Cream Tigridia
Garden The PlantShare Way ®
~ All About Tiger Flower ~
Tigridia pavonia, often called the Tiger flower or Peacock flower, is a striking summer-blooming bulb that adds exotic beauty to gardens. Known for its vivid petals and unique spotted centers, this plant is surprisingly easy to grow with the right approach. For best results, beginners should understand the basics of planting bulbs and ongoing care.
The key to success begins with proper planting Tigridia pavonia. Wait until after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed. Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil. Plant the bulbs about 3 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. For continuous blooms, stagger planting every two weeks in late spring. Water lightly after planting to help bulbs settle, but avoid oversaturation, which can cause rot.
Ongoing Tigridia pavonia care is simple but important. These bulbs thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct light daily. Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season, especially during hot spells, but allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, as each blossom lasts only a single day. Fertilize every two to three weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to support continuous flowering.
Tigridia pavonia pairs beautifully with Dahlia pinnata as a companion plant. Both thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil, making them easy to grow together. Dahlias provide taller structure and long-lasting blooms, while tiger flowers add bursts of exotic color at ground level. Their overlapping bloom periods create a dynamic summer display, and planting them together maximizes visual impact without increasing maintenance.
In colder regions, Tigridia pavonia bulbs are not winter hardy. After the first frost, dig up the bulbs, let them dry, and store them in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.
With thoughtful planting Tigridia pavonia and simple plant care, gardeners can enjoy weeks of dazzling color in borders, containers, or cutting gardens. This exotic yet beginner-friendly plant offers a bold, rewarding addition to any summer landscape.
Plant Tigridia bulbs in late spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. They need warm ground to sprout and grow well.
Yes, Mexican shell flowers (Tigridia pavonia) are perennials in warm climates. In colder areas, they are treated like annuals unless the bulbs are dug up and stored for replanting.
Tigridia prefers warm climates with plenty of sun. It does not grow well in areas with long, cool, or wet seasons.
In mild, frost-free regions, you can leave the bulbs in the ground. In colder zones with freezing winters, dig them up after the first frost, dry them, and store them indoors until spring.
Last updated on May 31, 2026
Species suggested by: Dina Russell, 2020
Plant Profile compiled and written by: Team PlantShare
Contributors: Team PlantShare
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