Tigridia pavonia aka Peacock Flower

Taxonomy

Genus Tigridia Family Iridaceae Order Asparagales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Tigridia pavonia, also known as jockey's cap lily, Mexican shellflower, peacock flower, tiger iris, and tiger flower, is a species of flowering plant in the iris family Iridaceae. This bulbous perennial has lance-shaped leaves that can reach up to 50cm in length. Its vibrant flowers, which come in various colors such as orange, pink, red, yellow, and white, are about 15cm across and have three petals with contrasting central markings. Blooming successively throughout the summer, these flowers open early in the morning and close before dusk. Native to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, Tigridia pavonia is widespread in these regions and has also been naturalized in Ecuador and Peru. It is a popular ornamental plant and is cultivated for its striking blooms. It thrives in a sheltered position with full sun exposure and prefers sandy yet fertile soil. However, it is not very cold-hardy, with its tolerance limited to temperatures above 5 °C (41 °F). In colder areas, the bulbs should be lifted and stored during the winter months. Interestingly, the roasted bulbs of Tigridia pavonia are edible and have been traditionally used as food by American Indians and Indigenous peoples of Mexico. They have a chestnut-like flavor. It is worth noting that this plant may also attract aphids, specifically the Aphis newtoni species. Overall, Tigridia pavonia is a captivating and colorful plant that adds vibrancy to gardens when grown in groups in perennial borders. Its bloom period, from mid-July to September, makes it a delightful addition to any garden.

Common names

Peacock Flower, Tiger Flower, Jockey's Cap Lily, Mexican Shell Flowers

How to care for Peacock Flower

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Peacock Flower, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Peacock Flower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Peacock Flower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Peacock Flower requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Mexican Shell Flowers is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Peacock Flower should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Peacock Flower’s native range is Southern N. America - Mexico.

More info:
Wikipedia