Asiatic Lily vs Tiger Lily: A Comparison of Two Classic Garden Flowers

Lilies are among the most popular and beautiful flowers for gardens. With elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms and sweet fragrances, they add grace and charm to any landscape. Two of the most classic lily types are Asiatic lilies and tiger lilies. But what exactly sets these two varieties apart? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore the key differences between Asiatic and tiger lilies to help you choose the best ones for your needs.

An Overview of Asiatic Lilies

Asiatic lilies encompass a wide range of hybrid lilies within the Lilium genus that originated from central and northeast Asia. Over the years, Asiatic lilies have been extensively bred, so modern varieties thrive in gardens worldwide.

Some notable qualities of Asiatic lilies include

• Diverse Colors – Asiatic lilies display a huge spectrum of colors and bicolors including reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, purples, and whites.

• Varied Flower Forms – Blooms may be trumpet-shaped, bowl-shaped or star-shaped. Many have delicate speckles and brushstroke markings.

• Fragrance – Most have a light, sweet perfume. Some varieties are nearly scentless.

• Hardiness: Asiatic lilies do very well in both cold winters and hot summers. They resist most common diseases.

• Long Bloom Season – Flowers open from early summer to early fall depending on the variety.

• Versatile Uses – Excellent for borders, container gardens, and cut flower bouquets.

An Overview of Tiger Lilies

Known scientifically as Lilium lancifolium or Lilium tigrinum, the tiger lily is most notable for its unique speckled flowers in fiery shades. Other defining traits include:

• Vibrant Blooms – Tiger lily flowers are primarily a bold orange-red hue with dark spots on the petals resembling a tiger’s coat.

• Trumpet Shape – Large bowl-shaped blossoms face outward on upright stems. Petals strongly recurve backward.

• Subtle Scent – The aroma is light and not overpowering.

• Midsummer Flowering – Blooms open in July and August.

• Tall Stature – Stems grow quite tall, typically 3 to 5 feet high. Makes a dramatic statement.

• Cold Hardiness – Tolerates cold climates and frosty winters.

• Self-Seeding – Spreads readily by seed dispersal and small bulblets along the stems.

Comparing Asiatic Lilies vs. Tiger Lilies

While Asiatic lilies and tiger lilies share a few similarities, some key differences help set them apart:

• Colors – Asiatics offer diverse colors while tiger lilies are primarily orange-red.

• Patterns – Many asiatics have spots/speckles in contrasting colors. The tiger lily has dark spots on orange petals.

• Flower Shape – Asiatics may have bowl, trumpet or star-shaped blooms. Tiger lilies have strongly recurved trumpets.

• Scent – Asiatics tend to have a pleasant, sweet perfume. The tiger lily scent is subtle.

• Height – Tiger lilies grow quite tall at 3 to 5 feet tall. Asiatics reach 2 to 4 feet in height on average.

• Blooming Season – Asiatics bloom in early summer while tiger lilies flower in mid to late summer.

• Hardiness – Both are cold hardy, but asiatics tend to be more resistant to diseases.

• Propagation – Asiatics are always grown from bulbs. Tiger lilies also produce small bulblets along the stems.

Choosing Between Asiatic vs. Tiger Lilies

When selecting lilies for your garden, consider these key factors:

• Color and Patterns – For vibrant orange-reds, pick tiger lilies. For diverse colors and speckled patterns, go with Asiatic lilies.

• Fragrance – Most asiatics have a light, sweet scent. The tiger lily fragrance is less noticeable. Choose asiatics if fragrance is important.

• Place to Plant: Tiger lilies grow quickly and need a lot of room. Asiatics stay neatly clumped. Tiger lilies work better in wide open planting areas.

• Bloom Season – Extend the lily season by planting early Asiatics with midsummer tiger lilies.

• Asiatic lilies are better for cutting because their stems are shorter and stronger. Tiger lily stems tend to droop.

• Disease Resistance – For foolproof flowers, Asiatic lilies are less prone to viruses and other diseases.

Growing and Caring for Asiatic Lilies and Tiger Lilies

Both Asiatic lilies and tiger lilies thrive when given:

• Full sun to partial shade – At least 6 hours of direct sun is ideal. Afternoon shade prevents wilting.

• Rich, well-drained soil – Amend clay soils with compost. Avoid overly wet, soggy sites.

• Moderate water – Established lilies tolerate short dry periods but bloom best with 1 inch of water per week.

• Protection from wind – Shelter plants from strong winds that can damage stems and blooms.

• Good air circulation – Space lilies adequately and avoid crowding for best growth.

• Timed fertilization – Use a balanced organic fertilizer scratched into soil in early spring.

• Winter mulch – In cold climates, mulch lily roots after fall frosts for insulation.

Finding the Right Lilies for Your Garden

With their beautiful blooms and sweet fragrance, Asiatic lilies and tiger lilies make showstopping additions to gardens. For diversity, pick Asiatics. For drama, choose tiger lilies. Or plant both to enjoy a longer lily season. Given proper care, you’ll enjoy their beauty for many years.

When selecting between these two classic varieties, match the lily’s traits to your specific needs and garden goals. With the right choice, Asiatic lilies and tiger lilies will flourish and add graceful elegance to your landscape for seasons to come.