Tiger lily: description
Tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium) is a bulbous plant of the lily family. It comes from East Asia and Japan and is commonly grown in gardens. The lily lancifolium is called the tiger lily because of its tiger-like coloration.
This plant reaches a height of 60 to 150 cm in height. Straight lanceolate leaves 6-10 cm long, located on an erect thick stem. Forms fleshy flower bulbs with a diameter of about 3 cm. Over time, adnexal bulbs appear on them.
Large, (up to 10 cm in diameter) single flowers hang on stems and are collected in racemose inflorescences. Consist of 6 petals and perianth. Orange-red petals with distinct dark specks are twisted outwards. The plant blooms in July and August.
They can be combined with many other perennials. At the base, it is worth planting low plants, for example, ground covers, in order to partially cover the unattractive lower part of the shoot. In addition, tiger lilies can be planted in small groups along the sidewalk, fences, in a separate place on the lawn and along the walls.
Lily flowers are suitable for cutting – they last a long time in a vase. The tiger lily is also known for its intense fragrance. Like many other lilies, it is a highly poisonous plant.
How to grow tiger lilies?
Tiger lilies do not usually require much care. The species is less demanding than many other members of the genus. Once established, tiger lilies require little to no care, except for a little pruning in the fall. This annual pruning will help prevent the spread of plant diseases in the garden and may also help reduce pest populations.
In the spring, they can be divided to form new plants, or simply let them come to life on their own. However, they take several years to take root, especially if grown from a bulb.
Tiger lilies grow and bloom best in a sunny location (they will have fewer flowers in partial shade). In warmer climates, they will also accept partial shade, especially if the shade falls during the heat of the day.
They like fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is moderately moist. Wet soil, periodically filled with water, does not suit them. Poorer sandy soils are good for these plants. They will also grow in clay soil, but they will take longer to establish and drainage will be a problem.
Note! Once established, tiger lilies require little to no care, except for a little pruning in the fall. However, they take several years to take root, especially if grown from a bulb.
Rooted tiger lily plants are relatively drought tolerant and can survive in arid climates provided they receive an average amount of water.
The extra moisture will stimulate further plant growth. Young plants may need more watering until they develop deep roots. They should be watered during dry periods.
Tiger lilies do not need much fertilizer. Organic fertilizers are optimal for top dressing. Minerals with a high content of phosphorus and potassium are also good. Applying a layer of compost around the base of the plants once or twice a year will provide them with the nutrition they need.
Note! Mulching during the hottest and driest times of the year will help keep the roots cool and the soil moist. Mulching weakens the growth of weeds and reduces the evaporation of moisture from the soil.
Fading blooms are regularly removed to reduce energy loss for further flowering. The plant is frost-resistant, hibernates in the ground.
Lily tiger: reproduction
They can stay in one place for many years, they do not like transplantation. The deterioration of flowering from year to year, as well as excessive density, is the time to transplant lilies. When transplanting, adnexal bulbs are separated from the mother bulb (vegetative propagation).
Additional Information! When dividing the bulbs, dig up the entire plant at rest and carefully separate the bulbs. They are transplanted as individual plants with the pointed side up.
The optimal time for planting bulbs is September (work can be carried out in the spring). Tiger lily bulbs are planted at a depth corresponding to their three times height (usually 10-15 cm), in width – 25-30 cm.
In addition, they also produce aerial bulbs in the axils of the leaves, which sometimes take root as they fall to the ground in autumn. Lilies propagated by air bulbs will not bloom until a few years after planting.
Pests and diseases
The tiger lily plant is susceptible to two pests: aphids and the lily beetle. Resistant to most common lily diseases, however, they are known carriers of lily mosaic virus.
Although lily mosaic virus does not directly harm lilies in most cases, it can quickly spread to other lily varieties in the vicinity, especially if aphids are present. For this reason, it is important to keep tiger lily plants separate from other lily species.
The biggest disease affecting tiger lilies is root rot. Present in warm, moist soil, causes plant bulb rot and can be disastrous.
This is best prevented by ensuring excellent drainage in the soil and avoiding over-watering during the summer months.
Tiger lilies: varieties
New and interesting cultivars of lilies are being bred, making beautiful garden lilies widely available. The number of varieties of tiger lily is quite large, and individual plants vary in height, as well as the number, size and color of flowers.
Over time, cultivars were developed with white, yellow, red or pink petals in addition to the popular orange tiger lily flowers.
- Strawberry Event – rich red flowers with brown or burgundy-purple, very dense spots. Reaches an average of 100 cm in height.
- Straciatella Even with burgundy-purple flowers with a white tint at the tips of the petals. The height can exceed 100 cm.
- Chocolate Event – variety with bright peach petals. Reaches 100 -120 cm in height.
The tiger lily blooms only once a year. However, its flowering is more abundant than most lilies, and produces up to 10 flowers per stem.
