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Botanical name: Tricyrtis hirta
This selection forms an attractive mound of green leaves; orchid-like white flowers with plum purple spotting that can become blotchy and irregular toward the petal tips; greatly appreciated close up; excellent as a cut flower.
Other names: Toadlily
| Hardiness zone | 4b |
|---|---|
| Flower color | white |
| Foliage type | deciduous * |
| Plant form | upright spreading |
| Mature height | 24 inches |
| Spread | 18 inches |
| Light requirements | partial shade to shade |
| Moisture requirements | moist |
| Plant origin | import |
* deciduous = loses leaves in winter
Toad Lily has white orchid-like flowers with plum purple spots at the ends of the stems from early to mid fall, which are interesting on close inspection. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its oval leaves remain green in color throughout the season. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.
Toad Lily is an open herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
Spreading
Toad Lily is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Mass Planting, General Garden Use, Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
Toad Lily will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years.
This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.
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