I have several types of lilies in my garden. Theyre a natural choice because they grow well in my climate. But the one that stands out is a double tiger lily. Its so easy to grow, I almost forget about it until the orange flowers with dark spots open up in mid-summer.
Tiger lilies are a gorgeous addition to any garden with their bright orange petals speckled with dark spots Their exotic look is eye-catching and distinct. Though they may seem delicate, tiger lilies are actually quite hardy and easy to grow With just a little care, you can have beautiful tiger lily blooms in your own yard every summer.
An Overview of Tiger Lilies
Tiger lilies, also known by their botanical name Lilium lancifolium, are herbaceous perennials. They grow from bulbs and have strap-like leaves that can reach 1 foot in length. Their stems grow 3 to 5 feet tall and produce typically curved orange flowers in summer.
Tiger lily blooms can also come in red, yellow, white and pink through hybridization. All varieties feature dark spots on the petals. The pollen is toxic to humans, and the plant is also toxic to cats.
These flowers are native to Asia and very winter hardy. They grow in USDA zones 3-9 tolerating cold winters and hot summers. Established plants can withstand some drought.
While tiger lilies will spread through bulb offsets, they are not considered invasive. They make excellent cut flowers and also attract hummingbirds.
Choosing the Right Location
Sunlight is key for growing vibrant tiger lilies. These plants need at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is ideal, with some afternoon shade if possible.
For the best drainage, plant your bulbs in beds rather than lawns. Amend clay soils with compost. Sandy soils will retain more moisture. Loamy soil rich in organic matter is ideal.
Good airflow is also important to prevent fungal diseases. Give each bulb about 8 inches of space all around. Plant them in the background of beds behind shorter plants.
When to Plant Tiger Lily Bulbs
Spring and fall are the best times to plant your tiger lily bulbs. This gives the roots time to establish before winter arrives or summer heat kicks in.
Aim to plant about 2-3 weeks before your area typically sees freezing temperatures in fall or spring. Check your local frost dates if you’re not sure.
Container-grown bulbs can be planted anytime during the growing season as long as you water them regularly until established.
How to Plant Tiger Lily Bulbs
First dig holes 2-3 times deeper than the height of your bulb. Place the bulb in the hole with the roots facing down and the shoots pointing up. The tip should sit right at soil level.
Space bulbs 8 inches apart if planting in groups. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly after planting.
Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the bulbs to insulate the soil. Organic mulches like pine bark work well. Maintain the mulch layer by refreshing it in spring and fall.
Caring for Tiger Lilies
Fortunately, tiger lilies aren’t too needy once established. Just be sure to provide adequate water, nutrition and pest control. Here are some tips:
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Water your tiger lilies weekly during the first year, and about 1 inch per week thereafter. Less water is needed in rainy periods.
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Fertilize with compost or bulb food twice per year – in spring as growth starts and in fall as it slows down.
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Remove spent flowers just below the bloom to encourage more buds.
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Cut back yellow foliage in fall to keep your garden looking tidy.
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Watch for aphids and lily leaf beetles. Use insecticidal soap sprays to control them.
Dividing Tiger Lily Bulbs
After 2-3 years, your tiger lily bulbs willmultiply quickly and bloom production will decrease. Dividing them is an easy way to control spread and invigorate growth.
Use a garden fork to gently dig up bulbs in early fall once foliage fades. Carefully separate the bulbs, replanting them 8 inches apart in amended soil.
Dividing every few years ensures your tiger lilies stay healthy and vibrant for years to come. It also gives you fresh bulbs to expand your planting area or share with gardening friends.
Growing Tiger Lilies in Containers
Tiger lilies make excellent container plants, adding a punch of color to patios, decks and entryways. Choose a pot at least 10 inches deep with drainage holes. Fill with a quality potting mix.
Plant bulbs in spring, placing one bulb per pot. Add mulch on top of the soil to retain moisture. Move containers to a sheltered spot for winter.
Water container lilies whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Apply liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Repot in a larger container as needed.
Common Problems With Tiger Lilies
When provided with suitable growing conditions, tiger lilies are generally trouble-free. But here are some potential problems to watch for:
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Foliage yellowing – Usually a sign of overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Leaves with holes – Caused by lily leaf beetles; use insecticidal soap sprays.
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Brown spots on leaves/stems – Likely anthracnose fungus; improve air circulation.
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Failure to bloom – Can indicate overcrowded bulbs that need division or insufficient sunlight.
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Drooping – Indicates too much water. Allow soil to dry somewhat before watering again.
Enjoying Gorgeous Tiger Lily Blooms
With their unique speckled petals in warm orange tones, tiger lilies add striking elegance to gardens. Follow this guide for growing success with these exotic looking flowers. A little TLC will be rewarded with their bold beauty for years to come.
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How to Get Tiger Lily to Bloom
Tiger lilies are one of the late-flowering plants, blooming by mid to late summer each year. While the flowers only bloom once annually, the bloom period can stretch into early fall.
How to Grow Tiger Lily From Seed
It’s easy to grow tiger lilies from their seeds or bulbils. Plant them in the fall after they’ve ripened on their parent plant or in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Take these steps:
- Plant each bulbil and root downward, roughly 1/2 to 1 inch deep in the soil.
- Place them in a spot that receives bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy.
- Root growth will occur over the winter, followed by foliage growth once the temperature warms in the spring.
How to Propagate Tiger Lilies from Bulbils || Quick & Easy Guide
FAQ
Do tiger lilies grow back every year?
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The Sprucehttps://www.thespruce.comHow to Grow and Care for Tiger Lilies – The SpruceApr 23, 2025 — Tiger lilies only bloom once a year, producing as many as 10 flowers per stem. If your tiger lilies have substantially reduced their flower output,
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Gardenia.nethttps://www.gardenia.netTiger Lily: A Bold and Beautiful Garden AdditionDeadheading: Removing spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Division: Tiger lilies can become crowded over time and may benefit from di…
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The Martha Stewart Bloghttps://www.themarthablog.comBlooming Tiger Lilies – The Martha Stewart Blog
What month do you plant tiger lilies?
Tiger lilies are perennial flowers, and they will grow back every year. When is the best time to plant tiger lilies? Plant the lily bulbs in the fall or spring. Blooms will be expected by mid-to-late summer.
Do tiger lilies multiply on their own?
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These are small, bulb-like structures that form in the leaf axils along the stem. They can be removed and planted to create new plants, says Gardening Charlotte.
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These are small, underground bulbs that grow from the base of the parent bulb. They will develop their own roots and become new, independent plants.
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Natural Division:As a mature plant, a tiger lily bulb will naturally produce new bulbs at its base. This process results in a clump of lilies growing from a single bulb.
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Seeds:Tiger lilies can also reproduce through seeds that form in a pod after pollination. However, seed propagation is generally less common than bulbil or bulblet propagation.
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Spreading:If left undisturbed in a suitable environment (sheltered spot, fertile, well-drained soil), tiger lilies can spread rapidly, notes Sarah Raven.
Can tiger lilies grow in pots?
You can also grow tiger lilies in pots filled with a quality potting mix. Grow tiger lilies in slightly acidic soil. Slightly acidic soil has a pH of 7 or less. You can purchase a soil testing kit from most home improvement stores. The testing kits have probes or paper strips that gauge the soil’s pH rating.
How do you grow Tiger Lilies?
Amend the soil to grow big, healthy lilies. To raise the pH, mix agricultural limestone into the soil. Lower the pH by adding sulfur or sulfate to the soil. Organic compost can also reduce the pH over time. Plant tiger lilies in early fall or spring.
Can tiger lilies grow in acidic soil?
Grow tiger lilies in slightly acidic soil. Slightly acidic soil has a pH of 7 or less. You can purchase a soil testing kit from most home improvement stores. The testing kits have probes or paper strips that gauge the soil’s pH rating. Amend the soil to grow big, healthy lilies.
Where do tiger lilies grow?
She gardens in zone 4 in Vermont. Soil: Tiger lilies can grow in a range of soil pH’s, from acidic to alkaline, but their favorite is well-draining soil that contains lots of organic matter such as dying leaves or compost.
How to grow tiger lily seeds?
Ensure that the seeds are from the tiger lily variety you desire to grow, as there are different types available. Before sowing tiger lily seeds, you need to prepare the planting area adequately. Choose a location that receives partial shade, as tiger lilies thrive in these conditions. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Do Tiger Lilies need soil preparation?
Proper soil preparation results in healthier tiger lily plants that produce more and bigger blooms. Tiger lily care involves little work after plants are established, as they are somewhat drought tolerant. When growing tiger lilies, you’ll find they often thrive with existing rainfall.