Tigridia pavonia Aurea

Tigridia pavonia 'Aurea', also known as peacock tiger flower or tiger flower, stands out with its large, bright and cheerful flowers, with citrine yellow sepals, yellow petals, and a throat speckled with dark red. The flowers only last for one day, but they bloom for two months. The compound foliage consists of large sword-shaped leaves that fan out. This non-hardy bulbous plant should be reserved for milder climates in open ground. It requires full light and light, rather moist but well-drained soil.

Tigridia pavonia 'Aurea' is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru. This cormous plant is a relative of the garden iris, both belonging to the Iridaceae family. In spring, it forms a clump of dark green, sword-shaped, veined and plicate leaves, measuring 20 to 50cm (8 to 20in) long, grouped in a basal fan. Once established, it grows rapidly. Flowering occurs in summer, over several weeks in July-August. Floral stems emerge at a height of 45cm (18in), bearing one to three leaves and four to ten 10cm (4in) diameter flowers. The stems are occasionally branched. The flowers only live for one day, but bloom continuously. The fascinating and intriguing flowers are composed of three large citrine yellow triangular petals and three other tiny petals that are curiously speckled with dark red, just like the heart. The corms of this plant are edible. They produce bulblets that will bloom in two years.

It is possible to leave the bulbs in the ground during the resting period in winter, if grown in protected borders where frosts are mild. Elsewhere, tigridias are perfect plants for growing in large pots that can be brought indoors during winter. These plants ruled Victorian gardens in the 19th century. Choose a clear, sunny, and sheltered spot for them. Plant them directly in pure sand to improve their hardiness. Cultivate Tigridia pavonia 'Aurea' in full sun (partial shade in hot regions), at the edge of an exotic border alongside catmints, galtonias, and crinums. Its flowers will be magnificent in exotic bouquets.