Bulbs

Tigridia
tiger flower

- Height 16-18 in (40-45 cm)
- Planting distance 6 in (15 cm)
- Flowers midsummer to early fall
- Rich, well-drained soil
- Warm, sheltered site
- Corms available spring and fall
- Hardy zones 7-10

The flowers of Tigridia pavonia, a bulbous plant native to Central America, last only a few hours in the morning, but they look so exotic that it's worth finding a space for them in the garden. They come out in succession from midsummer to early fall - brilliant yellows, crimsons, oranges, and whites, plain or speckled, usually sold as a mixture. Several butterflylike flowers are carried on a central flower stem 16-18 in (40-45 cm) high. They are accompanied by an elegant fan of upright pleated leaves. Even in zone 7 the tiger flower must be placed in a sheltered sunny spot if it is to overwinter successfully. In general, cultivate it as you would gladiolus. As their colors are so strong, tiger flowers are best when grown on their own in a small group.

Bulbs