Tigridia Pavonia - Facts and Myths:

Tigridia pavonia is a main stay for most gardeners who have grown this since the erection of the genus Tigridia in 1789.

Tigridias are bulbous plants, which have been in cultivation since the 17th century. Even so, there still remains many myths regarding their growing requirements.

Said myths have probably put some folks in marginal climates off growing these easy delights.

Generally, said he pulling a very long bow, this is what the books to date say about Tigridia pavonia. Tigridia pavonia is a popular species within the tribe; growing when happy up to a metre tall, though generally, the flowers and plants peak around the 30-54cm. mark.

Flowers on these are up to 15 cm. in diameter with spreading but usually reflexed segments. These segments are brightly coloured, coming in various shades depending on the colour form grown and generally show multi coloured spots and blotches in the cup formed by the bases of the segments. The flower is made up of two distinct segments, the outer segments about 10cm. long; while the inner segments are smaller.

To grow them well, a good well drained soil is essential, coupled with a sunny warm position. When frosts have passed, bulbs should be planted about 15cm, that's six inches deep when the soils warm up. Once growth commences, the plants should be watered freely, especially over the warmer months of summer. During the resting period, that's when the bulb is dormant; they should be kept dry and cool and the main thing to remember is the temperature should not drop below 15 degrees Celsius.

Facts about growing: Tigridia pavonia has been fully hardy where ever I have lived. In Tasmania where the winters were cold and wet, they remained in the ground.

In Bowral, where the ground froze, with night time temperatures of -9 degrees Celsius, they came back and multiplied year in year out.

Here in Geelong, where the summer temperatures can reach over 48 degrees Celsius on some days they have struggled. This is the first climate I have lived in where Tigridia pavonia has failed to flourish. This is solely because of the summer temperatures.

Recently on the International Bulb Societies daily forum, an English friend commented thus:

Tigridia pavonia is fully hardy here in Plymouth, Devon, UK. We have very wet winters and the clump here has survived temps down to -8C in wet / icy conditions; corms planted at 3 inches.

Go To Page: 1 2