The tiger lily is one of the boldest and most recognizable lilies — fiery orange, recurved petals heavily spotted with black. Hardy, vigorous, and easy to grow, it brings drama to the mid- to late-summer garden.
Tiger Lily at a glance
- Botanical name: Lilium lancifolium
- Family: Liliaceae
- Bloom season: mid to late summer
- Symbolism: confidence, pride, and wealth
About the tiger lily
The tiger lily grows from a bulb and produces numerous downward-facing flowers with strongly reflexed, spotted petals and prominent stamens. It’s unusually easy to grow and spreads readily, both from bulbs and from the tiny dark bulbils that form along its stems. It has long been grown in East Asia, where its bulbs are also eaten.
Tiger Lily meaning and symbolism
The tiger lily symbolizes confidence, pride, and wealth, its bold coloring a natural emblem of self-assurance. See our lily meaning guide for more.
Types of tiger lily
Popular varieties worth knowing:
- Orange tiger lily — the classic black-spotted orange bloom
- Double tiger lily — a fuller, many-petaled form
- Related spotted Asiatic lilies — similar look in other colors
How to grow and care for tiger lily
A few essentials keep this flower thriving:
- Plant bulbs in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil
- Water regularly during the growing season
- Allow room to spread, as tiger lilies multiply readily
- Stake tall stems if needed
- Note: like all true lilies, tiger lilies are toxic to cats
Tiger Lily FAQs
Are tiger lilies toxic to cats?
Yes. Like all true lilies, tiger lilies are highly toxic to cats, and even small exposures can cause fatal kidney failure. Keep them away from cats entirely.
Do tiger lilies spread?
Yes. Tiger lilies spread readily, multiplying through their bulbs and through the small dark bulbils that form along their stems, so they can quickly form a clump.
When do tiger lilies bloom?
Tiger lilies bloom in mid to late summer, providing bold color after many earlier-flowering perennials have finished.
Explore more
Browse more flower profiles, learn about flower meanings, or find your birth flower.