Tigridia pavonia Lilacea

# Tigridia: Planting, Growing and Caring ## Introduction The Tigridia, also known as the Mexican Shell Flower, is a stunning bulbous plant that produces vibrant, exotic-looking blooms. Native to Mexico and Central America, this eye-catching plant adds a tropical touch to British gardens during the summer months. ## Planting Tigridia ### When to Plant - **Best time**: Plant the bulbs in mid to late spring after the last frost - **Soil temperature**: Wait until soil reaches at least 15°C ### Where to Plant - **Sun exposure**: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily) - **Soil type**: Well-draining, fertile soil - **Ideal locations**: Flower beds, borders, containers ### How to Plant 1. Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure 2. Plant bulbs 10-15cm deep and 10-15cm apart 3. Position with the pointed end facing upwards 4. Water thoroughly after planting ## Growing Conditions ### Watering - Keep soil consistently moist during growth and flowering - Reduce watering after flowering when foliage begins to yellow ### Feeding - Apply balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks during active growth - Stop feeding when flowers fade ### Temperature - Thrives in warm conditions (18-25°C) - Not frost hardy - lift bulbs in autumn in colder regions ## Care and Maintenance ### Deadheading - Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms - Leave some flowers if you want to collect seeds ### Overwintering In areas with cold winters: 1. Lift bulbs after first frost when foliage dies back 2. Clean and dry bulbs 3. Store in cool (10°C), dry place in peat or vermiculite 4. Replant following spring ### Pests and Diseases - Watch for slugs and snails on young growth - Bulb rot may occur in waterlogged soil ## Propagation - **Division**: Separate offsets from parent bulbs when dormant - **Seeds**: Sow fresh seeds in spring (flowers in 2-3 years) ## Design Tips - Plant in groups for dramatic effect - Combine with other summer-flowering bulbs - Excellent for cut flowers (each bloom lasts just one day but produces many flowers) With their spectacular, short-lived flowers that appear in succession, Tigridias bring an exotic flair to British gardens. Though each individual bloom lasts just a day, the plant produces many flowers over several weeks, creating a stunning display.