There was been discussion on other threads about tiger lilies being virused and not showing the viris but being able to pass it on to other lilies in the garden.
I have bought and planted the double form. But I noticed they sell the double form and the common form of tiger lilies at Brent and Beckys bulbs. So I e-mailed and asked if it was safe to buy the double form and plant being concerned about what I had heard about lily virus.
I received an answer today that really doesn't say much. Basicly the advice was to plant the tiger lilies, double or single on one side of the house and the other lilies on the opposite side. They said they grow them at home and have never had any problems.
Tiger Lilies
That sounds like a good plan to me, especially since no one seems to know if the double form is infected. Better safe than sorry! Remember that the virus spreads by sucking insects such as aphids and thrips, so it helps to check the plants occasionally for infestation and treat if found.
I also think that is good advice. Lily growers don't seem to have the scare factor that newbies do with virus. I know a couple who do essentially what B&B says, and after many years, still have no problems.
Don't over fertilize your tigers, that can attract sucking insects that might spread the viruses. Tigers don't need fertilizer anyway. They are very self sustaining, even the double type.
I planted them before I heard about the possibility of Tiger Lilies carrying virus. I know where they are as they are marked. But I now want to move them as I put them smack dab in the middle of my newly created Lily and daylily bed in a far section of my backyard.
I have moved lilies that were growing before and tiger lilies, especially, are tough. As soon as I can see them sprouts above ground, I will lift and move them. I am aftraid to dig now because I am sure I would hit a bulb not knowing down to the inch were they are.
I know the idea is the virus is spread by aphids but I have never seen an aphid on any of my lilies. That might be because there are so many other things growing here that they prefer.
They love my vining honeysuckles, I keep spraying with soapy water to kill them each spring. They also love the green tender tops of some of my viburnum and they adore any type of Milkweed. Tender new growth on roses is also a favorite. I know some poeple get aphids on their daylilies but my daylilies never do. I think that lilies must be way down the list of preferred foods.
I never spray anything more than soapy water which coats them and kills them. Plus if a branch is just covered then there is always the gross but very effective squish them in your fingers method.