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Tigridia pavonia Lilacea

Tigridia pavonia Lilacea
Peacock Flower, Mexican Shellflower, Tiger Iris

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Thanks to the individuals (C.D. for order preparation & quality control and Nöella from the shipping department), the 10 bulbs I received still appear to be healthy (despite some traces of mold). Planted along the pathway, near several red roses, I am now waiting for them to take root...

Thierry, 18/02/2021

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

This Peacock's Eye offers triangular flowers that are 10cm (4in) in diameter, of fuchsia pink colour, adorned with a throat striped with purple red and white. They constantly renew themselves between July and September, for two months. Not very hardy, this exotic bulbous plant is suitable for mild climates in open ground. It requires full light and a light, rather moist, but well-drained soil.
Flower size
10 cm
Height at maturity
45 cm
Spread at maturity
25 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -6°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time January to February, October to December
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Flowering time July to August
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Description

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.

Tigridia pavonia Lilacea in pictures

Tigridia pavonia Lilacea (Flowering) Flowering

Plant habit

Height at maturity 45 cm
Spread at maturity 25 cm
Growth rate fast

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time July to August
Inflorescence Spike
Flower size 10 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Tigridia

Species

pavonia

Cultivar

Lilacea

Family

Iridaceae

Other common names

Peacock Flower, Mexican Shellflower, Tiger Iris

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference155701

Planting and care

Although originally from subtropical regions, Tigridia pavonia can withstand light frosts (-5 °C with a protective mulch). Plant the bulbs in April, about ten centimetres deep, in a rich and light substrate. A mixture of regular soil, leaf compost, and coarse sand will work very well. In colder regions, bring the bulbs indoors before the frosts and let them dry in a heated room. Keep them dry during winter in sand or turf boxes. In spring, you can replant the bulbs and bulblets that adhere to them. Tigridias require a very bright exposure to flower well. Water once or twice a week throughout the entire growing season, even though these plants can tolerate short periods of drought, which, in any case, affects their flowering. Prefer an open, sunny, and protected location. Don't hesitate to plant them directly in pure sand, as it will improve their hardiness.

Planting period

Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time January to February, October to December
Planting depth 10 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Container, Greenhouse, Conservatory
Hardiness Hardy down to -6°C (USDA zone 9a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 20 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Rich and well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Needs to be stored
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