Tiger lilies are striking, low-maintenance flowers that effortlessly steal the spotlight in any garden setting.

Picture yourself strolling through a meadow on a bright, breezy day, seeking the perfect wildflowers to take home. Before you, a wildflower garden bursts with life, filled with daisies, roses, violets, and of course, tiger lilies.

Though you’ve come to gather flowers, Alice speaks to them instead: "O Tiger-lily," said Alice, "I wish you could talk." The tiger lily, swaying in the breeze, responds, "We can talk, when there's anybody worth talking to," [source: Sabian Assembly]

Introducing the Tiger Lily

It's undeniably true that some plants are truly extraordinary in how they communicate with us: they are stunning and beautiful to look at, edible as a garnish or side dish, filled with healing properties, attract pollinators with their fragrance, and are incredibly easy to grow—tiger lilies truly offer everything in one package.

And here's the best part: these fragrant flowers, in rich apricot orange with a hint of cinnamon, are among the most long-lasting cut flowers on the planet. The blooms you place in your vase will remain vibrant and fresh for up to two weeks.

"Lilium lancifolium, or tiger lily, is one of the most striking shades of orange a garden can feature," says Amanda Bennett, VP of Horticulture and Collections at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, in an email. "It serves as a beacon for butterflies and beneficial bees. The 'tiger' in the name comes from the black spots on each petal."

How to Cultivate Tiger Lilies

Tiger lilies are herbaceous perennials with broad, up to 4-inch (10-centimeter)-long leaves. Their large orange blooms can reach up to 3 inches (8 centimeters) across. These flowers grow on tall, slender stems that can exceed 6 feet (nearly 2 meters) in height, with six petals—dark purple or black-spotted—that curve back toward the plant.

Originally from Asia, tiger lilies come in two varieties: oriental lilies (also known as asiatic lilies) and the common wildflower type. The true tiger lily does not produce seeds; instead, it must be propagated from bulbs, which can be dug up and divided for growth.

Growing tiger lilies is relatively easy. Simply plant the bulbs 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep and space them 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 centimeters) apart in the fall. Then, wait for a vibrant display of tiger lily flowers in mid to late summer.

The common wildflower variety, with its tuberous roots, is often referred to as the "trench" or "ditch" lily, as it thrives in ditches, along stream banks, and in moist spaces such as roadsides and railroad tracks. Tiger lilies are true lilies, members of the genus Lilium, and due to their versatility, they grow across much of the United States, from Zones 3 to 9.

"Tiger lilies thrive in full sun with well-drained to moist soil and require minimal care once established," says Bennett. "Flore Pleno is a stunning double variety."

"However, not all lilies belong to the true lily family, Lilium," Bennett points out. "Daylilies, calla lilies, and water lilies all belong to different plant families, and none are Lilium!"

Black box warning: No tiger lilies for the tribe of tigers! While most parts of the tiger lily are safe for humans to consume, every part of this plant is toxic to cats, and even small amounts can cause severe harm. Ingesting just a leaf or two, a petal, or even the water or pollen from a vase can lead to vomiting, acute kidney failure, and possibly death. If you suspect your cat has eaten any part of a tiger lily, take both your pet and the plant to a veterinarian immediately.

The Double Tiger Lily

A double tiger lily, also referred to as a double tiger lily flower, is a variant of the tiger lily plant that produces blooms with additional layers of petals. Traditional tiger lilies are known for their bright orange flowers with black spots, resembling the coat of a tiger. These flowers typically have six petals.

In the double variety, the flowers have more than the usual six petals, resulting in a fuller, more luxurious bloom. This "double" effect occurs due to a genetic mutation or selective breeding, causing the flower to generate extra petals. The outcome is a more visually impressive flower that maintains the characteristic color and spots of the classic tiger lily.

Eating Tiger Lily Bulbs

In countries across Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea, tiger lilies are grown as a culinary treat. Often roasted like potatoes, the bulbs of the lily are said to have a flavor and texture similar to turnips or parsnips.

Some Native American communities also cultivate tiger lily bulbs and cook them in earth ovens. The vibrant orange flowers can be eaten raw or cooked and are commonly used fresh or dried in soups, salads, rice dishes, and even as cake decorations.

"Tiger lilies have also been cultivated in Asia for their edible bulbs and are commonly used in traditional medicine. You can incorporate the edible petals into salads or sauté the buds in butter," suggests Bennett.

Tiger Lilies in Medicine

Medically, the tiger lily bulb has long been known in folklore for its anti-inflammatory effects, as a diuretic, an emmenagogue (a menstruation stimulant), an emollient, and an expectorant.

The bulbs are also utilized for treating heart conditions, myopic astigmatism, and for strengthening the muscles around the eyelids, among other benefits. It is believed that tiger lily soup or tea can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

Why Plant Tiger Lilies

Few things capture attention as effortlessly as a garden of tiger lilies in full bloom. These plants can bear up to a dozen vibrant flowers per stem, ranging in colors from yellow and orange to red and even pink. To maximize their impact, plant them in dedicated beds for a stunning display.

In "Through the Looking Glass," Alice inquires of the tiger lily whether all flowers are capable of speech. "As well as you can," replies the Tiger-lily, "And a great deal louder."

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