Why Do Tiger Lily Leaves Fold Back?

Tiger Lilies

• Tiger lilies grow in wildflower and Oriental varieties, with different growth habits according to cultivar. Oriental tiger lilies bear tall, straight stems with stacks of leaves and blooms at the tops. These lilies grow from bulbs and reach 2 to 6 feet, depending on cultivar. Wildflower tiger lilies bear many large, sword-shaped leaves, fanning out from the base, and feature their blooms on single long flower stalks.

Site and Space

• Tiger lilies require full, bright sun all day to grow and thrive. Shaded locations restrict blooming and cause leaf yellowing, wilting and twisting. The plants also need adequate space for both sun and air, with quick site drainage. Plant them at 9 to 12 inches in the bed, in sites with quick drainage, for full growth. Close planting leads to crowding, rotting and leaf twisting. Tiger lilies grow best from U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 3 to 9 and may burn in hot zones 10 and 11. Move the lilies to partial or filtered shade during the summer in these zones to prevent leaf twisting.

Soil and Nutrition

• Tiger lilies grow in swamps and riverbeds in the wild, and so require deep, crumbly and moist soil. Hot, dry or poor soil leads to leaf twisting and plant failure. Mix organic compost and leaf mold into the soil at planting and give the lilies compost or rotted manure additions every spring. These amendments encourage better soil drainage, nutrition and moisture. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends phosphorous-heavy fertilizers like 5-10-10 for lilies and suggests feeding the plants every spring for continued healthy growth.

Water and Mulch

• Tiger lilies require consistent moisture for growing. Blooms and foliage dry and fail in heavy drought. Give the lilies 2 inches of water every week and use organic mulch to maintain moisture. Mulch also discourages weed growth and restricts competition for resources.