The Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium) is a perennial known for its vibrant orange petals covered in dark spots. This plant is a common sight in traditional cottage-style landscapes. Its general hardiness and ability to naturalize easily contribute to its widespread appeal among home gardeners. Understanding the most effective purchasing channels is the first step.
Reliable Sources for Tiger Lily Bulbs and Plants
Tiger Lily bulbs and plants are acquired through local and specialized mail-order options. Local garden centers and large home improvement stores represent the most immediate source for purchasing Tiger Lilies. During the spring planting season, these retailers often stock potted, actively growing plants, allowing inspection of the foliage and stem health directly. Conversely, in the fall, these local outlets typically sell dormant, loose bulbs, allowing for planting before the ground freezes.
For a wider selection of varieties, bulk purchasing, or specific cultivars, mail-order companies and specialized bulb suppliers are the optimal choice. These suppliers offer a greater assurance of quality and genetic purity. Specialized suppliers often ship dormant bulbs during the traditional fall planting window (September to November) or in the very early spring for immediate planting. Buying from a reputable specialist minimizes the risk of receiving mislabeled or diseased stock.
Purchasing in bulk from specialized sources often results in a lower cost per bulb, particularly for larger-grade bulbs that promise more robust first-year blooms. When ordering online, confirming the supplier’s shipping schedule is helpful, as it dictates when the bulbs will arrive and must be planted. These specialized companies usually provide detailed information on the bulb size, frequently using measurements like 16-18 cm circumference.
Essential Facts Before You Purchase
Before finalizing a Tiger Lily purchase, buyers need to understand the different forms the plant is sold in and safety considerations related to household pets. The two main forms of purchase are dormant bulbs and potted plants. Dormant bulbs are the most common and cost-effective way to buy, arriving as storage organs ready for planting. Potted plants, while more expensive, are already established and can be planted later in the season, offering a shortcut to flowering.
A safety consideration is the toxicity of Lilium species to cats. The Tiger Lily (L. lancifolium), like all true lilies, contains an unknown nephrotoxin that can cause kidney failure in felines. Ingestion of even a small amount of any part of the plant—the petals, leaves, pollen, or stem—requires immediate veterinary intervention. Cat owners must take this factor into account when selecting a planting location.
It is important to verify the plant’s identity, as true Tiger Lilies are sometimes confused with Daylilies (Hemerocallis), which are from a different genus. Daylilies do not belong to the Lilium genus, which is what the buyer intends to acquire. Reputable suppliers will use the botanical name Lilium lancifolium to ensure buyers receive the correct plant, which is generally a hardy species.
Proper Handling and Planting Timing
The steps taken after acquiring the Tiger Lily material influence its success in the garden. For dormant bulbs, the optimal planting period is either in the fall, approximately four weeks before the ground freezes, or in the early spring as soon as the soil is workable. Planting in the fall allows the bulb to establish a robust root system over the winter, supporting strong growth the following summer.
If immediate planting is not possible upon arrival, the bulbs should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry location to prevent premature sprouting. Tiger Lily bulbs should be planted at a depth of two to three times their height, with the pointed end facing upward. This depth is important because L. lancifolium is a stem-rooting lily, producing roots along the buried portion of the stem.
Potted Tiger Lilies, which are already growing, should be transplanted after the danger of the last hard frost has passed in the spring. They can be placed directly into the garden at the same soil level as they were in the pot. Unlike dormant bulbs, the timing for potted plants is more flexible, provided the roots are not disturbed excessively during the move.