In contrast to the tiger lily Lilium lancifolium, which comes from China, the Mexican tiger lily Tigridia pavonia, also known as tiger flower, is not hardy. These two lilies are very different in appearance, but their names can easily be confused.
Is the tiger flower hardy?
The tiger flower (Tigridia pavonia) is not hardy and requires a frost-free, cool place (8-10 °C) to overwinter. Here it should be stored in dry sand and watered minimally, fertilizer is not necessary.
What is the best way to overwinter the tiger flower?
Similar to the crested lily, it is best to overwinter the tiger flower in a frost-free but cool room. However, the temperature here should be around eight to ten degrees. Remove the tiger flower from the soil, cut off any remaining leaves and stems and embed the bulb in dry sand.
When do I bring the tiger flower to its winter quarters?
The tiger flower blooms for around six to eight weeks, but each flower only lasts a single day. If the last of your tiger flower flowers have wilted, limit watering the plant. Around the end of October the leaves change color and it is time to prepare the lily for overwintering.
If you discover small daughter bulbs when digging up the tiger flower, you can separate them from the mother bulb and plant them separately. In this way the tiger flower reproduces itself.
How do I care for the tiger flower in winter?
During the winter, the tiger flower is watered rarely and very little so that the bulb does not dry out completely. Watering about once a month to once a week is completely sufficient. The plant does not need any additional nutrients in the form of fertilizer during this time. You don't have to take potted plants out of the ground, they can overwinter in their own container.
Wintering tips for the tiger flower:
- water a wilting plant less after flowering
- take from the earth
- cut off above-ground parts (stems and leaves)
- store in sand
- overwinter frost-free
- ideal winter temperature: at least 8 – 10 °C
- water a maximum of once a week in winter
- do not fertilize
Tip
Don't confuse the tiger flower with the Chinese tiger lily, because it is hardy and does not have to move to winter quarters but can stay in the garden.
