Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium)

How much light does a Tiger Lily need?

Tiger lily prefers full sun, and part shade is also listed for it. A good site receives sun or part shade and has well-drained soil. In shadier conditions the plant will survive, but flower production will be poor. Full sun is the exposure to choose if flowers matter to you.

• Light: Full sun and part shade (full sun preferred)^1,2

How often to water a Tiger Lily

Tiger lily has a medium water need. Medium is both the lowest and the highest water level listed for this plant. One extension source puts that at about one inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Another says lilies need to be kept moist. The soil it grows in is listed as both well drained and moist.

• Water: Medium^3,2

Best soil for a Tiger Lily

Tiger lily grows in soil that is well drained and moist. One source lists good drainage for it, and another says lilies need well-drained soil. Moist is listed alongside well drained, not in place of it. The preferred pH range is 6–7. Iowa State describes lilies as preferring slightly acidic soils high in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and moist^1,1,2
• Soil pH: pH 6–7³

Hardiness and temperature

Tiger lily is listed for USDA zones 5a to 8b. That range covers eight zone steps: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a and 8b. Zone 4 and colder fall outside that range. No cited source records a minimum temperature for it. Humidity needs are not documented either.

• Hardiness: Zones 5a–8b¹

Fertilizing a Tiger Lily

Feed tiger lily every two weeks in the growing season. Iowa State describes water-soluble fertilizers applied regularly through the growing season, every 2 to 3 weeks. Water-soluble types are the kind that source names. A fertilizer ratio and an amount per feeding are not documented for this plant.

• Fertilizer: Every two weeks in the growing season³

Pruning a Tiger Lily

Deadhead tiger lily by removing spent blooms promptly. According to Iowa State, this prevents seed production and redirects energy back into bulb development. Deadheading is the only pruning type listed for this plant. Cutting back stems, shaping and other pruning methods are not documented here.

• Pruning: Deadheading^3,3

How to plant a Tiger Lily

Plant tiger lily in USDA zones 5a to 8b. Choose a site with full sun and well-drained, moist soil. Leave room for a plant about 4 ft (1.22 m) tall and 1–2 ft (0.3–0.61 m) wide. It is a bulb. In the lower 48 US states it is listed as introduced. Planting depth and spacing between bulbs are not documented here.

• Hardiness: Zones 5a–8b¹

Winter care

Tiger lily is listed for USDA zones 5a to 8b, and zone 5a is the coldest of them. Gardeners in zone 4 or colder are outside the listed range. No cited source records a minimum temperature for the plant. Winter mulching, lifting and storage are not documented either.

• Hardiness: Zones 5a–8b¹

Common problems

The pests listed for tiger lily are bulb mites, aphids, slugs and snails, potato aphid, narcissus bulb fly and white-tailed deer. Aphids appear twice on that list, as aphids and as potato aphid. Common diseases are not documented for this plant. Treatment methods for these pests are not documented either.

• Common pests: bulb mites, aphids, slugs and snails, potato aphid, narcissus bulb fly and white tailed deer¹

Questions and answers

Is tiger lily toxic to cats and dogs?

The ASPCA lists tiger lily as toxic to cats, and NC State Extension marks it as a problem for cats. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs. Cats and dogs are the two animals this site covers.

Where should I plant tiger lily?

Full sun is preferred, and part shade is also listed. In shadier conditions it will survive, but flower production will be poor. Pick well-drained, moist soil in USDA zones 5a to 8b.

How tall does tiger lily grow, and what colors are the flowers?

The stems stand about 4 ft (1.22 m) tall. Flowers come in white, yellow, orange and red. The plant spreads 1–2 ft (0.3–0.61 m) wide.