Tiger lilies, scientifically known as Lilium lancifolium or Lilium tigrinum, are striking perennial flowers celebrated for their vibrant appearance. These bulbs produce tall, sturdy stems topped with abundant blooms. Their distinctive look and relatively easy care make them a popular choice for gardeners.
Understanding Tiger Lilies
Tiger lilies are easily recognized by their large, typically orange flowers with dark spots, resembling a tiger’s markings. Their petals are strongly recurved, bending backward towards the stem, giving the flower a distinctive shape. These unscented blooms can measure about five inches across and often face downward on upright stems, reaching heights of 2 to 5 feet.
A notable feature is the small, black, pea-like bulbils that form in the leaf axils along the stem. These miniature bulbs can be harvested and used for propagation. Tiger lilies are also known for their hardiness, thriving in USDA zones 3 through 9, and their ability to naturalize and spread, even appearing along roadsides.
Planting and Growing Tiger Lilies
Tiger lilies require proper site selection and soil preparation. They perform best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, tolerating some partial shade in hotter climates. Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent bulb rot; amend heavy clay soils with compost, sand, or peat moss to improve drainage and achieve a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-6.5).
Plant tiger lily bulbs in fall or early spring. Plant bulbs pointed end upward, 4 to 6 inches deep, or roughly two to three times their size. Space bulbs 8 to 12 inches apart for air circulation and to prevent overcrowding as they mature. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Consistent moisture is important during their active growing season. Water deeply about once a week, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent bulb rot. Regular watering promotes healthier growth and abundant blooms, though mature plants tolerate some drought. A light application of a balanced granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring can support growth.
General maintenance keeps plants thriving. Deadheading spent flowers encourages bulb development, but leaving seed pods allows for bulbil formation if propagation is desired. Due to their height, some tiger lilies benefit from staking in windy areas. Mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
Propagating Tiger Lilies
Tiger lilies can be propagated using bulbils or by dividing established clumps. Harvest bulbils in late summer to fall when mature and easily detached. Plant bulbils 1/2 to 1 inch deep in moist, well-draining soil; new plants may take two to three years to flower.
Dividing mature bulbs is another method to increase stock and prevent overcrowding. The best time to divide is in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back, or in early spring. Carefully dig up the plant, gently separate individual bulbs, and replant them immediately at the recommended depth and spacing. This method often results in new plants that bloom more quickly than those started from bulbils.
Common Problems and Solutions
Tiger lilies are robust, but can encounter issues. Pests like the lily beetle can damage foliage and flowers; regular inspection and manual removal helps manage infestations. Aphids and spider mites may also appear, causing yellowing leaves, and can be addressed with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap.
Fungal diseases, such as botrytis blight, can appear as brown spots on leaves, often from poor air circulation or excessive moisture. To prevent such issues, ensure proper spacing between plants and water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage. Lack of flowering may indicate insufficient light, water, nutrients, or overcrowded bulbs requiring division. Adequate sunlight, consistent watering, and periodic division promote vigorous blooming.
Tiger Lily Toxicity
Tiger lilies are toxic, especially to pets. All parts, including flowers, stems, leaves, and pollen, are highly toxic to cats. Ingestion, even of small amounts, can lead to severe, fatal kidney failure. Symptoms in cats include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
While tiger lilies are considered mildly toxic to humans and other pets, they can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Due to the danger to felines, cat owners should exercise extreme caution or avoid planting tiger lilies in gardens accessible to their pets. If a cat is suspected of ingesting any part of a tiger lily, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.