What compost for tiger flower in the UK?

Use peat-free ericaceous (lime-free) compost. Plant bulbs 8–10 cm deep in spring after the last frost in well-prepared, organically enriched, free-draining soil; avoid heavy clay, which stays too wet and cold for reliable establishment. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.

No — tiger flower needs an acidic, lime-free (ericaceous) compost. Standard multipurpose is too limey and will slowly cause yellowing between the leaf veins (lime-induced chlorosis). Buy a bag labelled "ericaceous".

Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow tiger flower perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.

Not essential, but a couple of handfuls of perlite in the mix improves aeration and guards against overwatering — useful on a cool, damp British windowsill where compost stays wet longer.

Always a pot with drainage holes. Fertile, well-drained loamy or sandy soil, pH 5.5–7.5. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.