Tigridia pavonia Lilacea

Tigridia pavonia 'Lilacea', also known as the bulblet eye or Tiger Lily, is a bulbous plant appreciated for its large, brightly coloured triangular flowers with a strongly exotic appearance. They display large, intensely fuchsia rose-coloured petals adorned with a purple-red striped throat on a white background. Each flower lasts only one day, but they succeed each other on the plants for two months. It is a plant that is not very hardy, but generous and easy to grow. Tigridia makes beautiful flowering pots for the terrace or balcony, which can be stored in a greenhouse or conservatory during winter. The bulbs can survive winter in the ground in very mild climates.

Tigridia pavonia 'Lilacea' is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru. This bulbous plant is a relative of the garden iris, both belonging to the family Iridaceae. 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 and August. Floral stems, sometimes branched, emerge at a height of about 45cm (18in), bearing one to three leaves and 4 to 10 flowers measuring 10cm (4in) in diameter, each lasting only one day but succeeding each other. The fascinating and intriguing flowers consist of three large triangular petals and three other tiny, strangely spotted ones, just like the heart, in purple-red. The bulbs of this plant are edible. They produce bulblets that will flower in two years. The vegetation dries up at the end of summer as the plant enters dormancy.

In well-protected borders where frosts are mild, it is possible to leave the bulbs in the ground during the dormant period in winter. Elsewhere, Tigridia 'Lilacea' is a standout plant for growing in large pots that can be brought indoors during winter. These plants were the queens of Victorian gardens in the 19th century. Choose a sunny and sheltered location for them. Don't hesitate to plant them directly in pure sand; it will improve their hardiness. Plant Tigridia pavonia 'Lilacea' in groups and grow them in the sun (or partial shade in southern France), bordering an exotic bed alongside catmints, Galtonia, Amaryllis belladonna, Alstroemerias, and Crinums. They also combine well with Ageratums and Agapanthus. The flowers will be stunning in exotic bouquets.