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Jesse Saylor
Iridaceae
Tigridia pavonia
Mexican Shell Flower, Mexican Tiger Flower, Peacock Flower, Peacock Tiger Iris
Known by many common names, this tender bulbous perennial with stunning blooms is a star of the summer garden. A Mexican native found mostly at high altitudes, it is typically grown as an annual.
The spreading clumps of narrow pleated sword-shaped leaves form fans. Tall stems bear clusters of short lived flowers that open successively over several weeks in summer. The spectacular orange, pink, yellow or white blooms are triangular with three large spreading outer petals and three stubby, cupped, boldly blotched inner petals. Each bloom usually lasts one day.
These cold-tender, sun-loving plants are striking when grown in fertile, well-drained soil. They do best with relatively moist summers and dry winters. In hot climates such as the Southeast United States they may benefit from midday shade. Plants grow from bulbs that produce offsets, eventually forming large clumps. They should be divided every few years to maintain a relatively compact clump. Plants may self-sow in favorable sites. Use Mexican shell flowers as eye-catching accents in borders, cottage gardens, and containers.
12 - 3
8 - 10
H1, H2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
Full Sun, Partial Sun
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
Summer
Mexico
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Medium
Average Water
Upright/Erect
Spring, Summer, Fall
Showy
White, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Orange Red
Multi-Color
Green, Brown
Green
No
Single
Yes
Matte
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Mixed Border
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