Tiger Lily
lilium lancifolium
Also known as: ["Turk's Cap Lily","Orange Tiger Lily"]
Overview
A tall, herbaceous perennial with distinctive orange flowers spotted with black, native to East Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Lilium |
| Botanical Name: | Lilium lancifolium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter (e.g., compost or peat moss).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late summer/early fall if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light (removing spent blooms); moderate (cutting back dead foliage).
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to dappled light in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; provide shade during extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid waterlogging, and ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; amend with organic matter for texture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights during dormancy.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when blooms fade.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or stem cuttings (less common).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs carefully.
- Plant at proper depth.
- Water lightly.
- Provide appropriate conditions for rooting.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer or early fall after foliage dies back; stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light for cuttings; bulbs require cool storage before planting.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or perlite and peat moss for cuttings.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; rooting hormone can aid stem cuttings.
Timeline
Bulbs establish in 1–2 months; stem cuttings root in 4–6 weeks and take several months to mature.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, clean pots, bulb separator, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs when crowded; use sterile tools; provide consistent moisture for cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off faded flowers just above the next bud or leaf; cut foliage back only when fully yellowed.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy storage; cut back foliage only after it yellows and dies naturally.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners or scissors, clean gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent blooms; wait for foliage to die back; use clean tools; avoid cutting green stems.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall after flowering and foliage dieback.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting in containers.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at proper depth (bulb top just below soil surface); use fresh, well-draining mix.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; necessary to refresh soil and prevent overcrowding.
Checklist
Inspect bulbs for damage; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; plant at correct depth.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone, until the soil is evenly moist but not saturated; allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the soil surface feels dry to the touch, typically every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in excessive heat; wilting or leaf damage in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth, cause leaf discoloration, or damage flower buds if below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location during freezes.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering if temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C).
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicLilium lancifolium is extremely toxic to cats, with even small ingestions capable of causing severe kidney failure and other life-threatening conditions. The plant contains compounds that are particularly harmful to feline renal systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicLilium lancifolium is highly toxic to dogs, particularly due to the presence of cardiac glycosides and other toxic compounds that can lead to severe kidney damage and other systemic effects. Even small amounts can be dangerous.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLilium lancifolium contains toxic compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant's toxicity is due to the presence of cardiac glycosides and other irritant substances that disrupt normal physiological functions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Tiger Lilies toxic to cats?
A: Yes, all parts of the Tiger Lily are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.
Q: How do I care for Lilium lancifolium?
A: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, water regularly, and provide support for tall stems.
Q: Do Tiger Lilies spread easily?
A: Yes, they can spread via bulb division and self-seeding, sometimes becoming invasive in favorable conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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