Tiger Lily ‘Red Velvet’ is a bold, dramatic Asiatic-type lily prized for its rich, velvety red blooms and strong upright growth. The plant produces sturdy green stems lined with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that give it a clean vertical structure in garden beds and borders. In early to mid-summer, large upward- to outward-facing flowers emerge in deep crimson to dark red tones, often with a soft velvety sheen and subtle darker spotting near the center. The intense colour provides striking contrast against green foliage and pairs well with lighter perennials. Its reliability, cold hardiness, and vivid colour make it a popular choice for northern gardens.
- Size: Height: 75–100 cm (30–40 in). Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
- Flowering: Early to mid-summer
- Growth habit: Upright clumping perennial arising from bulbs
- Light: Full sun to light partial shade; best flowering occurs in full sun.
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; lilies dislike heavy, poorly drained soils.
- Water: Moderate watering; keep soil evenly moist during the growing season.
- Hardiness: Very hardy (Zones 3–8), suitable for prairie climates such as Regina, SK.
- Planting depth: Plant bulbs 10–15 cm (4–6 in) deep and space 30–40 cm apart.
- Maintenance: Remove spent flowers; leave foliage until it naturally dies back to nourish the bulb.
- Propagation: Divide bulbs every 3–4 years in fall or early spring if clumps become crowded.
- Support: Usually sturdy, though staking may help in exposed or windy locations.