Tigridia pavonia - Tiger Flower

The fancy looks of this wonderful flower are captured by its botanical name: Tigridia means tiger like, and pavonia means peacock like. The plant can grow up to a metre tall, though generally, the flowers and plants peak around the 30-54 cm. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped. 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. Tiger flower is a hardy plant in all climates except in the extremes. It is native Mexico to Honduras, cultivated as a garden plant worldwide.