9 named cultivars

bulb corm tuber

Tiger Lily

Lilium lancifolium

The Story

Plant Bio

A vigorous, bulbous perennial with tall, erect stems bearing glossy, lance-shaped leaves. Known for its large, nodding, Turk's cap flowers and the production of black bulbils in the leaf axils, which aid in its spread.

Distinctive for its large, recurved, Turk's-cap orange petals heavily spotted with purplish-black. It readily naturalizes and spreads via small, black bulbils that form in the leaf axils.

Uses & Benefits:

Lilium lancifolium provides striking, vibrant flowers that add height and color to gardens and floral arrangements.

Its bulbs can be propagated easily, offering reliable annual blooms.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

48 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Extremely toxic to cats. Mildly toxic to humans and other pets if ingested.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck bulbs 6-8 inches deep in well-drained soil in spring.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around bulbs.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during early spring and after blooming.
Stake tall stems to prevent toppling in windy areas.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall for rejuvenation.

Pro Tip

Plant lilies in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil for best blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during active growth 🌱
Apply fertilizer in early spring and after flowering
Support tall stems with stakes to prevent damage

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
Do not plant in heavy, poorly-drained clay soil
Refrain from cutting back foliage until it yellows naturally

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Plant
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tall, elegant border plantVase-cut floral arrangementAccent in woodland gardens

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Daylilies Salvia Coreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tiger Lily questions

What zones can Tiger Lily grow in?

Tiger Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tiger Lily deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tiger Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tiger Lily bloom?

Tiger Lily typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tiger Lily need full sun?

Tiger Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.