Peacock Flower, Tiger Flower, Jockey's Cap Lily, Mexican Shell Flower
Tigridia pavonia, also known as the Tiger Flower, is a striking and vibrant summer-blooming plant featuring exotic and colorful flowers with unique tiger-like markings, adding a touch of tropical beauty to any garden.
Tigridia pavonia, commonly known as Mexican Shell Flower or Tiger Flower, is a species of flowering perennial plant in the Iris family (Iridaceae). Native to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, this plant showcases spectacular, uniquely patterned flowers that are fleeting in nature but leave a lasting impression. Its name, Tigridia, is derived from the Latin word ‘tigris’, due to the tiger-like spots on its petals.
Description and Size: Tigridia pavonia is a bulbous perennial that can grow up to 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall. Its grass-like foliage, consisting of sword-shaped green leaves, forms a compact clump from which a slender, erect stem arises. Each stem can produce several flowers. Tiger flowers commence growth in spring and generally die back during autumn.
Flowers: The flowers are the real showstopper with their strikingly exotic appearance. They are large, up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, and come in a variety of colors, such as red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. Each flower, although short-lived, is an intricate work of art, making Tigridia pavonia a captivating addition to any garden. It consists of three large one-color petals flanking three small spotted petals that emerge from a similarly-speckled center cup.
Blooming Season: Tigridia pavonia flowers from mid to late summer, typically July to September. Despite each flower lasting only a day, the blooming season is extended due to the sequential flowering nature of the plant.
Hardiness: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10. In cooler climates, the bulbs can be dug up before the first frost and stored indoors during the winter to be replanted in the spring.
Uses: Its showy, exotic flowers make Tigridia pavonia a fantastic choice for a summer garden, creating a tropical ambiance. They are excellent for planting in containers, borders, or as a part of a cutting garden.
Pollinators: The bright, striking flowers attract a range of pollinators including bees and butterflies, adding to the plant’s ecological value.
Toxicity: Tigridia pavonia does not have any known toxicity to humans or pets. As a matter of fact, the bulbs of Tigridia pavonia were eaten by the Aztecs and are still consumed in some parts of Mexico today.
Deer and Rabbit: Tigridia pavonia is not typically favored by deer or rabbits, making it a suitable choice for gardens that struggle with these pests.
Drought: Once established, Tigridia pavonia is somewhat drought-tolerant, although it prefers regular watering during its growing and blooming seasons.
Invasiveness: Tigridia pavonia is not considered invasive in most areas. However, always check local guidelines before introducing new plant species to your garden.
Despite its tropical appearance, Tigridia pavonia is surprisingly easy to grow, provided it has a sunny position and well-draining soil.
Tiger flowers, or Tigridia pavonia, can bring an extraordinary flair to any garden. Here are several reasons why you should consider growing them:
Exotic Beauty: The vibrant, uniquely patterned flowers of Tigridia pavonia are a sight to behold. With their mix of bold colors and spotted petal bases, they add a touch of the exotic to any garden.
Fascinating Blooming Pattern: Though each flower lasts only one day, each stem produces multiple flowers that bloom successively, ensuring a display that lasts through the summer. This unusual pattern adds an element of anticipation and surprise to your garden.
Ease of Cultivation: Despite their tropical appearance, tiger flowers are surprisingly hardy and adaptable. They’re easy to grow, especially in well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Pollinator-Friendly: The vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
Pest Resistance: Tiger flowers aren’t typically a preferred meal for deer or rabbits, making them an excellent choice if you have these visitors in your garden.
Versatility: Whether used in borders, pots, or as cut flowers, the flexibility of tiger flowers allows you to get creative with your garden design.
Drought Tolerance: Once established, these flowers show a degree of drought tolerance, making them a good choice for gardens in drier climates or water-conscious gardeners.
| Hardiness |
8 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
3 - 12 |
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs |
| Genus | Tigridia |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid, Late) |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread | 5" (13cm) |
| Spacing | 5" (13cm) |
| Depth | 3" (8cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral, Acid |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Drought |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
The vibrant and unique blooms of the Tiger Flower, or Tigridia pavonia, make it an excellent choice for creating a focal point in your garden. Here are some ideas for incorporating this stunning flower into your garden design:
Mixed Borders: Tiger Flowers can add dramatic impact to mixed borders with their exotic, colorful blooms. Consider pairing them with other sun-loving, summer-blooming perennials like Echinacea, Rudbeckia, or Agapanthus to create a succession of flowers that keep your garden vibrant from spring through fall.
Tropical Themes: Given their exotic appearance, Tiger Flowers are perfect for tropical-themed gardens. Pair them with other bold, brightly coloured flowers such as Cannas, Dahlias, or Hibiscus for an eye-catching display.
Rock Gardens: Tigridia pavonia’s tolerance for well-draining soil makes it suitable for rock gardens. Their unique blooms can add a touch of colour and interest amidst the rocks.
Container Planting: Due to their size, Tiger Flowers can be effectively grown in containers. This allows you to move the containers around your garden or patio to create different effects or to bring them indoors when the weather cools.
Cut Flower Gardens: The unique, one-day blooms of the Tiger Flower make for interesting and conversation-starting cut flowers. If you have a section of your garden dedicated to cut flowers, definitely consider adding these.
Mass Planting: Planting Tiger Flowers en masse can create a spectacular show. Since each flower only lasts a day but is quickly replaced by another, a large grouping can provide a vibrant and continually changing display.
Remember, Tiger Flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are summer-blooming bulbs, so you’ll want to plant them in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. With their striking blooms and unusual features, they are sure to add an exotic touch to any garden design.
Growing Tiger Flowers is a straightforward process. They thrive in warm climates and produce unique, colorful blooms that will draw attention. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Selecting a Location: Tigridia pavonia prefers full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of light, ideally six to eight hours a day.
Soil Preparation: These plants prefer well-drained soil. They can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy, as long as the soil drains well. If your soil is heavy clay or very sandy, consider amending it with compost or other organic matter to improve its texture and fertility.
Planting: Tigridia pavonia is grown from bulbs. Plant the bulbs 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) deep and about 5 inches (12 cm) apart in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. The pointed end of the bulb should be facing upwards.
Watering: Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting. Then, provide regular watering throughout the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plants with a balanced flower fertilizer when the plants begin to grow.
Division: Tigridia grows from bulbs that produce offsets, eventually forming large clumps. They should be divided every three years to maintain a relatively compact clump.
Overwintering: In zones cooler than USDA 8, you’ll need to dig up the bulbs in the fall after the foliage has died back. Store them in a dry, cool place over the winter and replant in the spring.
Pests and Diseases: Tigridia pavonia is relatively disease-free, but keep an eye out for common bulb problems such as bulb rot.
| Hardiness |
8 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
3 - 12 |
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs |
| Genus | Tigridia |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid, Late) |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread | 5" (13cm) |
| Spacing | 5" (13cm) |
| Depth | 3" (8cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral, Acid |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Drought |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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