Newsletter Cool Plant

Georgia Gardener Newsletter Cool Plant: August 21, 2008

Toad Lily

Tricyrtis hirta

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Species Native Range: Japan
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4-8
Mature Size: 24-36 inches tall and wide
Exposure: Partial to full shade
Soil: Moist to wet
Drought Tolerance: Not bad
Ease of Culture: Easy

Toad lily is an easily grown, late blooming perennial for the shade garden. In my garden, blooming begins in mid to late August and continues well into September. The plant sports bold wide foliage and 1-1.5 inch orchid-like light lavender flowers with dark lavender spots.

Grow toad lily in rich soil that stays moist in partial to full shade - at least that's what the books say. My personal experience has been that established plants in good soil with adequate mulch do surprisingly well in drought.

Use toad lily in shady moist gardens, near ponds and at the edges of bogs. Good companion plants include foamflower, impatiens, hostas, turtlehead, ferns, etc.

Pests and problems: snails, slugs and especially DEER!

Sources

I have seen toad lily at local retail nurseries, especially at this time of year when it's blooming.