Yellowing Tiger Lily Leaves: Deer Damage vs. Drought

Tiger lily foliage naturally yellows after flowering as the plant stores energy in the bulb. Deer browsing accelerates this by removing photosynthetic tissue.

Two Scenarios

Deer-Browsed Plants

• Flowers eaten → no seed set → plant redirects energy to bulb.
• Foliage yellows earlier than normal.
• Do not cut until fully brown; leaves still feeding bulb.

Non-Browsed but Yellowing

• Likely drought stress in July heat.
• Deep soak weekly (2.5 cm) until rains return.
• Mulch 5 cm to conserve moisture.

General Rule

Post-bloom yellowing is normal. Only intervene if soil is bone-dry. Mulch and weekly deep watering prevent premature decline.