Tigridia pavonia Speciosa

Tigridia pavonia 'Speciosa', also known as Bulblet Peacock, is an ancient variety (1843) with vibrant and brightly coloured flowering. Its large flowers display scarlet sepals, enhanced with small red and yellow spots on the throat and petals. The throat is highlighted by a bright yellow border. This not very hardy plant is best suited for milder climates when grown in the ground. It requires full light and a light, rather moist soil, even occasionally dry but well-drained.

Tigridia pavonia 'Speciosa' is a horticultural variety derived from Tigridia pavonia, 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, lasting several weeks in July-August. Flower stems, sometimes ramified, emerge at a height of 45cm (18in), bearing one to three leaves and 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) diameter flowers that only live for a day but succeed each other. The fascinating and intriguing flowers consist of three large scarlet triangular petals and three other tiny, strangely spotted ones, as well as the heart, with carmine red and yellow. The corms of this plant are edible. They produce bulblets that will flower in two years.

In well-protected borders, where frosts are mild, it is possible to leave the bulbs in the ground during the resting period in winter. Elsewhere, Tigridia is a perfect plant for growing in large pots that can be brought indoors during winter. These plants were the queens of Victorian gardens in England in the 19th century. Cultivate Tigridia pavonia 'Speciosa' in full sun (partial shade in the south of France), in a rockery, or at the edge of a dry garden alongside catmints, feather grass, and fountain grasses. Its flowers are stunning in exotic bouquets.