Tigridia pavonia
("Tiger flower / Mexican shell flower")
Exotic and beautiful. Tigridia produce several flowers per stalk with each separate bloom opening up very early in the morning for just one day. Each vivid flower has 3 larger outer petals without markings and 3 smaller inner petals with red, brown or maroon blotches and spots. The festive blooms reach 5-6" / 13-15 cm in diameter and are somewhat iris-like in appearance. The foliage is sword-like and similar to that of gladiolus. The genus name means 'tiger-like' and alludes to the colloration and spots in the center of each flower. Hence the common name 'Tiger lily' although the Aztecs called it 'Jaguar flower'.
What You Need To Know Before You Plant:
When Will This Flower Bloom?
Mid - Late Summer
When Should I Buy and Plant These Bulbs?
Spring
What Kind of Light Does This Bulb Prefer?
Full sun to partial shade
What Color Will the Flower Be?
Usually mixed: white, yellow, cream, lilac-pink and scarlet-red all with carmine speckled centers
How Far Apart Should I Plant These Bulbs?
5 in / 13 cm
How Deep Should I Dig?
3 in / 8 cm
How Tall Will It Grow?
18-24 in / 45-60 cm
Recommended Number of Bulbs Per Square Foot?
7
Is It Deer/Critter Resistant?
With a bit of luck, yes.
How Can I Best Use It in My Landscaping?
In borders and flower beds.
Other Popular Varieties
Usually only sold as 'Mixed Colors', occasionally by color: 'Alba Grandiflora' (white), 'Aurea' (yellow), 'Canariensis' (cream), 'Lilacea' (lilac-pink), and 'Speciosa' (scarlet-red).
About the Family
Tigridia Family
Mexico and Guatamala. The Aztecs called it 'Jaguar flower'.
Read More About the Family