Planting Instructions by Flower Name
- Hardy Zones: 4-9"
- Spacing: 12-15"
- Height: 36-60"
- Blooms: mid to late summer
Double Tiger Lilies
Lilium lancifolium 'Flore Pleno'
Lilies are in the Liliaceae family and are native to temperate Eurasia and North America. There are over a hundred species and countless hybrids have been developed over the years. Tiger lilies are native to Japan, Korea and eastern China, and are one of the oldest lilies in cultivation. They are quite vigorous and easy to grow, as long as they receive enough sun and are planted in well-draining soil.
Lily bulbs do not have a protective tunic, or “coat," so these fragile bulbs should be planted as soon as they arrive. If unable to plant right away, store the bulbs in the refrigerator (away from fruit) or in a cool, dark place, at about 40°F. Do not allow the packing medium to dry out. Plant in a sunny area in rich, well-draining soil, 6" deep and 12-15" apart. Arrange in groupings for maximum effect.
Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer when new growth appears. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture, keep the roots cool and prevent weeds. Keep the mulch away from stems, as this can cause rot. When needed, water lilies early in the morning at ground level to prevent fungal diseases. Remove spent flowers to conserve the bulb’s energy and encourage more blooms the following year. Lilies multiply annually. To prevent crowding, dig and divide bulbs in the spring or early autumn every few years or when flowering decreases. Tiger lilies are also known for the production of dark “bulbils" at the leaf axils, which will drop to the ground in the fall and grow new tiger lily plants the following year.
With a protective layer of mulch, tiger lilies are hardy to USDA zone 4.