Tigridia

Description

Tigridia, also known as Mexican shell flower or tiger flower, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae. These plants are native to Central America and Mexico and are prized for their striking blooms. Tigridia flowers feature six petals in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have a distinctive pattern of spots or stripes on the petals. Tigridia blooms in the summer and early fall, typically for just one day, but the plant produces multiple flowers over several weeks.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Tigridia plants are bulbous perennials that grow to be about 1 to 2 feet tall. They have long, narrow leaves that are arranged in a fan shape. The flowers are the standout feature of this plant, with petals that measure 3 to 6 inches across. The blooms are held on sturdy stems that emerge from the center of the plant. Tigridia flowers have a distinctive pattern of spots or stripes on the petals, and the colors range from red, orange, and yellow to pink and white. The flowers only last for a day, but the plant produces multiple blooms over several weeks, providing a steady supply of colorful flowers.

Care Guide

Tigridia is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a popular choice for gardeners. Here are some tips for caring for your tigridia plants:Water: Tigridia plants prefer well-draining soil that is kept slightly moist. Water regularly during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater, as this can cause the bulbs to rot.Fertilization: Fertilize tigridia plants every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Tigridia plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil types but do best in slightly acidic soil.Sunlight: Tigridia plants need full sun to thrive. Plant them in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Tigridia is hardy in zones 8-10 but can be grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Common Pests & Diseases

Tigridia is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to pests and diseases. However, there are a few issues that can arise:Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves and flowers of tigridia plants. Use slug bait or traps to control them.Fungal diseases: Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases like root rot and leaf spot. To prevent these issues, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid getting water on the leaves.

Habitat

Tigridia is native to Central America and Mexico, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and scrublands. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun.

Question and Answer

Q: How do I propagate tigridia?
A: Tigridia can be propagated by dividing the bulbs in the fall or early spring. Each division should have at least one healthy bulb and some roots.Q: Can tigridia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, tigridia can be grown in containers. Make sure the container has drainage holes and that the soil is well-draining.Q: Do tigridia flowers attract pollinators?
A: Yes, tigridia flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.Q: Can tigridia be grown indoors?
A: Tigridia can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location. However, the plant will not flower as well indoors as it does outdoors.

Related Plants

Here are some other plants that are related to tigridia:

• Crocus
• Iris
• Gladiolus
• Narcissus

References

• “Tigridia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 12, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281795.
• “Tigridia.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 12, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/11417/Tigridia/Details.
• “Tigridia (Mexican Shellflower).” Gardenia.net. Accessed August 12, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/tigridia-mexican-shellflower.