Tiger Lily Lilium lancifolium 'Splendens' (Ixc/d)
ABOUT
The Splendens variety of the Tiger Lily is a distinctive and visually stunning flowering plant loved for its remarkable blooms. The flowers of the Tiger Lily 'Splendens' feature bold, bright orange petals that are spotted with dark brown or black freckles. These eye-catching spots are reminiscent of the markings on a tiger's coat, giving the plant its common name. The petals are reflexed, meaning they curve backward, creating an elegant and somewhat dramatic visual effect as the flowers open. This striking perennial produces these vibrant, large flowers on strong, straight stems, which also bear numerous small, dark green, lance-shaped leaves that spiral up towards the flower. The leaves add a lush backdrop to the brilliant flowers, making the orange color pop even more. The flowers themselves are shaped like a bowl or a Turk's cap, and they have six prominent stamens in the center that extend outwards with bold anthers, dusted with a heavy load of pollen that contrasts beautifully with the petals' fiery hues. After the plant finishes flowering, it forms seed pods which eventually dry and split open to release numerous flat seeds that have the potential to spread and generate new plants. The Tiger Lily 'Splendens' brings a touch of the exotic to gardens and landscapes where it's grown, attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds which are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms. It is truly a standout plant known not just for the beauty of its flowers but also for the elegance it can bring to any setting where it's grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Tiger Lily, Devil's Lily, Leopard Lily, Splash Tiger Lily.
Common names
Lilium tigrinum, Lilium leopoldii, Lilium fortunei var. splendens.
ToxicityTo humans
Tiger Lily is known to be non-toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it can cause mild upset if ingested and may provoke an allergic reaction in some individuals. There are no major symptoms of poisoning associated with the Tiger Lily for humans.
To pets
Tiger Lily is highly toxic to cats. Upon ingestion, even in small amounts, it can cause severe kidney damage leading to kidney failure. Symptoms of poisoning in pets, particularly cats, include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and increased urination followed by decreased or no urination as kidney damage progresses. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if a cat has ingested any part of the Tiger Lily plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Provides striking blooms with vibrant colors that enhance the aesthetics of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Ease of Cultivation: Adaptable to various garden settings and relatively easy to care for, even for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a lengthy season of visual interest with its long-lasting flowers.
- Cutting Garden Plant: Ideal for creating floral arrangements as the flowers have long stems and a vase life.
- Naturalizing: Can spread and naturalize in the garden, filling in spaces and creating a fuller look over time.
- Seasonal Interest: Adds to the seasonal progression in gardens, with prominent display in its flowering season.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Tiger Lily's sturdy stems can be used as natural supports for weaker-stemmed plants in the garden.
- The vibrant blooms are often used in floral arrangements and can be floated in a bowl of water for an elegant table centerpiece.
- Dried Tiger Lily petals are sometimes used in potpourri mixes to add color and a light fragrance.
- These flowers are sometimes used in art and photography projects due to their dramatic appearance.
- The Tiger Lily can be planted as part of a wildlife garden, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Culinary use of tiger lily buds, known as 'golden needles,' is common in Asian cuisines, though this should be approached with caution as some lily species can be toxic if not identified correctly.
- The plant's abundant seeds are sometimes used in craft projects or as an educational tool to teach about the life cycle of flowering plants.
- When dried and pressed, Tiger Lily flowers can be incorporated into handmade paper or used as decoration in scrapbooking and other paper crafts.
- The pigment from Tiger Lilies has been experimentally used as a natural dye for fabrics, though it is not a common practice.
- Given their height and prominent appearance, Tiger Lilies can be used as a living fence or privacy screen in a backyard or garden space.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tiger Lily can be used in Feng Shui to bring about positive energy and to help create an atmosphere of happiness and well-being. It is often associated with the Fire element due to its vibrant orange color, which can introduce vibrancy and passion into an area. Place Tiger Lilies in the fame and reputation section of your home or garden to boost your social status and recognition.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tiger Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity and Virginity: Often associated with the Virgin Mary in Christianity, the lily is emblematic of purity and chastity.
- Innocence: The white petals of the tiger lily signify innocence and a sense of being untouched and serene.
- Rebirth and Renewal: As many lilies bloom in spring, they symbolize new beginnings and the rejuvenation of the spirit.
- Marriage and Fertility: The tiger lily is frequently used in weddings, representing the fertile womb with its large, bell-shaped flowers.
- Prosperity and Abundance: The full bloom of the tiger lily suggests abundance and prosperity, making it a popular choice in cultural celebrations and decorations.
WaterThe Tiger Lily should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure the soil is moist, particularly during its growing season in the spring and summer. Typically, watering about once a week with up to 3 gallons per plant should suffice, but this can vary depending on climate conditions and soil drainage. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again. In periods of extreme heat or drought, additional watering may be necessary to keep the plant healthy. During the winter when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly to prevent root rot.
LightTiger Lilies thrive best in full sun to partial shade conditions. A good spot would be in an area where they can receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. They can tolerate light shade but too much shade might limit their flowering potential, so aim for a location that strikes a balance between bright sunlight and light, dappled shade.
TemperatureTiger Lilies are cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about 5 degrees Fahrenheit although they prefer to grow in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. It is important to avoid placing them in locations where temperatures can drop significantly below freezing.
PruningPruning Tiger Lilies involves removing dead or faded flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. Prune the stems back to ground level after they have died back in the fall to maintain a tidy appearance and to help prevent disease. Pruning is typically done annually, immediately after flowering and again when the foliage has died back.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTiger Lily prefers well-draining, loamy to sandy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5; amend soil with compost and perlite for optimum growth.
RepottingTiger Lilies should be repotted every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and to replenish nutrients in the soil.
Humidity & MistingTiger Lily thrives best in moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%; avoid overly dry or humid conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Tiger Lilies in bright, indirect light; ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds, mulch well.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleLilium lancifolium 'Splendens', commonly known as the Tiger Lily, begins life as a bulb, which undergoes a period of dormancy, typically over winter, before starting its growth cycle. In spring, the bulb sends up shoots that develop into sturdy stems, clothed with lance-shaped leaves. As the plant grows through late spring and into summer, buds form and then bloom into the distinctive large, bright orange flowers with black spots, usually from mid to late summer. After flowering, the plant may produce small black bulbils in the leaf axils, which can drop to the ground and develop into new plants. The Tiger Lily then sets seed in late summer, which can be collected for propagation or left to disperse naturally, before the above-ground parts of the plant wither as it reenters dormancy. Come next spring, the bulb will use the stored energy to initiate the cycle again, continuing its perennial life pattern.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Tiger Lily, scientifically known as Lilium lancifolium 'Splendens' (Ixc/d), is commonly propagated through bulbils, which are small bulb-like structures that form in the leaf axils along the stem. The most popular method of propagation for this plant involves removing these bulbils in late summer after they have matured and developed a dark color. Carefully detach the bulbils from the stem and plant them immediately in well-draining soil at a depth of about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters), spaced about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart. It is important to maintain consistent moisture until the first frosts, but avoid excessive watering to prevent rot. In a year or two, these bulbils will grow into mature plants with the characteristic vibrant flowers of the Tiger Lily.
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