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Description
Lilium Parvum, commonly known as the Sierra Tiger Lily, is a stunning species of lily that is native to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. The flowers of this plant are trumpet-shaped and feature a bright orange color, with dark spots covering the petals. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a bluish-green hue that adds to the beauty of this plant. The Sierra Tiger Lily is a perennial bulb that can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a spread of up to 1 foot.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Lilium |
Appearance
The Sierra Tiger Lily is one of the most striking lilies due to its vivid orange color and unique markings. It has six petals that are fused together at the base to form a trumpet shape. Each petal has dark spots on them, which vary in size and shape. The flowers can grow up to 4 inches in diameter and are held on sturdy stems that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The leaves of the Sierra Tiger Lily are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring up to 6 inches in length. They are arranged in whorls around the stem and have a bluish-green hue that contrasts beautifully with the orange flowers.
Care Guide
The Sierra Tiger Lily is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy and blooming:
Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the dormant period.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Soil: Plant the bulbs in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for this plant.
Sunlight: The Sierra Tiger Lily prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: The Sierra Tiger Lily is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8. It can tolerate cold temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sierra Tiger Lily is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues that may arise:
Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease causes grayish-brown spots on the leaves and flowers. Remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Lily Leaf Beetle: This pest feeds on the leaves and flowers of lilies, causing significant damage. Remove the beetles manually or use insecticidal soap to control their population.
Habitat
The Sierra Tiger Lily is native to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, where it grows in meadows, open woodlands, and along streams. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate cold temperatures and high elevations.
Questions and Answers
Q: How often should I fertilize my Sierra Tiger Lily?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Q: Can the Sierra Tiger Lily tolerate cold temperatures?
A: Yes, the Sierra Tiger Lily is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8 and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C).
Q: What soil pH is ideal for the Sierra Tiger Lily?
A: A slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for this plant.
Q: Is the Sierra Tiger Lily susceptible to pests and diseases?
A: The Sierra Tiger Lily is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. However, Botrytis Blight and Lily Leaf Beetle may occur.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Sierra Tiger Lily:
- Lilium Pardalinum
- Lilium Humboldtii
- Lilium Columbianum
- Lilium Washingtonianum
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/lilies/Lilium_parvum.shtml
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/lilium-parvum-sierra-tiger-lily
- https://www.americanmeadows.com/flower-bulbs/lily-bulbs/lilium-parvum-sierra-tiger-lily
