Tiger iris
Iris domestica · Iridaceae
📷 Tom Murphy VII · CC BY 2.5
⚠️ Rhizomes toxiques pour chiens et chats; ingestion provoque troubles digestifs, diarrhée.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant tiger iris: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Iris domestica
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Adult height
- Approximately 60 cm
- Flowering
- June to August
- Foliage
- Deciduous, linear and upright
- Hardiness
- Moderate, protect in cold climates
- Origin
- Southeast Asia and warm temperate regions
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Keep soil consistently moist without waterlogging. Divide every 3-4 years in spring.
The common mistake
Leaving it in soil that's too dry — it flowers poorly and stays weak.
The pro's trick
Cut stems back to ground level after flowering (September): it'll regrow denser the following year.
Care
Light exposure
The leopard lily appreciates partial shade or dappled sunlight for optimal flowering. It tolerates light shade but will flower less abundantly. Avoid intense afternoon sun in very hot regions.
Watering
Keep the soil moderately moist during the growing season, especially during growth and flowering periods. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Avoid water stagnation, which promotes rhizome rot.
Soil
Plant in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral. Overly compact or waterlogged soil will slow growth. Improve drainage with sand or compost if necessary.
Pruning and cleanup
Remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period and encourage new stems to form. In autumn, cut back dried foliage to ground level or leave it in place for winter protection depending on your climate.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring as vegetation starts. Moderate feeding every 4 to 6 weeks during flowering supports flower production. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of blooms.
Disease prevention
Monitor for rhizome rot in case of excessive moisture or poor drainage. Aphids and spider mites can sometimes affect the foliage; eliminate them promptly. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Did you know?
The leopard lily, formerly classified as Belamcanda chinensis, earns its nickname from its spectacular orange flowers spotted with red or purple, resembling feline fur. In Asia, this plant has been cultivated for centuries for its ornamental and symbolic qualities. Its blackish capsule-shaped fruits give the plant a second decorative interest late in the season.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Early crocusCrocus tommasinianus
- Narrow-leaved blue-eyed grassSisyrinchium angustifolium
- Fringed irisIris japonica
- Japanese irisIris ensata
- Snow CrocusCrocus chrysanthus
- Golden-eyed GrassSisyrinchium californicum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.