Tiger lily - Lilium lancifolium (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Tiger lily

Also known as: Japanese lily

Tiger lily gets its name from its flower color: black marks on orange background resemble the skin of a tiger. But keep it away from housecats because it’s poisonous to our feline friends. This is an extremely hardy plant, making it popular in chilly New England.

Scientific classification

Species

Tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium)

Lilies, supplejacks and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

80 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

12 cm

Flower Size

Orange, Red, Purple, Yellow, Pink

Flower Color

Green, Purple

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Tiger lily

Distribution of Tiger lily

Distribution Map

Tiger lily is native to eastern Asia, where it grows on grassy slopes, thickets, and river banks. It has been widely cultivated throughout parts of Europe and eastern North America. However, it has been listed as a weed in southern Australia and New Zealand.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woodlands

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Tiger lily is prized for its distinctive orange blooms, which really stand out in sunny gardens. Used to add bright splashed of color, often behind lower-growing plants, the bulbs can be planted near shallow-rooting annuals like cosmos, marigolds, pansies, and snapdragons to ensure a constant display of color in the garden through the spring and summer.

Symbolism

Prosperity

Name Story

Tiger lily: It is one of several species of the lily to which the common name tiger lily is applied, and some regard this as the correct species for the name. Botanists for many years considered L. tigrinum the correct botanical name until it was determined that the older name L. lancifolium refers to the same species as well. However, tiger lily is still used as its common name to this day.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Tiger lily, including the following common varieties :

Tiger lily 'Flore Pleno'Tiger lily 'Splendens'Tiger lily 'King Pete'

Toxicity

Tiger lily is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Ingesting tiger lily causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans and severe symptoms in cats and dogs, particularly from the bulb. For pets, signs include vomiting, lethargy, and kidney failure. Immediate veterinary intervention is crucial to manage these risks. Keep tiger lily away from children and cognitively impaired individuals to prevent accidental ingestion.

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Quickly Identify Tiger lily

Wide bowl-shaped flower with 6 curved orange petals adorned with dark spots.

Long stalks reaching up to 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) tall.

Bright green lance-shaped leaves in whorled arrangement.

Petals spanning 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter.

Visually striking black to dark purple spots on orange petals.

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Care Guide for Tiger lily

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Native to East Asia, tiger lily thrives in moderate moisture levels. It needs weekly watering to avoid waterlogging. As a perennial herb in gardens, tiger lily benefits from mulching, which retains soil moisture and regulates root temperature, promoting growth during the season.

Fertilize: For tiger lily, apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK) bi-weekly in spring/summer, switching to monthly in fall. Use half the recommended dose to avoid over-fertilization. Water beforehand to enhance nutrient absorption and prevent damage to stems and leaves, adjusting for dormancy periods.

Pruning: Tiger lily showcases large orange blooms with black spots. Prune in early spring to remove damaged stems and spent flowers, enhancing vigor and bloom quality. Clean tools to prevent disease. Regular pruning promotes resilience and maintains aesthetic appeal.

Propagation: Tiger lily propagates effectively in Spring from tubers. Successful propagation is indicated by healthy sprouting. To propagate, carefully divide tubers ensuring each section contains a growing point, and plant them immediately for best results.

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Images of Tiger lily

Distribution of Tiger lily

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Tiger lily

Care Guide for Tiger lily

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