Tiger Lily
Family
Liliaceae
Origin
Asia
Description
Lilium lancifolium tigrinum is a vigorous bulbous perennial with bright and showy, orange-colored flowers covered with black spots, giving the appearance of the skin of the tiger, hence its common name. Amazingly decorative, it features unscented 5 in. blossoms (12 cm), mostly downward facing, with gracefully recurved tepals. Mature bulbs can produce up to 20-25 blossoms and will multiply to form clumps over the years. They arise atop tall, furry stems with narrow, green, lance-shaped leaves.
Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium) bulbs produce striking orange flowers adorned with spots. These are hardy lilies that bloom from June to August in plains and from July to September in hilly regions. Planting is best done between February and March in plains or March and April in hills.
Environment
Lily bulbs can be planted in spring, but getting them into the ground in autumn gives them a head start. Because they are stem rooters and the bulb often anchors a heavy blossom load, it’s critical to sink it at least 6 to 7 inches from top of bulb to top of soil.
Tiger Lilies love full sun, and six hours or more is imperative. Lilies like to have their "head in the sun, feet in the shade." To keep their roots cool, plant them with low-growing annuals, perennials, or grasses. Liliums don't like to be crowded , for healthy growth and good flower production, make sure the plants have enough room around them so sunlight can reach their stems and leaves.
Liliies requires a well drained soil loamy soil. Incorporate organic material into clay soils to increase drainage and nutrients.
Plant lilies in a raised bed to ensure proper drainage. Dig a generous planting hole 8” deep. Put some all-purpose fertilizer in the bottom of the hole and mix it around to disperse. Add a few handfuls of loose soil back into the hole and then position the bulbs so they’re 6 to 7 inches deep. Lilies look best when they are planted in clusters of 3 or more bulbs.
Plant lilies as soon as you get them because the bulbs lack the papery covering (known as a "tunic") that is common to other hardy bulbs, they can dry out quickly in storage.
Landscape Use
Tiger lilies make excellent landscaping additions for flower color in the garden. Their blooms work as great cut flowers making them perfect in flower arrangements
