do tiger lilies attract bees Double Tiger Lily

do tiger lilies attract bees Double Tiger LilyThe Double Tiger Lily Every year we watch our tiger lilies with delight as they shoot out of the ground in early summer. We're looking forward to the striking blooms, but perhaps even more we're looking forward to the butterflies they attract. We now plant fennel with our tiger lilies, because as soon as the eastern swallowtails butterflies leave the tiger lilies, they head straight to the fennel and lay their eggs. For the following weeks, we watch

The Double Tiger Lily

Every year we watch our tiger lilies with delight as they shoot out of the ground in early summer. We're looking forward to the striking blooms, but perhaps even more we're looking forward to the butterflies they attract. We now plant fennel with our tiger lilies, because as soon as the eastern swallowtails butterflies leave the tiger lilies, they head straight to the fennel and lay their eggs. For the following weeks, we watch with the delight as the eggs hatch and the caterpillars grow plumper and larger. It happens so fast, it is almost magical. Not long after that, we have a garden full of even more swallowtails! We enjoy this with single AND with double tiger lilies.

Bursting with bold color and intricate petals, the Double Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium 'Flore Pleno') is a striking addition to any garden. Unlike traditional tiger lilies, this variety boasts layers of ruffled orange petals splashed with deep maroon spots, creating a full, eye-catching bloom. Its strong stems and tall growth habit make it perfect for borders, cutting gardens, or focal points. Hardy and easy to grow, the Double Tiger Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade and returns year after year with minimal care.

A Story of Sharing and Connection: The Tiger Lily's Journey

One stand I found was in northeast Texas. As I drove by, I saw tiger lilies surrounding every tree at this old home. I knocked on the door and an older lady and her physically fit, middle-aged son answered. I explained what we do at the Southern Bulb Company, and the son said he would gladly share the black bulbils, (the tiny bulbs from which you can eventually grow a full sized tiger lily plant).

The gentleman, who told me he had served our country in the Army's Special Forces, walked around with me and explained his unsuccessful experience in trying to save the bulbils. Apparently, he found, they do not like to be stacked and left in a coffee can in the garage. "You can't treat them like seeds," he told me. "They'll rot on ya!" I could tell that horticulture had become his passion, and I promised him I'd plant them right away.

I thanked him, both for his military service and for his horticultural service.

Planting and Care for Your Tiger Lilies

Tiger lilies prefer a woodland setting with acidic soil and afternoon shade during their summer blooming season

Planting Time: Plant as soon as you receive the bulbs. If delayed, store them in the refrigerator.
Planting Location: Choose a spot with about 8 hours of summer sun and well-drained soil. Don't plant during a hard freeze.
Planting Depth: Plant bulbs 2-3 times their height deep (e.g., a 2-inch bulb should be planted 4-5 inches deep).
Watering: Provide ample water as their foliage begins to appear in March and April.

Tiger Lily Multiplication: A Gardener's Delight

Once the blooms are coming to an end, knock off the bulbils and gently scratch them into the soil. With rich organic soil and some moisture, you'll have a stand of Tiger Lilies in just a few years

Attracting Pollinators and Enhancing Your Garden

Tiger lilies are a magnet for pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, adding life and movement to your garden. Combine them with companion plants for year-round interest:

Companion Plants: Salvias, Lantanas, Plumbago, Phlox, Alyssum, Snapdragons, Pansies, Cyclamen, Paperwhites, Narcissus, Iris, Snowflakes, Rain Lilies, Crinums, and Hymenocallis.

Tiger Lily Hardiness and Growing Zones

Tiger lilies thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5-9, making them suitable for a wide range of climates.

Order Your Tiger Lily Bulbs Today!

Experience the timeless beauty and easy care of tiger lilies in your own garden. Order your bulbs now and enjoy these vibrant blooms for years to come.