Melinda Myers

Tiger Lily

Botanical Name

Lilium lancifolium (tigrinum)

Min Zone

3

Max Zone

9

Height

3 to 4 feet

Flowers

Early to late summer: deep orange recurved petals speckled with dark red

Light

Full sun to light shade

Soil

Well-drained

Planting & Care

• Plant lily bulbs in fall
• Plant bulbs at a depth two to three times their length and space at least three times their width apart
• Use a minimum planting depth for those planted in clay soil, the deeper the bulb is planted, the greater the risk of bulb rot
• Add organic matter to heavy clay soil to improve drainage
• Purchase and plant precooled bulbs in the spring as soon as the soil is workable
• Lilies are also sold as plants during the growing season and can be planted whenever available
• Mulch the soil to keep lily roots cool and moist
• Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soil, this can lead to root rot
• Apply a winter mulch after the ground freezes for added insulation and for help in getting the bulbs through challenging winters
• Tolerant of some shade and moist soils

Problems

Rot in poorly drained soil, hardiness, fasciation, aphids, virus