Tiger lilies (Lilium lancifolium) are easy-to-grow, 4- to 6-foot-tall, hardy bulbs that typically produce downward-facing flowers in midsummer. While most have single flowers, an old, unusual heirloom with double flowers is available again and gaining popularity.

Lilium ‘Flore Pleno’ is a striking, double-flowered tiger lily. The orange flowers are flaked with dark chocolate speckles similar to other tiger lilies, but ‘Flore Pleno’ features an additional layer of petals. Also, it doesn’t produce stamens so there’s no messy pollen to rub off when putting together indoor bouquets. The flowers open from midsummer until frost, and the tall, stately plants are beautiful in the back of a perennial border or against a house.

Tiger lilies are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9. They grow best in full to part sun on slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Tiger lilies don’t require as long a chilling period in winter as other lilium species, so they're a good choice for southern gardeners.

For more information on this heirloom tiger lily, go to: Wayside Gardens.