Tigridia pavonia aka Tiger Iris

Tigridia pavonia belongs to the iris family, Iridaceae. Gardeners know it as tiger flower or Mexican shell flower. Its native range runs from Mexico south to Honduras. It grows in oak and pine woods, and along roadsides. It also occurs in places between wild and cultivated land. People have grown it for its flowers and food.

This perennial grows from an underground storage organ called a corm. Sources also describe it as a bulbous plant. Its leaves die back during dormancy. Useful Tropical Plants gives a height near 2 feet [0.6 metres]. RHS lists a taller garden range of 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. RHS gives a spread up to 0.33 feet [0.1 metres]. The plant has an upright form and long, pointed leaves. These can reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] long.

Flowers open in sequence through summer, rather than all at once. They may be orange, pink, red, yellow, or white. Each flower has three petals with contrasting marks near the centre. Flowers can reach about 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] across. Insects pollinate them. Garden uses include beds, courtyards, patios, and pots. RHS also lists it for gardens with a Mediterranean climate. Seed-grown plants may bloom in their first or second year.

Choose a warm, sheltered site with full sun. The soil should be fertile and drain well. Sandy soil suits it, though RHS also lists loam. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Give it ample moisture during growth, then keep dormant corms dry. Plant about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] deep. For pots, RHS recommends peat-free loam compost with added sharp sand. Repot in spring, or divide offsets while plants are dormant.

Cold tolerance varies between the sources. RHS rates it H1C, for summer outdoor use in Britain. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10. Useful Tropical Plants reports brief survival near 18°F [−8°C]. In cold regions, lift the corms and store them frost-free. RHS suggests dry sand near 50°F [10°C]. Cool summers may limit corm growth for the next season. The plant needs no pruning and has few pest problems. Viruses can cause disease. Cooked corms are edible, with a sweet-potato-like taste when baked. Raw corms can cause a burning feeling in the mouth. PFAF records past use to promote fertility, not proof of benefit.