.

Splendens

Spectacular variety with orange buds that adorn dark spots. Variety Splendens grows up to 1 meter in height, the peduncle is practically odorless. It grows well in open and shaded areas, the composition of the soil does not matter much. Up to 20 flowers grow on one stem.

Fluffy Leopard

This is the first double tiger lily variety. The inflorescences are bright orange with dark patches, for which the hybrid got its name. The flower consists of 30 petals, on one peduncle there are up to 20 buds at the same time. The leopard is known for its love of sunlight and does not grow well in shady areas.

Pink Tiger

The stem of the plant grows up to 120 cm. The flowers are pink or orange-red with dark dots on the petals. The bud reaches 10 cm in diameter. The plant is grown mainly in greenhouses, thanks to the efforts of professional flower growers. For a beginner in plant growing, caring for a crop may seem too complicated, and besides, the flower is prone to disease.

Flora Pleno

Decorative terry lily that has adapted well to cold weather. It can endure frosts down to -35 degrees. It has an orange color in brown spots, the plant is ideal for decorating flower beds and gardens. Flowering buds consist of 40 petals, the stems are low, only 90 cm. Large flowers grow to the sides, for which they are called hanging. Bulbs need nutritious and neutral soil. The variety is very easy to care for, and transplantation is carried out no more than once every 7 years.

White Tiger

Another type of tiger lily with drooping flowers. She has snow-white buds with cherry points and rich flower stalks. The roots are fully formed only in the 3rd year of the life of the bulb, and flowering usually occurs in July. The diameter of the flowers is 12 cm, outwardly they resemble some varieties of chrysanthemums, such as the Snow Maiden and the Himalayas. In regions where a small amount of snow falls in winter, the plant is covered with sawdust mulch for the winter.

Planting and cultivation of tiger lilies

Anyone can grow lilies, no special skills are required. They grow best in full sun, but can survive in partial shade. Compared to most other ornamental plants, the tiger lily has fewer demands on soil, watering frequency, and maintenance.

Soil

There are no special requirements for the soil, the main thing is that the substrate is rich, not wet and with good drainage. If there is too much water, the bulbs will start to rot and mature plants will have root problems. The soil should be light and nutritious for flowering to be lush. Some growers plant lilies in containers and keep them in the basement until they begin to form roots. With the onset of spring, the containers are transferred to fresh air and transferred together with the roots into open ground. Planting depth – about 3 bulbs.

Site selection

The most suitable site would be a slight rise. This is necessary to avoid flooding the soil. In cold regions, lilies begin to be planted in the spring, and in the south and in the subtropics – in the fall. Ash or lime is added to acidic soil before planting. Heavy soil is loosened with the addition of sand, and light soil is simply deeply loosened. Before planting, apply fertilizers such as humus, potassium salt and superphosphates. You can also use complex mineral fertilizers, and most importantly – do not forget about drainage. To do this, dig a small hole (up to 20 cm), and put a layer of river sand or expanded clay on the bottom. Sand, sphagnum moss, and straw are good alternatives. Then plant the bulb, cover the hole lightly with soil, and water generously. The distance between the holes should be approximately 15 cm for group plantings. The first few years for the winter, tiger lilies are covered with a layer of mulch and spruce branches to give them time to adapt to our winters.

Ways to propagate tiger lilies

Flower growers find it difficult to resist the temptation to plant lilies in groups in their garden. Propagating tiger lilies is very simple and can be done in a variety of ways. Traditionally, the easiest way to get new lilies is from scales, and the hardest thing is seeds, but there are several transitional options for lovers of bulbous plants.

Scale propagation

This is the easiest way to propagate lilies and is suitable for almost all types of bulbs. Scales from the mother bulb are ready for division all year round, but spring is best. Dug out bulbs should be washed and put in the sand so that they are well preserved. In normal tiger lily bulbs, the scales are detached with a simple finger pressure. The damaged ones are thrown away, and the rest are dipped in potassium permanganate for 30 minutes. Then they are taken out and transferred to a bag with river sand or perlite. The package is stored in a dark and dry place. New bulbs should appear in a month and a half. After that, they are stored in the refrigerator for another 1 month for stratification. Young bulbs are carefully separated and planted in open ground or a container.

Propagation by bulbs

Tiger lilies produce bulbs in the leaf axils. If the summer turned out to be wet, there will be many such bulbs, and with abundant flowering, their number decreases. For reproduction in this way, try to remove the buds at the formation stage. Reproduction by bulbs occurs in August, when the lilies should bloom. The soil bulbs are harvested and planted in pre-moistened soil. The main disadvantage is that the flowers on the bulbs appear only after 3 years.

Seed propagation

Reproduction by seeds is a rather long and laborious process. Seedlings begin to grow in February, in containers or in pots. Sowing depth is about 1 cm, the temperature should be at room temperature. Crops in the greenhouse are covered with a film, after the appearance of the first sprouts, the temperature is reduced to +15 degrees, and during the formation of seedlings it is increased to +20. A pick in separate pots is carried out when the first leaf appears. Don’t let the soil get too wet or the tiger lilies will start to rot. Transplantation into open ground is carried out together with an earthen clod, in early April.

Tiger lily care

Tiger lilies are hardy plants that need only the right watering regimen, occasional feeding and direct sunlight. But there are a number of nuances that you should know before starting the growing process. Growing lilies is as easy as planting and caring for knifofia. In addition to this, lilies in group plantings look brighter and more spectacular.

Watering and loosening the soil

When planted in the northern or western part of the garden, the plant practically does not need watering. If the summer turned out to be hot, then you need to water the plant in the morning and in the evening so that the moisture evaporates gradually. Avoid getting water on the leaves – this can cause burns. Pallets with sawdust or sphagnum moss will help retain moisture longer. After flowering, the frequency of watering is reduced to a minimum. Try to weed the garden from weeds as often as possible and remove wilted flower stalks. In the summer, flower stalks are not removed, because they take part in photosynthesis. Preparation for winter begins at the end of August: watering is reduced, and the stem is cut to 8-10 cm. The flowering of the tiger lily can be artificially delayed. To do this, immediately after coloring the buds, remove the lily to a glazed balcony or to a cool greenhouse.

Fertilizers

Fertilizers are applied only in summer, the rest of the time the plant does not need them. During the flowering period, tiger lilies are fed every 2-3 weeks. Compost and complex mineral fertilizers are suitable for these purposes. The plant does not digest organic matter, so manure must be completely eliminated. During transplantation, fertilizers are applied for digging.

Diseases and pests

This bulbous plant is resistant to disease, but due to improper care, it is at risk of infection with rust, gray mold and Fusarium. To combat these diseases, special insecticides and fungicides are used, such as Bordeaux liquid or bactofite. Thrips, hoverflies and, in particular, lily flies can also cause a lot of problems. You can save yourself from this scourge with the help of insecticides. The most popular of them are Aktara and Konfidor. Hybrids are even resistant to a viral disease called lily mosaic. But, if you have plants with a mosaic on your site, you need to immediately destroy the flower, because it will infect all other plants next to it. Brown round spots on the peduncle are a sign of fungus or gray rot. Because of them, the flowers will lose their decorative effect for a long time, but you can still save them. To do this, treat the lilies with a fungicide and replace the top layer of the substrate. Gray rot often occurs due to disturbed irrigation and insufficient lighting.

The use of tiger lilies in landscape design

Professional landscape designers recommend planting tiger lilies in daylilies and daylilies. A flower garden of different varieties of lilies looks very impressive, especially when planted in two or three tiers. The brightest varieties should be in the foreground, for example, Fluffy Leopard. The lower tier should bloom first, followed by the second and third. The distance between the holes should be at least 15 cm. Florists advise diluting lilies with other plants in order to favorably shade their beauty and create interesting compositions. Flowers combine well with peonies, which start blooming before lilies and have lush foliage. Roses look great with lilies if they have the same color of petals. Otherwise, it is better to plant them separately. Most types of phlox and white perennials complement group plantings of lilies.

In houses with a large garden, tiger lilies are planted in green lawns and near borders. Asian varieties of orange are perfect for this task. Species with red flowers make sense to place in the background, along with ground cover plants. Before you create a garden, find out the size of the lily to take into account its texture and the width of the leaves. Yellow hybrids are beautifully combined with daffodils, cinquefoil and tulips. Pink hybrids are planted along with peonies and astilba. Tall lilies are combined with ornamental conifers, such as junipers. On a site with straight paths, lilies are planted on opposite sides of the curb to form a path to the house. Lilies near the gate or front door will help create a romantic mood for the whole day, especially if you choose hybrids with a spicy smell. Many plant lilies in flowerpots to put them indoors for the winter. Tiger lilies in single plantings also look decorative and stand out from the rest of the flowers.

Lilium Tiger Babies, 5pcs, Color Line

• Refers to Tiger hybrids. Plant height 120 cm, flower pale apricot with burgundy specks over the entire surface of the petals, chalmoid, directed to the sides and down. Blooms in July. Plant height 100 cm. Planting time in autumn – August-September or spring – in May. Planting depth – 15-20 cm. Distance between bulbs – 25-35 cm. Planting location – open and shaded places. The plant requires shelter in the first year. Prefers neutral or slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Lily Tiger Babyz is unpretentious, resistant to fungal diseases, winter-hardy. Propagated by bulbs – babies and bulbous scales, bulbs in the axils of the leaves.

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  Illumination of beds:	Sun
  Growing conditions:	open ground

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