Tigridia pavonia, commonly known as Tiger Flower, is a deciduous perennial bulb native to montane forests and grasslands from Mexico to Honduras. This summer-flowering plant reaches a height of 1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm) and a width of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm). The narrow, lance-shaped leaves form an attractive backdrop to the striking three-petalled blooms, which come in a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, red, and orange, each with contrasting central markings that resemble the eyes of a peacock’s tail. The flowers are quite showy, opening early in the morning and closing by dusk, with each bloom lasting just one day. Successional blooming occurs throughout the summer, providing a long season of interest. Plants are capable of blooming in the first year after sowing, making them a quick reward for gardeners.

Tiger Flower is valued for its exotic and vibrant flowers, which add a splash of color to summer borders and container plantings. It is often used in ornamental gardens for its striking appearance and ability to attract pollinators. In cultivation, it requires a sheltered position with full sun exposure and well-drained, sandy but fertile soil. While it thrives with medium water, overwatering should be avoided to prevent bulb rot. In regions where temperatures drop below 5 °C (41 °F), bulbs must be lifted and stored during winter to prevent freezing. Although generally easy to maintain, Tigridia pavonia can be susceptible to slugs and snails, which may damage the foliage and flowers.CC BY-SA 4.0