Overview

Tigridia pavonia is a perennial bulb in the genus Tigridia, part of the Iridaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Tigridia pavonia grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers. It is native to Mexico.

About

Tigridia pavonia is a perennial bulb in the iris family grown for its summer flowers. It is native to Mexico and reaches about 0.6 m. The plant prefers a sunny aspect in full sun and will perform best in sandy or loamy, well-drained soil that remains moist but not waterlogged. Flowering occurs from July to September and it is suited to borders, rock gardens and containers.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tigridia pavonia

About the genus

Tigridia, is a genus of bulbous or cormous flowering plants belonging to the family Iridaceae. With common names including peacock flowers, tiger flowers, jaguar flowers, or shell flowers, they have large showy flowers; and one species, Tigridia pavonia, is often cultivated for this. The approximately 60 species in this family grow in the Americas, from Mexico down to Chile.

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

In the garden

Tigridia pavonia belongs to the Iridaceae and is a perennial bulb native to Mexico. Plants reach approximately 0.6 m and produce their display in mid to late summer, with flowering from July to September. Its summer habit makes it a seasonal focal point where a concentrated run of blooms is required. Position bulbs or plants in full sun with a sunny aspect and a free-draining substrate; sandy or loamy soils suit it best. Keep the soil moist but well drained rather than waterlogged. In UK terms the species is H5 — hardy — and corresponds with USDA zones 7–10, so it will tolerate typical outdoor conditions in many British gardens where soil does not remain saturated through winter. Use Tigridia pavonia at the front or middle of a sunny border, in a rock garden or in containers where the 0.6 m stems can be appreciated. Its seasonal flowering period and modest height make it a useful plant for brightening summer beds and for placing on sunlit terraces or patios in shallow pots.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Tigridia

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Aspect

Sunny

Exposure

Full sun

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Tigridia pavonia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial bulb

Height

0.6 m

Suggested uses

Borders, rock gardens, containers

Native to

Mexico

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Tigridia pavonia

Cultivation

Plant bulbs in spring after danger of frost; requires well-drained soil; water moderately during growing season

Pruning

Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after it yellows

Propagation

By seed or division of bulbs

Frequently asked questions