This ultimate tiger lily care and growth guide will help you grow and care for these lovely blooms, regardless of your gardening experience. Gardeners love tiger lilies’ orange hue and speckled petals. These blooms grow to 3-4 feet and are simple to cultivate. Tiger lilies are Asia-native Lilium lancifolium. Lets know more about this plant.
About Tiger Lily
A flower that might bring back pleasant memories of our grandparents’ gardens is the tiger lily. They stand out due to their striking orange hue and black dots on the petals. The tiger lily’s strong, sweet perfume fills your senses as you go closer, and it may be hypnotic to watch their magnificent flowers sway in the wind.
These beautiful blooms have a long history that begins with their cultivation as a cash crop in China. And it is simple to see why they have been cherished for so long. With its thin, self-supporting stems and powerfully lance-shaped leaves, the tiger lily has a wonderfully stunning look. It is a stunning spectacle whenever the mature bulbs yield up to 40 flowers.
Tiger lilies are unique for other reasons than their beauty, however. These plants may be identified by their purplish-black bulbils, which are located in the leaf axils along the stem. Moreover, they are a popular among gardeners, particularly those who value traditional perennials, because to their durability and lengthy blooming times.
The tiger lily has cultural significance that extends beyond gardens. These flowers were adored for their exotic beauty throughout the Victorian period and often showed up in literature and art. The tiger lily is also known as the Oregon lily in the Western United States. It is a stunning wildflower with yellow petals and brown freckles that bears a tasty, edible bulb.
Table of Contents
The tiger lily isn’t simply a plant, to put it briefly. It represents the splendor of nature, the past of our culture, and even the memories we cherish. Take a minute to enjoy all the elements that make a tiger lily unique the next time you encounter one.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lilium lancifolium (also known as Tiger Lily) |
| Common Name | Tiger Lily |
| Plant Type | Perennial flowering plant |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 3 to 8 |
| Heat Zone | Zones 5 to 8 |
| Climate Zone | Zones 2 to 17 |
| Exposure | Full sun or partial sun |
| Soil Type | Tolerates various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand |
| Soil pH | Can grow in soils with acidic, alkaline, or neutral pH |
| Soil Drainage | Prefers moist, well-drained soil |
| Height | Typically grows 3 to 4 feet tall |
| Spread | Spreads up to 1 to 2 feet wide |
| Bloom Time | Blooms from late summer to early fall |
| Bloom Color | Bright orange with dark spots |
| Water Needs | Requires average watering and prefers evenly moist soil |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance plant |
| Propagation | Propagated by division, bulb offsets, or seeds |
| Characteristics | Has showy flowers that are good for cutting, is a plant of merit, and attracts wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds |
| Tolerance | Deer-resistant |
| Toxicity | Tiger lilies are toxic to cats |
| Uses | Great for mass planting, as a border plant, in containers, or as cut flowers |
Tiger Lily Care
Tiger lilies need proper care to thrive. Tiger lilies need sunshine, water, fertilizer, soil, trimming, and more. Gardeners may grow tiger lilies that bloom year after year by studying their demands.
Light
Tiger lilies are hardy and adaptable to many growth environments. They demand at least six hours of direct sunshine every day and are not as fussy as other blooming plants. These hardy plants need afternoon shade in dry summers. Tiger lilies are low-maintenance and easy-to-grow perennials.
Soil
Tiger Lilies, or Lilium tigrinum, are easy to grow in well-drained soil and enough rainfall. To improve drainage, till and loosen the soil. Peat moss, sand, or straw may improve soil drainage and moisture retention. Tiger Lilies like slightly acidic, rich soil. These easy methods can help your Tiger Lilies flourish in your garden.
Water
Tiger Lilies are low-maintenance and demand medium water. Mature plants prefer regular irrigation. Lilies must be watered shortly after planting and every two or three days. These plants require 2.5 cm of water every week to grow. As standing water might damage plants, stop watering 10 days before harvesting the bulbs.
Tiger Lilies require the most water while they’re planted, transplanted, and growing. Because to their drought tolerance, the plants are easy to care for once established. Low-maintenance perennial gardeners love their gorgeous blossoms.
Temperature and humidity
Tiger Lilies can withstand 25 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a good option for gardeners in lower climes. Tiger lily bulbs planted in the garden are sheltered by a thick mulch, assuring their spring emergence. But, cold temperatures may damage dormant tiger lilies in pots.
Tiger lilies are dormant in winter, and their bulbs can withstand cold temperatures. For insulation, mulch their planting place with at least two inches.
Tiger lilies may grow in wet and dry conditions if the soil is moist. They thrive between 65–75°F and 50–70% humidity. Tiger lilies are beautiful in tropical and arid climates.
Fertilizer
Tiger lilies need little fertilizing and are low-maintenance. They may grow and blossom better with some extra nutrition.
Once or twice a year, add compost around the plant base to supply nutrients. This enriches the soil and gives roots organic materials. In late April, apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to keep the soil cool and wet over the summer.
5-10-5 fertilizer helps boost blooming. Use this high-potassium liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks from planting to 6 weeks after blooming. This will provide the plants additional nutrition for flowering.
Pruning
Tiger lilies seldom need trimming, but if you must, do it in autumn before winter. The plant’s leaves naturally turn yellow and die back towards the end of summer in preparation for its winter dormancy. The plant loses leaves at this period.
To prevent lilies from spending energy on seeds, remove fading blossoms. After flowering, you may remove the stem. Leaves feed the bulb, so don’t remove them until they’ve died and gone brown in the autumn.
Propagation
Tiger lilies may develop from bulbils or division. Division produces mature plants quicker than bulbils, which require two years.
Tiger lilies bloom late summer and produce bulbils. The bulbils develop new plants, not the blooms. If left alone, bulbils will fall to the ground and root, forming new Tiger lily plants.
How to Grow Tiger Lily from Seeds?
Growing tiger lilies from bulbils is a fun and easy way to add these beautiful flowers to your garden. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow tiger lilies from bulbils:
Materials you will need:
- Tiger lily bulbils
- Potting mix or well-draining soil
- Small pots or containers
- Watering can
- Fertilizer (optional)
Step 1: Harvest and Prepare the Bulbils
Tiger lily bulbils usually ripen on their parent plant in the fall. Wait until they have fully matured and become brown before harvesting them. Once you have harvested the bulbils, remove any remaining plant debris or dirt.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Fill small pots or containers with potting mix or well-draining soil. Make sure the soil is moist but not soaking wet.
Step 3: Plant the Bulbils
Place the bulbils on top of the soil in the pot. Plant them 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Do not bury them too deep, as they need access to sunlight to germinate.
Step 4: Water the Bulbils
Water the soil well after planting the bulbils. Maintain a wet but not soggy soil.
Step 5: Provide Adequate Light and Temperature
Put the pots somewhere warm and bright that gets at least six hours of sunshine every day. Tiger lilies like temperatures between 60 and 75°F (15 and 24°C).
Step 6: Care for the Seedlings
Keep an eye on the soil moisture levels and water as needed. If the soil appears dry, water the bulbs gently. Once the bulbils start to grow, you can fertilize them every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Step 7: Transplanting the Bulbils
You may transfer the seedlings into your garden after they are 3 inches tall or so. Choose a location with sunny, draining soil. Be careful to space the bulbils at least 6 inches apart and plant them at a depth of 2 to 3 inches.
With proper care and attention, your tiger lily bulbils should start to grow into beautiful, mature plants. Enjoy the stunning blooms and the sweet fragrance they provide.
Tiger Lily Problems
Tiger lilies are magnificent perennials with orange flowers and black markings. Yet, they might have health and growth issues.
Tiger lilies can suffer from overwatering. Overwatering tiger lilies causes root rot and other issues. Make sure the soil drains and the plant is not in standing water.
Tiger lilies also have drainage issues. Root rot may result from waterlogging soil. Make sure the soil drains effectively and the plant is not in water to avoid this issue.
Also Check out – Tiger Lily Meanings.
Diseases
Lily mosaic virus affects tiger lilies. The virus stunts development and generates mottled yellow-green leaves. Lily mosaic virus is incurable, thus diseased plants must be killed.
Basal rot is a fungal disease that can kill a plant. Avoid overwatering and ensure well-draining soil to prevent base rot. If you see base rot symptoms like a bad smell or charred stem, throw the plant away, not in the compost pile.
Pests
Tiger lilies also struggle with aphids. These small insects feed on plant sap and may yellow and curl leaves. Insecticidal soap or neem oil helps control aphids.
Tiger lily pests include the red lily beetle. These crimson beetles eat the plant’s leaves and blooms and defoliate it swiftly. Red lily beetles can be handpicked or killed with insecticidal soap.
Tiger lilies are simple to cultivate and adaptable. You can maintain your tiger lilies healthy and lovely by watering, draining, and watching for pests and illnesses.
Toxicity
Tiger lilies are beautiful garden plants, but dogs may be poisoned by them. Tiger lily leaves, stems, blooms, and bulbs are toxic to pets.
Tiger lilies are poisonous to cats, according to the ASPCA. The plant may induce vomiting, tiredness, lack of appetite, and renal failure in tiny doses. Tiger lilies may induce vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, although they are less susceptible.
Tiger lilies are hazardous to pets according to the Pet Poison Helpline, Veterinary Information Network, and other trustworthy sources. These publications advise against dogs eating lilies.
If you believe your pet has eaten a tiger lily, seek veterinarian attention immediately. Inducing vomiting, using activated charcoal to absorb toxins, and providing supportive care such fluids and renal medicines may be used.
Tiger lilies are lovely and popular garden plants, but they may be poisonous to dogs. Avoiding tiger lilies and other lilies with dogs helps avoid accidental intake and health issues. See a vet if you think your pet ate a tiger lily.
References:
ASPCA. (2022). Tiger Lily. URL https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/plants/tiger-lily
Pet Poison Helpline. (2022). Lily Toxicity. URL https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/lily/
Veterinary Information Network. (n.d.). Lilies. URL https://www.vin.com/veterinarypartner/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952066
Final words
Finally, tiger lilies give color and energy to your yard. After planting, these lovely blooms demand little maintenance. Plant them in a sunny place with well-draining soil, water them frequently, and fertilize them annually. To maintain their appearance, prune them periodically. This comprehensive tiger lily care and growing guide will help you confidently cultivate these lovely blooms in your yard.
References used in Care Guide:
- Hardiness Zone, Heat Zone, and Climate Zone: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone Map. URL: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/
- Exposure, Water Needs, Maintenance, Soil Type, Soil pH, Soil Drainage, Height, Spread, Bloom Time, and Bloom Color: Missouri Botanical Garden. URL: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l570
- Propagation: University of Minnesota Extension. URL: https://extension.umn.edu/flowers/tiger-lilies#propagation-810671
- Characteristics: National Garden Bureau. URL: https://ngb.org/year-of/lily/
- Tolerance: Rutgers University New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. URL: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/deer-resistant-plants/plant/tiger-lily/
- Attracts: University of Florida IFAS Extension. URL: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/leon/docs/pdf/horticulture/flowers/tiger-lilies.pdf
- Toxicity: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). URL: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/tiger-lily
- Uses: Clemson Cooperative Extension. URL: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/tiger-lily/
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