Lilium tigrinum fortunei (Tiger Lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium tigrinum fortunei is a upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb bulb in the genus Lilium, part of the Liliaceae family, with deciduous; narrow lance-shaped leaves, scattered or in whorls up the stem foliage. Lilium tigrinum fortunei grows best in full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light, and tolerates deep humus-rich loam and or loam-based compost in pots soils and neutral to acid and though madonna and trumpet lilies tolerate lime pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H6. Suggested uses include ornamental garden plant and cut flower. It is native to China, Japan, Korea and Russian Far East.

About

Lilium tigrinum fortunei is a bulbous lily producing upright, unbranched stems from a scaly bulb. Its leaves are deciduous, narrow and lance-shaped, arranged either scattered or in whorls along the stem. It flowers June to August and is cultivated as an ornamental garden plant and for cut flowers. The species originates from China, Japan, Korea and the Russian Far East.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium lancifolium

About the genus

Lilium is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants growing from bulbs, all with large and often prominent flowers. Lilies are a group of flowering plants which are important in culture and literature in much of the world. Most species are native to the Northern Hemisphere and their range is temperate climates and extends into the subtropics.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lilium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium

In the garden

Lilium tigrinum fortunei is a true lily grown from a scaly bulb and native to parts of East Asia. In the UK it flowers from June to August and is valued where upright summer stems and cut blooms are wanted. Plant where the top growth will receive full sun while the bulb and roots remain cool in shade; a layer of mulch or planting among taller perennials achieves this. Give a deep, humus-rich loam or a loam-based potting compost, keep the soil moist but sharply drained (avoid any site that holds stagnant water) and choose a south, west or east-facing, sheltered position. Soil pH should be neutral to acid; some other lily groups tolerate lime, but neutral-to-acid conditions suit most species. Lilium tigrinum fortunei is rated H4–H6, which spans average to very hardy across UK gardens, so most regions can grow it provided drainage and shelter are correct. Use it in mixed borders where its vertical habit rises above lower perennials, or grow in deep pots with loam-based compost for cutting. After the foliage dies back the scaly bulb remains dormant over winter and will produce the upright stems again the following season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lilium

Sunlight: Full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light
Soil type: Deep humus-rich loam, or loam-based compost in pots
Soil pH: Neutral to acid, though Madonna and trumpet lilies tolerate lime
Soil moisture: Moist but sharply drained - bulbs rot in stagnant wet
Aspect: South, west or east facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4-H6

Plant details

Lilium tigrinum fortunei size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Bulb
Habit: Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb
Foliage: Deciduous; narrow lance-shaped leaves, scattered or in whorls up the stem
Suggested uses: Ornamental garden plant, cut flower
Native to: China, Japan, Korea, Russian Far East

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium tigrinum fortunei

Cultivation: Plant bulbs deeply, at roughly three times their own depth, on a layer of grit so water drains away from the scales; the exception is Lilium candidum, which sits just below the surface. Feed while in growth and let the stem die down naturally afterwards so the bulb can rebuild. Container growing gives the sharp drainage most lilies want and makes lily beetle far easier to police.
Pruning: Remove faded flowers to stop seed forming, but leave the stem and foliage until it has yellowed completely, then cut to the base.
Propagation: Detach offset bulbs or individual scales when dormant and grow them on in a cold frame. Species can be raised from seed, though flowering may take three to five years.
Pest resistance: Scarlet lily beetle is the serious pest and will strip a plant if unchecked - adults and larvae both need removing on sight. Slugs damage emerging shoots.
Disease resistance: Botrytis marks the foliage in wet summers. Virus, spread by aphids, causes streaked and distorted growth and cannot be cured.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Lilium tigrinum fortunei?

Plant bulbs deeply, at roughly three times their own depth, on a layer of grit so water drains away from the scales; the exception is Lilium candidum, which sits just below the surface. Feed while in growth and let the stem die down naturally afterwards so the bulb can rebuild. Container growing gives the sharp drainage most lilies want and makes lily beetle far easier to police.

Where is the best place to plant Lilium tigrinum fortunei?

Lilium tigrinum fortunei prefers full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Lilium tigrinum fortunei need?

Lilium tigrinum fortunei grows best in deep humus-rich loam and or loam-based compost in pots soil. It prefers neutral to acid and though madonna and trumpet lilies tolerate lime soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but sharply drained - bulbs rot in stagnant wet.

How do I prune Lilium tigrinum fortunei?

Remove faded flowers to stop seed forming, but leave the stem and foliage until it has yellowed completely, then cut to the base.

Is Lilium tigrinum fortunei hardy in the UK?

Lilium tigrinum fortunei has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Lilium tigrinum fortunei?

Detach offset bulbs or individual scales when dormant and grow them on in a cold frame. Species can be raised from seed, though flowering may take three to five years.

More in the Lilium genus

Browse all Lilium →