Alphabetical Plant Listing

Tiger Lily: A Bold and Beautiful Garden Addition

Tiger Lilies, Lilium lancifolium, Lilium tigrinum (Lilium Tigrinum)


What is a Tiger Lily?

Tiger Lily is a beautiful and vibrant flowering plant belonging to the genus Lilium.  Its scientific name is Lilium lancifolium or L. tigrinum. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea.

Perennial: Tiger lilies are bulbous perennial flowers, meaning they will come back year after year if properly cared for.

Height: Tiger lilies grow up to 2-5 feet tall (60-150 cm) on slender stems clad with strongly lance-shaped leaves.

Flowers: Tiger lilies boast bright orange blooms covered in black or crimson spots resembling a tiger's skin. These large, unscented flowers are 5 inches (12 cm) and mostly downward-facing, adorned with gracefully recurved tepals and held on long, upright stems. Prolific, mature bulbs can produce up to 40 blossoms (!!!) and will multiply to form clumps over the years.

Bloom time: Tiger lilies usually bloom in mid to late summer (when most other lilies are finished), depending on the climate and growing conditions.

Easy to grow: Tiger lilies are robust and relatively easy to grow. They can thrive in a variety of conditions, including full sun or partial shade and moist or dry soil.

Medicinal properties: In traditional Chinese medicine, tiger lilies have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and sore throat.

Toxicity: While tiger lilies are not toxic to humans, they can be toxic to cats. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Deer: Tiger lilies are considered deer-resistant

Symbolism: The tiger lily is often associated with wealth, prosperity, and good luck in Chinese culture. In the language of flowers, it is said to represent pride and prosperity.

Hardiness: Tiger lilies are hardy plants that can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.

Why Should I Grow Tiger Lilies?

There are several reasons why you might want to consider growing tiger lilies in your garden:

Striking appearance: Tiger lilies are known for their vibrant orange blooms with striking black or crimson spots. They make a bold statement in any garden.

Low maintenance: Tiger lilies are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They are hardy plants that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions.

Attract pollinators: Tiger lilies are a great addition to any pollinator garden. They attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with their bright, showy blooms.

Versatile: Tiger lilies can be planted in a variety of garden settings, including as part of a mixed border or as a focal point in a flower bed. They are also well suited to containers and also make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements (the blossoms can last up to 2 weeks in a vase).

Perennial: Tiger lilies will come back year after year with minimal effort on your part. They can even naturalize and spread over time, creating a stunning display in your garden.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Lilium - Lilies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Height 2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm)
Depth 6" - 8" (15cm - 20cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage

Mark R Coons, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Lilium - Lilies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Height 2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm)
Depth 6" - 8" (15cm - 20cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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