Tiger Lilies

Lilium columbianum Leichtlin

By Kenan Layden

 

 

 

Origins

 

  • Lilium columbianum Leichtlin is a type of lily that is indiginous to North American
  • It is often referred to as the Columbian Lily or Tiger Lily
  • It is a monocot plant
  • The states and provinces to which this lilly is distributed and native to can be seen in the image to the left
Characteristics

 

This type of lily has orangish tepal flowers that are usually dotted. Tepals can be from three to six centimeters long. It has whorled lanceolate leaves. The habitat of this species includes prairies, tickets, and conifer forests. It grows up to 1.2 meters tall.

 

Tips for Growing Lilies

Lilies are grown best in growing zone eight through to the warmer parts of zone four. Lilies do not grow well in desert regions, such as Arizona or New Mexico. Lilies grow best planted in an area where they will recieve shade during the afternoon period of the day. Lilies are a bulb plant. This is important to remember when deciding what type of soil is best for these plants. It is detrimental to allow water to stand on lily bulbs. If a soil is not properly drained, this may occur. If your soil contains a vast amount of clay, sand may be added so this problem of water standing on roots does not occur.

Lilies are propagated by scaly bulbs. Bulbs should be planted in the fall. Due to the fact that bulbs are never fully dormant, they should be planted as soon as possible. To promote root growth, the planting site should be prepared prior to planting. Loosening of the soil down to at least ten inches and then moistening it will promote root growth. Bulbs should be planted from three to five inches below the surface. After planting, watering the bulbs is recommended.

Lilies respond very well to fertilizing. Fertilizer should be applied in the spring months. Blooming usually begins in May and continues all the way through September. An interesting point is that the more foliage left on the plant contributes to the number of flowers seen in next year's plant. More foliage equals more flowers.

Parts of a Lily

Contact Information: Emial the the author

References:

USDA

Wikipedia

Growing Tips

Pictures

http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/files/Lilium/Lilium_columbianum_RP3.jpg

http://k43.pbase.com/o4/14/98514/1/64108685.hSqw6GtP.Img_0155TigerlilyLiliumcolumbianum.jpg

http://plants.usda.gov/maps/large/LI/LICO.png

http://www.cof.orst.edu/cf/wildlife/images/species_photos/plants/lilium_columbianum-tiger_lily.jpg

http://www.factmonster.com/images/ESCI265FLOWER001.jpg