Sierra Tiger Lily
lilium parvum
Also known as: ["Sierra Lily","Small-flowered Lily"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for its bright orange, spotted flowers.
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 parvum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation, sheltered from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; bulbs are susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with excellent drainage; amended with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late fall or early spring if needed to tidy up.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or damaged parts rather than heavy shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); prefers morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate pots for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging to prevent bulb rot; prioritize deep watering over frequent shallow applications.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; use raised beds if drainage is poor; mulch to retain moisture and improve soil structure.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F / 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights; prefers cooler summers if possible.
Avoid placing near heat sources; use shade cloth in summer; protect from frost in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning roots; apply after watering to prevent salt buildup; fertilize just before new growth emerges.
Propagation
Methods
Bulb division or scaling; stem cuttings can also be used but are less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs into sections with at least one growth point.
- Plant scales or cuttings in medium.
- Maintain moisture and warmth until roots form.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall (after flowering) for bulb division; scaling can be done in late winter or early spring.
Environment
Warm (65–70°F / 18–21°C), humid (60–70%), and shaded environment; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or bulb propagation mix with added fungicide.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division; rooting hormone can aid stem cuttings.
Timeline
Bulb division: immediate establishment; scaling: 6–12 months for new bulbs; stem cuttings: 4–8 weeks for roots.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterilized knife, rooting hormone (optional), propagation tray, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; trim foliage only when fully yellowed or browned.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development; cut back foliage only after it has yellowed and died back naturally.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, sterilizing solution (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Sterilize tools; cut spent flowers; wait for foliage to die back before cutting; dispose of debris to prevent disease.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late fall or early spring (dormant period) before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure adequate depth for bulb growth.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; inspect for damage; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; necessary to refresh soil and prevent overcrowding.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; plant at correct depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage; adjust frequency with weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply (6–8 inches); allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing to twice weekly in hot, dry periods; reduce watering in dormancy (late fall to early spring).
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or necrosis in leaves; stunted growth; bud drop or failure to flower; wilting despite adequate water.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can damage tender foliage; bulbs may rot if soil remains cold and wet.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; ensure well-draining soil to prevent cold waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, bud abortion, and reduced vigor; bulbs may fail to develop properly.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to keep roots cool; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during growing season; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during active growth; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/early fall; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicLilium parvum is extremely toxic to cats, with even small ingestions capable of causing severe kidney failure. The exact toxic compounds are not fully understood but are known to be highly nephrotoxic in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicLilium parvum is highly toxic to dogs, particularly affecting the kidneys. Ingestion can lead to acute kidney injury, which may be fatal if not treated promptly. The toxicity is due to unknown compounds specific to Lilium species.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLilium parvum, like other Lilium species, contains toxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic effects upon ingestion. The exact compounds responsible for toxicity are not fully characterized but are known to affect the digestive and renal systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lilium parvum toxic to cats?
A: Yes, it is toxic to cats.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: What are the common problems with this plant?
A: Common issues include yellow leaves, wilting, and rotting.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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