Tigridias, also known as tiger flowers or Mexican shellflowers, are eye-catching bulbs that add exotic flair to a garden with their brightly colored, intricate blooms. However, they aren’t fully hardy in the UK, as they’re native to warm, frost-free regions of Mexico and Central America. They’re rated as half-hardy, which means they can tolerate temperatures down to about -5°C (23°F), but in many parts of the UK, this won’t be enough to protect them through winter.
How to Keep Tigridias Over Winter in the UK
There are a couple of approaches for keeping Tigridias through winter, depending on your region and gardening setup:
- Lifting and Storing Indoors:
- In Late Autumn: Once the foliage has died back (usually after the first frost), carefully dig up the corms. Use a garden fork to avoid damaging them, and gently shake off any excess soil.
- Drying: Lay the corms out in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few days to allow them to dry completely. This helps prevent rot during storage.
- Storage: Place the dried corms in a paper bag or breathable container filled with peat moss, sand, or vermiculite to keep them dry but slightly cushioned. Store them in a cool, frost-free place, such as a shed or garage, where the temperature stays between 5-10°C.
- Mulching in Mild Climates:
- If you’re in a milder part of the UK, you might be able to leave Tigridia corms in the ground. Cover them with a thick layer of mulch (straw, bark, or leaf mold) to insulate them from the cold. This won’t always guarantee survival but can help protect against light frosts.
- Consider adding an additional layer of horticultural fleece for added protection during cold snaps.
- Container Growing:
- Growing Tigridias in containers makes overwintering easier. At the end of the season, move pots to a frost-free, sheltered spot or bring them indoors for the winter.
Tigridias in the UK: Varieties, Colour, and Care for a Tropical Garden
Tigridias, or Mexican shellflowers, are vibrant and exotic additions to any UK tropical-style garden. With their bright, large blooms and intricate patterns, they bring a touch of the tropics that beautifully complements bold foliage and lush settings. Despite their origins in warmer climates, Tigridias can thrive in the UK with the right care and attention. Here’s a look at the best varieties, colours, and care requirements to help you grow these stunning plants.
Best Tigridia Varieties for the UK
While there are several species of Tigridia, Tigridia pavonia is the most commonly grown species due to its stunning flowers and relative ease of cultivation. It also has multiple varieties, each with unique color patterns:
- Tigridia pavonia ‘Speciosa’ is known for its deep red petals with yellow, speckled centers. The striking red coloration makes it ideal for tropical garden themes.
- Tigridia pavonia ‘Canariensis’ has bright yellow petals with orange speckles and a red center, creating a warm, sunny effect.
- Tigridia pavonia ‘Alba is a more delicate option with white petals and light yellow markings, perfect for adding a tropical feel in a more subtle, calming way.
- Tigridia pavonia ‘Lilacina’ features soft pink or lilac petals with deep purple speckles, bringing a more unusual color to the garden and pairing well with dark foliage.
Each of these varieties blooms for a single day, but as multiple flowers form on each stem, you can enjoy a continual display over several weeks in the summer.
Ideal Placement in a UK Tropical-Style Garden
Tigridias thrive in sunny, sheltered spots, making them ideal for a UK tropical garden setup. They work well planted near larger, leafy tropical plants like canna lilies, bananas, or palms, as their intense colours and patterned petals contrast beautifully with broad, green foliage.
Place Tigridias where they receive full sun and in soil that drains well, as they dislike being too wet, especially during the colder months. Raised beds or mounded areas work well, helping keep the roots warm and reducing the risk of waterlogging.
Dazzling Colours and Garden Pairings
Tigridias come in a striking array of colours, with flowers in red, yellow, white, pink, purple, and orange, often with contrasting speckles and markings that add depth to each bloom. Their intense colours make them excellent companions for other tropical plants like Crocosmia, Hedychium (ginger lilies), and dahlias, creating a lively, exotic mix of colours and textures.
Care Requirements for Tigridias
Though Tigridias aren’t as hardy as other bulbs, they’re relatively easy to care for during the growing season:
- Plant corms about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) deep and 10-15 cm apart in spring, once all danger of frost has passed.
- Tigridias prefer consistently moist soil but should not be waterlogged. Water regularly during dry periods, especially if planted in a sunny spot, to encourage healthy growth.
- Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month from late spring until they finish blooming. This will support strong growth and flower production.
- While Tigridia blooms only last a single day, there’s no need to deadhead. Allow the foliage to die back naturally, as this will feed the corm for next year’s blooms.
Overwintering Tigridias
Tigridias are half-hardy in the UK, meaning they won’t survive extended periods of frost. Overwintering is essential, especially in colder regions. As mentioned, lifting and storing corms in a frost-free location is the most reliable method to keep them safe until spring.
With their bold blooms and unique tropical look, Tigridias bring an unforgettable splash of color to UK gardens. By selecting the best varieties, providing good care, and protecting them over winter, you can enjoy these exotic blooms year after year, adding a delightful tropical touch to your garden.
