Tiger Lilies: A Guide for Gardeners
Tiger lilies are tall, showy flowers that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. They’re also relatively easy to grow, making them a good choice for beginner gardeners.
About Tiger Lilies
Tiger lilies are native to Asia and can be found in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow, red, and white. They typically bloom in the summer and can reach heights of up to 6 feet. Tiger lilies are known for their large, showy flowers, which are often spotted with black or purple.
Growing Tiger Lilies
Tiger lilies are grown from bulbs, which should be planted in the fall. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant the bulbs 6-8 inches deep and 12 inches apart. Water the bulbs well after planting.
Tiger lilies are relatively low-maintenance plants. They don’t require a lot of fertilizer or water. However, they do benefit from being mulched with compost or organic matter. This will help to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
Tiger Lily Care
Tiger lilies are generally pest-free and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to mosaic virus, which can cause distorted or mottled blooms. If you see any signs of mosaic virus, remove the affected plants immediately to prevent the disease from spreading.
Tiger lilies are also attractive to deer and rabbits. To protect your plants, you can fence them in or use deer and rabbit repellent.
Troubleshooting Tiger Lily Problems
Problem: Tiger lily leaves are turning yellow.
Possible cause: The plant is not getting enough water.
Solution: Water the plant deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Problem: Tiger lily flowers are not blooming.
Possible cause: The plant is not getting enough sunlight.
Solution: Move the plant to a sunnier location.
Problem: Tiger lily bulbs are rotting.
Possible cause: The soil is not well-drained.
Solution: Amend the soil with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
Companion Plants for Tiger Lilies
Tiger lilies can be planted with a variety of other plants, including:
- Daylilies
- Hostas
- Irises
- Salvia
- Coneflowers
These plants will help to create a beautiful and diverse garden.
Tiger Lily Varieties
There are many different varieties of tiger lilies available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include:
- Tiger Lily ‘Splendens’: This variety produces large, orange flowers with black spots.
- Tiger Lily ‘Flore Pleno’: This variety produces double flowers that are often pink or white.
- Tiger Lily ‘Black Beauty’: This variety produces dark red flowers with black spots.
- Tiger Lily ‘Pink Tiger’: This variety produces pink flowers with black spots.
- Tiger Lily ‘White Tiger’: This variety produces white flowers with black spots.
Conclusion
Tiger lilies are a beautiful and easy-to-grow addition to any garden. With a little care, they will thrive for years to come.
