Tiger Lilies, scientifically named Lilium lancifolium, are renowned for their dramatic, fiery orange blooms speckled with dark spots, reminiscent of a tiger’s coat. Originating from Asia, they’ve become a staple in gardens around the globe due to their striking appearance and hardiness.
These lilies grow tall, often reaching heights of 4 to 6 feet, making them an excellent choice for the back of flower borders or as a focal point in a garden. Their bloom time in mid to late summer provides a vibrant splash of color when many other flowers are beginning to wane.
One of the unique features of Tiger Lilies is their ease of propagation. They produce small bulbils along the stem in the leaf axils, which can be detached and planted to grow new plants, ensuring that these lilies can spread and naturalize over time. They prefer well-drained soil and do well in full sun to partial shade.
Culturally, Tiger Lilies carry symbolic meanings; they often represent wealth, pride, and prosperity. However, there’s a cautionary note for pet owners as these lilies are toxic to cats if ingested. Despite this, their beauty and relative ease of care make them a beloved choice for many gardeners.
Tiger Lilies (Lilium lancifolium)
Common Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium)
The most recognized type, these lilies grow up to 4 to 6 feet tall, boasting large orange flowers with distinct black spots. They are perennial and multiply through bulbils formed in the leaf axils, which can be used to propagate new plants. They prefer full sun but tolerate some shade and are quite hardy, suitable for USDA zones 3 to 9.
Black Beauty Lily (Tiger Hybrid)
A hybrid with Tiger Lily ancestry, ‘Black Beauty’ features deep burgundy-red petals with greenish-white edges. The recurved petals and robust growth habit give it an exotic and dramatic appeal. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adds a bold, tropical vibe to garden landscapes.
‘Flore Pleno’
This variety is celebrated for its double flowers, where each blossom contains up to 24-36 petals, creating a fuller, more ornate appearance. These flowers are particularly showy and can add a dramatic flair to any garden. The ‘Flore Pleno’ is an excellent choice for those looking for something a bit more lavish in their lily collection, thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
‘Splendens’
This cultivar has won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its exceptional qualities. ‘Splendens’ offers a more intense orange color compared to the common variety, with slightly larger flowers that are just as spotted but with a more vigorous growth habit. It’s particularly noted for its disease resistance and is a fantastic choice for both garden borders and cut flower arrangements.
Classic Orange Tiger Lily
The quintessential Tiger Lily, this variety showcases vibrant orange petals adorned with dark maroon to black spots. The recurved petals add a graceful yet bold appearance. Its tall stems can reach up to 5 feet, making it an excellent choice for garden backdrops. Hardy and low-maintenance, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Pink Tiger Lily (Lilium Pink Tiger)
A softer variation of the traditional Tiger Lily, the Pink Tiger Lily features blush-pink petals with dark speckles. This elegant flower brings a delicate charm to garden beds and contrasts beautifully with brighter blooms. Its sweet fragrance and graceful form make it perfect for mixed floral arrangements.
Yellow Tiger Lily
While not as common as the orange variety, these lilies have yellow flowers with the signature black spots. They bring a lighter, more subtle color to the garden, offering diversity in color schemes. They are slightly less hardy than their orange counterparts but still thrive under similar conditions.
Red Tiger Lily
These lilies bring a fiery red hue to the garden, with black spots that make the flowers even more eye-catching. Red Tiger Lilies are less common than orange but are similarly vigorous, needing full sun for the best display and well-drained soil to avoid bulb rot.
White Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium var. album)
This is an all-white version of the Tiger Lily, where the petals lack the usual spots, presenting a clean, elegant look. While rare, ‘Album’ can be a stunning addition, especially in a moonlit garden where white flowers glow. They require careful planting in well-drained soil to prevent bulb rot, especially in wetter climates.
Dwarf Tiger Lily
A compact version of the Tiger Lily, these plants do not grow as tall, making them ideal for smaller gardens or container planting. They still produce the characteristic orange flowers with black spots but on shorter stems, which can be quite advantageous for those with limited space or for those who enjoy lilies at a lower viewing level.
Night Flyer Tiger Lily
‘Night Flyer’ offers a dramatic twist with its deep crimson to near-black blooms speckled with dark spots. The exotic color makes it a stunning focal point in gardens, especially when paired with lighter-colored lilies. Its strong stems and striking appearance make it a favorite among flower enthusiasts.
Citronella Tiger Lily
Citronella is a brilliant yellow variant of the traditional Tiger Lily, characterized by its recurved petals and black speckling. Its bright color brings a cheerful energy to garden spaces, and the plant is highly resistant to pests and diseases. This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Tiger Babies Lily
A charming and petite variety, ‘Tiger Babies’ features soft apricot-pink blooms with delicate speckling. Its gentle hues and compact size make it perfect for smaller garden spaces and container planting. Despite its smaller stature, it offers the same resilience as its larger counterparts.
Red Velvet Tiger Lily
‘Red Velvet’ lives up to its name with rich crimson petals and a velvety texture. The dark speckles near the center add depth and visual interest. This elegant variety creates a striking contrast when planted alongside lighter-colored flowers, making it a garden favorite.