Tiger flower aka shell flower

A member of the iris family, this unusual plant is native to Mexico. It was known to the Aztecs as a food plant (they ate the bulbs). They called it “jaguar flower”, a reference to the deep spotting in the center of the bloom. Although each blossom only lasts for 24 hours, there are usually several blooms produced per stem and they bloom over a long period. This plant flowers profusely throughout the summer. Colours are highly variable including creams, pinks, reds, oranges, and yellows, often spotted within, and with the petals arranged in a broadly triangular fashion.

Tiger flower is easy to kill and so gardeners do not often encounter it. It requires a good deal of warmth and shelter. It likes to be well watered while actively growing and blooming, but it needs a sharp reduction in moisture immediately following, mirroring a “dry” period like it gets in its homeland. Excellent drainage is essential to prevent the bulbs from rotting, and they can be lifted in the fall and stored like dahlias or glads.

This is a tall plant that can grow as much as 3 ft., and the foliage resembles an iris, to which they are related. They can be propagated from seed fairly easily or the bulbs can be divided once clumps are established. Seed to bloom is about three years. These plants do well in containers and add a flair of the tropics to our gardens.