Tiger Lily Flowers

Tiger Lily Flowers

Perennial, Lilium lancifolium, Hemerocallis fulva

Most call these orange lilies or tiger lilies. Some call them "ditch lilies" because this prolific wildflower commonly grows in ditches across America.

There's confusion about tiger lilies. An oriental variety is similar but propagates through bulbs at leaf axils. The common wildflower tiger lily propagates via tuberous roots. Both have edible roots and medicinal uses. This article focuses on the wildflower variety.

Did You Know? Tiger lilies have medicinal uses: they relieve congestion and pregnancy nausea/vomiting.

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Propagation

Dig up and separate tuberous roots. Transplant in spring or fall. Water thoroughly after transplanting.

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How to Grow Tiger Lilies

Easy to grow—at home in nature or your garden.

Plant tuberous roots in groups. They don't mind crowding and look best as a large, close patch of bright orange flowers.

Tiger lilies need little attention. They prefer moist to wet soils—that's why they thrive in ditches. Fertilizer isn't needed except in the poorest soils. They thrive in most U.S. regions without winter protection.

Once established, they thrive year after year.

Did You Know? Native Americans ate the tuberous roots, baking them like potatoes.

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Insects and Disease

Forget insect and disease problems—this prolific grower sees few. If problems occur, use insecticide or fungicide as needed.

Plants can be bothered by slugs and snails.

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