Species toad lily
a purple-white flower with red-yellow stamens, green leaves and stem

toad lily

Tricyrtis formosana (Stolonifera Group)

The toad lily (Tricyrtis formosana (Stolonifera Group)) is a perennial member of the Lily family. It is native to Eastern Asia but has been widely cultivated in gardens throughout the world. Its heart-shaped leaves and mottled stems make it an attractive addition to any garden. The toad lily's most distinctive feature is its flower, which is similar to a lily and comes in hues of white to purple. The flowers appear in late summer and are a delight to behold. Toad lilies can be planted in both sun or shade, so long as they have plenty of water to survive. They are also highly resistant to disease and pests. Toad lilies are a great choice for gardeners looking for an easy to care for and aesthetically pleasing form of flower.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

White, reddish-purple spots and yellowish throats Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Toad lily (Tricyrtis formosana (Stolonifera Group)) should be watered consistently, but sparingly. This highly-shade tolerant plant should be watered twice a week during the summer, and about once a week in the winter. During the hottest months of the summer, water lightly yet frequently, ensuring that the soil is consistently moist but not overly wet. When watering, make sure to avoid the foliage and focus on saturating the soil. If the soil is allowed to become completely dry, the plant may not recover. In the colder months, the soil should remain damp – not wet or dry – so be sure to adjust water amounts based on temperature and precipitation.

sunlight

Toad Lilies (Tricyrtis formosana (Stolonifera Group)) prefer morning sun and course, dappled afternoon shade in most climates. In cooler climates, it is better for them to receive full sun during the morning hours. They should not be exposed to direct afternoon sunlight as it can cause the leaves to scorch. In warm climates, the Toad Lilies should be protected from the intense afternoon heat and direct sun. If possible, afternoon shade should be provided. A minimum of 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight daily is suggested for optimal results.

pruning

Toad lilies (Tricyrtis formosana (Stolonifera Group)) need to be pruned regularly to maintain their natural shape and promote flowering. Pruning should typically be done in mid to late spring, as soon as the plant has finished blooming. This gives the plant enough time to establish new growth and prepare new buds for flowering in the ensuing season. Begin pruning by removing any dead or damaged foliage and then gently prune off the flowering stems (spikes) to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant. It is best to avoid shaping the stem of the toad lily aggressively, as this may lead to stunted growth or reduce flowering the following season. If major pruning and shaping is desired, it is advisable to carry it out over multiple growing seasons. Lastly, remove any shoots or stems that are growing in an unnatural direction to ensure an attractive shape. With appropriate pruning and care, a toad lily's blooms can be enjoyed for years to come!

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Tricyrtis formosana (Stolonifera Group) typically starts flowering in late summer to early fall, usually between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Tricyrtis formosana (Stolonifera Group) typically starts flowering in late summer to early fall, usually between August and October.

Hardiness Map