The very last perennial to bloom in my garden is the toad lily, Tricyrtis. This is an excellent late-blooming perennial for the shade garden. It usually does not bloom until late September or October.
The plant, a member of the lily family— a true lily— could get its name from the spotted flowers, but the theory is that a Philippine native tribe uses the juice of a native species when hunting for toads or frogs. The juice supposedly attracts the toad or frog and makes them less slippery. Personally, I have never seen a toad or frog near my clump of toad lilies— and I do not think I will be catching it anyway!
It is native to the Himalaya Mountains, Philippines, Japan and China. Tricyrtis has several species available to the gardener: Tricyrtis hirta is the common toad lily, and usually is readily available in catalogs, garden centers or from gardening friends. Tricyrtis formosana spreads easily and can form a large colony in three to five years. It also blooms the longest. It is not easy to find but it is gaining in popularity for its clump-forming ability and long blooming time. New hybrids are coming on the market every year as toad lilies grow in popularity.
The spotted six-petal flowers may be star- or bell-shaped depending on the variety. The inch-long blooms appear in a cluster or spray. Most varieties hold blooms in an upright position, but there are species with pendulous blooms. The bloom looks like a small orchid.
The most common color is lavender, which is prominently blotched or spotted with a dark purple. There are newer varieties that are white, yellow or pink. All are spotted or blotched with a darker color.
Toad lily blooms are an important source of nectar. They attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Hummingbirds appreciate the late-summer source of energy as they prepare to migrate, although in our area hummingbirds have usually already traveled south by the time they bloom.
Toad lilies have upright or arching stems that grow two or three feet in height. They do not always have an arch to the stem. The moderately fuzzy, three- to-four-inch leaves are lance-shaped and clasp the stem. Some varieties have brown mottling on the foliage. The foliage is late to emerge in the spring, so be sure to remember or mark where you have planted them.
The plants like a rich, shady home. Leaf mold or organic matter should be added prior to planting. They like a moist environment and may need watering during dry periods. Mulching will help conserve water.
If the clump is large, divide it in early spring before it breaks dormancy. It is a great plant to share with gardening friends and can be propagated by seeds.
According to the sources I found, toad lilies are relatively pest- and disease-resistant. But rabbits are said to love toad lilies and will eliminate the entire clump. A friend also told me that deer love her toad lilies! I have never had a problem with rabbits or deer.
The flowers will not attract the average person; but they are unique, unusual and a conversation piece filling in the shade garden late in the season. They are a great cut flower for exotic-looking flower arrangements.
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