If you’re wondering what does tiger lily look like now, you’re in for a treat. These iconic summer flowers are currently blooming in gardens across many regions, putting on their annual fiery show.
Right now, you can spot their unmistakable upward-facing blooms. Each flower has six dramatically recurved petals, curving back toward the stem. The most classic look features a vibrant orange color covered in dark purple or maroon spots. It’s a wild, exotic appearance that brings a touch of the meadow to any garden bed.
But today’s garden varieties offer so much more. You might see blooms in shades of red, yellow, pink, and even near-white. The spotting can be heavy or light, depending on the cultivar. Their tall, sturdy stems, often reaching 3 to 5 feet, make them a standout in the mid-summer border.
What Does Tiger Lily Look Like Now
So, what should you look for in your garden or at the nursery? The current appearance of the tiger lily is a combination of its timeless structure and modern breeding.
Let’s break down its key features as you’d see them today.
The Distinctive Flowers in Bloom
The bloom is the star. Each stem produces multiple flowers, often 10 or more, that open in sequence.
- Petal Form: The petals (technically called tepals) are strongly reflexed. This means they curve all the way back until they almost touch the stem, creating a Turk’s cap shape.
- Color & Spotting: While orange is traditional, look for cultivars like ‘Pink Flavor’ for soft pink blooms or ‘Citronella’ for a yellow, spotted flower. The spots are like freckles and are a defining trait.
- Anthers: Protruding proudly from the center are long, prominent anthers. They are usually a rusty-brown or mahogany color, covered in pollen that easily stains.
Foliage and Growth Habit
The plant’s overall form is just as important for identification.
- Stem: It’s tall, straight, and green, sometimes with a slight purple tinge. It’s notably sturdy and rarely needs staking.
- Leaves: The leaves are lance-shaped and arranged in whorls around the stem. This means several leaves sprout from the same point, creating a layered, symmetrical look up the stalk.
- Bulbils: A unique feature! In the leaf axils (where the leaf meets the stem), you’ll often see small, dark bulbils. These are aerial bulblets that can be planted to grow new lilies.
How to Spot True Tiger Lilies
Many lilies get called “tiger lilies,” but the true species is Lilium lancifolium (formerly Lilium tigrinum). Here’s how to confirm:
- Check for bulbils in the leaf axils. This is a primary characteristic of the true species.
- Note the flower form. True tigers always have the strongly recurved petals.
- Observe the foliage. The whorled leaf arrangement is a key clue that sets it apart from other Asiatic lilies.
Current Varieties You Might See
Plant breeders have been busy. Alongside the classic orange tiger, here are some popular named varieties currently blooming:
- ‘Splendens’: A classic heirloom variety with deep orange flowers and plentiful spots.
- ‘Flore Pleno’: A double-flowered form with no pollen, perfect for those who want the look without the staining risk.
- ‘Red Tiger’: Features deep red blooms with dark spots, offering a richer, more dramatic color.
Caring for Your Blooming Tiger Lilies
To keep your lilies looking their best while they flower, a little care goes a long way.
Watering and Feeding
Consistent moisture is key during the blooming period. Water deeply at the base once a week if rainfall is lacking. Avoid overhead watering to prevent wetting the flowers, which can lead to botrytis (a fungal disease). A light application of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer when buds are forming can support the large display of blooms, but avoid high-nitrogen feeds.
Deadheading and Maintenance
As each individual flower fades, snap it off carefully. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production. However, leave the stem and leaves completely intact until they yellow in the fall. The foliage is essential for photosynthesis, which recharges the bulb for next year’s performance.
Pest Watch
The most common issue is the red lily leaf beetle. If you see bright red beetles or their slimy, black larvae on your plants, you need to act fast.
- Hand-pick the beetles and larvae off daily. It’s the most effective organic method.
- For severe infestations, consider a spray containing neem oil or spinosad, following label instructions carefully.
What to Do After Blooming
Once the final flower has faded, your job isn’t over. Post-bloom care ensures a great show next year.
- Stop Deadheading: Leave the last few flowers to fade naturally on the stem.
- Leave the Foliage: Do not cut back the green stalk. Let it die back naturally over weeks, channeling energy down to the bulb.
- Mark the Location: The stems will dissapear by winter. Mark the spot with a label so you don’t accidentally dig into the bulbs later.
- Fall Cleanup: Once the stems are completely brown and crispy, you can gently pull them out from the base and compost them.
Design Ideas for Tiger Lilies
Their bold look works best with certain companions. Plant them behind lower-growing perennials that will hide their sometimes-bare lower stems. Good partners include:
- Shasta daisies
- Catmint (Nepeta)
- Phlox
- Ornamental grasses
They also look fantastic in a cottage garden setting or planted in drifts among shrubs. Their vertical line is great for adding height to a border without width.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are tiger lilies perennials?
Yes, they are hardy perennial bulbs. They will return and multiply each year in suitable growing zones (typically USDA zones 3-9).
When do tiger lilies bloom?
They are mid-summer bloomers. In most areas, you can expect their flowers to appear from early July through August, depending on your local climate.
Do tiger lilies need full sun?
They prefer full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for strong stems and prolific flowering. In very hot climates, afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Are tiger lilies poisonous to cats?
Yes, all true lilies (genus Lilium) are highly toxic to cats. Even small amounts of pollen ingested during grooming can cause acute kidney failure. If you have cats, it is safest to avoid planting these lilies in your garden.
How do I propagate tiger lilies?
They are easy to propagate. The simplest method is to collect the aerial bulbils from the leaf axils in late summer. Plant them about 1 inch deep in a prepared nursery bed. They will grow into flowering-sized bulbs in 2-3 years. You can also divide mature clumps of bulbs in the fall.
Why are my tiger lilies not blooming?
Several factors could be at play. The most common are too much shade, overcrowded bulbs that need dividing, or foliage removed too early the previous season. Also, over-fertilizing with nitrogen can promote leaves at the expense of flowers.
Seeing tiger lilies in full bloom is a highlight of the summer garden. Their spirited, spotted flowers bring a unique energy that few other perennials can match. By understanding what they look like now and how to care for them, you can ensure these garden tigers thrive and multiply, offering their spectacular show for many seasons to come. If you haven’t grown them before, consider adding a few bulbs this fall—you won’t regret it when next July arrives.