Transplanting Tiger Lilies vs. Daylilies in New Jersey: Know Which You Have

You're moving "Tiger Lilies" in Chatham, NJ. Critical question: Which plant do you actually have? The common name applies to two completely different species with different transplant windows.

Option A: True Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium / L. tigrinum)

• Bulbous perennial, 3–5 ft tall.
• Whorled leaves, orange flowers with black spots (recurved petals).
• Produces bulbils (tiny black bulbs) in leaf axils.
• Transplant: Late fall (October) after foliage yellows.

Option B: Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) — Often Called "Tiger Lily"

• Fibrous roots, grass-like foliage.
• Flowers last one day; many buds per scape.
• Colors: orange, yellow, red, pink, etc.
• Transplant: Anytime spring–fall (even now, with care).

How to Tell (Quick ID)

Feature	Tiger Lily (Lilium)	Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Root	Scaly bulb	Fleshy fibrous roots
Leaves	Whorled, narrow	Basal, strap-like, arching
Flower life	5–7 days	1 day
Bulbils in leaf axils?	Yes	No

Transplant Steps (Both)

1. Water deeply day before.
2. Dig wide, keep root ball intact.
3. Replant at same depth; water thoroughly.
4. Mulch 2 inches.
5. Daylilies: Water daily 1 week. Tiger lilies: Water weekly until freeze.

Pro Tip

If they're daylilies, divide now (3–4 fans per division). If tiger lilies, wait for fall. Label before you dig!