Namakua Growing Guide: Tigridia (one day lily)
If you're looking to add bold colour, striking patterns and weeks of summer blooms to your garden, Tigridia (one day lily) is a must-have. Native to Mexico, these eye-catching bulbs produce spectacular flowers in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, purple and white, each adorned with beautifully spotted centres that resemble the markings of a wild cat.
Although each flower lasts for just one day, don't be fooled. Tigridia are prolific bloomers, producing a succession of flowers over up to six weeks, ensuring a continuous display throughout the summer months.
Easy to grow and surprisingly low maintenance, Tigridia are perfect for sunny borders, containers, rock gardens and naturalistic plantings, making them an excellent choice for South African gardens.
When to Plant Tigridia
Plant Tigridia bulbs in late spring, once all danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm. As semi-tropical bulbs, they thrive in warm conditions and reward gardeners with spectacular summer flowers.
Where to Plant
Choose a position that receives 6–8 hours of full sun each day. Tigridia perform best in warm, sheltered locations with well-drained soil.
If your garden has heavy clay soil, improve drainage by incorporating plenty of compost or other organic matter before planting. Healthy, fertile soil encourages stronger growth and more prolific flowering.
How to Plant Tigridia Bulbs
Plant bulbs:
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Approximately 5 cm deep
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Around 10 cm apart
For the most natural display, plant bulbs in generous groups or drifts rather than rigid rows. Their vibrant colours create far greater impact when allowed to bloom together.
Tigridia are equally well suited to containers, raised beds and rock gardens, bringing dramatic colour to gardens large and small.
Watering
Water thoroughly after planting to help establish the bulbs.
During the growing season, water deeply every 3–5 days, depending on rainfall and summer temperatures. Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering during hot weather.
Watering early in the morning helps minimise evaporation while allowing foliage to dry during the day.
Applying mulch around your bulbs will help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature and suppress weeds.
Feeding
Feed your Tigridia with a balanced bulb fertiliser:
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After planting
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During flowering
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Again once flowering has finished
This final feed allows the bulbs to replenish their energy reserves before entering dormancy, encouraging stronger flowering the following season.
Companion Planting
Growing up to 70 cm tall, Tigridia combine beautifully with other summer-flowering favourites, including:
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Dahlias
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Hibiscus
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Agapanthus
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Rudbeckia
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Ornamental grasses
Their bold colours and exotic blooms make them ideal for tropical-inspired gardens, mixed perennial borders and colourful cottage gardens.
Dormancy and Care
Continue watering while the foliage remains green. Once the leaves naturally yellow and die back in autumn, allow the bulbs to enter dormancy.
In most South African gardens, there is no need to lift the bulbs each year. Leave them in the ground unless your soil remains excessively wet during winter or you wish to divide overcrowded clumps.
Divide established clumps every three to four years to maintain healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Why Grow Tigridia?
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Spectacular exotic flowers
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Continuous blooms for up to six weeks
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Ideal for borders, containers and rock gardens
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Excellent cut flowers
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Easy to grow and low maintenance
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Suitable for most South African climates
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Returns year after year with minimal care
With their dazzling colours, intricate markings and carefree nature, Tigridia bring excitement to every summer garden. Plant them in sunny positions, give them well-drained soil and a little seasonal care, and they'll reward you with a spectacular display that celebrates the very best of summer.
Whether you're creating a vibrant flower border or adding colour to a patio container, Tigridia are guaranteed to steal the show.