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Genus Tricyrtis (Toad lily)

Tricyrtis formosana 'Gilt Edge' Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of White Flower Farm

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Common Name: Toad lily

These perennials are from moist woodlands and high elevations from Eastern Asia to the Phillipines. They bear alternate, sometimes glossy and spotted leaves, which usually clasp the stems. The sturdy, star-shaped flowers occur terminally or at the axils, bearing six sepals with a prominent stigma. They make subtle, but exotic specimens for woodland borders and shady house plantings.
Noteworthy characteristics: This genus offers late-season, orchid-like blossoms for any moist and shady spot.
Care: Grow in moist, but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Mulch plants in cold climates with little snow cover, and site late-blooming species in a sheltered location to protect blossoms from early frosts.
Propagation: Sow seed when fresh in a cold frame. Divide when still dormant in early spring.
Problems: Slugs, snails.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Tricyrtis

Tricyrtis 'Tojen'
(Toad lily) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This luminous hybrid bears unspotted, orchid-like lavender flowers with yellow-throated bases. It has unusually large and clean leaves, which look great all season. It grows up to 3 feet tall, although its lovely, almost weeping, habit keeps the plant's height closer to 2 or 2.5 feet. It grows to about 3 feet wide. Toad lilies make subtle but exotic specimens for woodland borders and other shady sites.

Tricyrtis formosana
(Toad lily) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

The upward-facing, star-like blossoms of this species vary from white to light pink or lilac, with reddish purple spots throughout. They are reminiscent of orchids. Toad lily blooms in early autumn along arching stems to 2 or 3 feet tall. Plants grow to 2 feet wide. They make subtle, but exotic specimens for woodland borders and shady house plantings. They will colonize over time, but are not invasive. These perennials are from moist woodlands and high elevations from eastern Asia to the Phillipines.

Tricyrtis formosana ‘Amethystina’
(Toad lily) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

Amethystina's upward-facing, star-like blossoms are bluish-lavender with purple spots and creamy bases. It blooms in early autumn along arching stems up to 3 feet tall and grows half as wide. Toad lilies make subtle but exotic specimens for woodland borders and other shady gardens.

Tricyrtis hirta
(Toad lily)

(2 user reviews)

Hardiness Zones:

The star-like blossoms of this species are white with rich purple spots and purple stigmas. It blooms in late summer to mid-autumn along arching stems up to 2.5 feet tall.