The Japanese Toad Lily
If you are looking for an autumn flowering plant with unique flowers then what is commonly called the Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta) could be the answer.
A wonderful woodland-type plant with pretty spotted star-shaped flowers, it thrives in a moist position in dappled shade and appreciates protection from cold winds.
Tricyrtis hirta alba ‘Empress’, or Empress Toad Lily, is pictured right. Flowers vary from almost pure white through to spotted yellows and deep carmine pinks.
Also known as Toad Lilies, for reasons that are unclear to us, as the flowers have always seemed more orchid-like than lily-like.
With orchid-like flowers, these wonderful plants are not bulbs but rhizomatous perennials, and although they can be grown from seed, established plants are usually the best choice for beginners.
Native to Japan, Tricyrtis hirta is probably the most widely available species in Australia.
Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Tricyrtis hirta
- Common Name: Japanese Toad Lily
- Plant Type: Rhizomatous perennial
- Height: 50–70 cm
- Flower Colour: White, pink, purple and spotted forms
- Flowering Time: Late summer to autumn
- Position: Part shade to filtered shade
- Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
- Suitable For: Woodland gardens, shaded borders and containers
Tricyrtis hirta ‘Miyazaki’, the Miyazaki Toad Lily, flowers from late summer into autumn and reaches around 60 cm in height. It grows well in filtered shade and, once established, is more tolerant of drier conditions than many other varieties.
Tricyrtis hirta Miyazaki – Miyazaki Toad Lily
A humus-rich moist soil is ideal. Grow alongside Dicentra, Hosta and Trilliums for a natural woodland effect. Plants generally reach 50–70 cm in height, so a little room is required. Plant rhizomes around 8 cm deep.
One of the great attractions of Tricyrtis is its late flowering season. The blooms appear when many other perennials have finished, providing valuable colour in shaded areas of the garden.
Growing conditions and care
These wonderful plants are rhizomatous perennials rather than bulbs.
- Choose a humus-rich soil in part shade.
- Morning sun with afternoon shade is suitable.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Plant the rhizomes around 8 cm (3 inches) deep.
- Fertilise with a liquid seaweed fertiliser and top dress with aged manure and compost each spring.
- Established clumps can be divided in spring to increase stock and rejuvenate older plants.
Propagation
Although they can be grown from seed, established plants are often the easiest way to begin growing Tricyrtis. They can also be propagated by division or from root cuttings.
Where to plant
A humus-rich moist soil is ideal. Grow alongside Dicentra, Hosta and Trilliums in woodland-style plantings. Tricyrtis works particularly well beneath deciduous trees, in shaded borders and in areas where late-season colour is required.
Tricyrtis hirta can also be grown successfully in good-sized containers provided moisture levels are maintained during warmer weather.
Tricyrtis are available for sale form the following nurseries
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tricyrtis hirta a bulb?
No. Tricyrtis hirta is a rhizomatous perennial that spreads slowly through underground rhizomes.
Does Tricyrtis hirta grow in shade?
Yes. It performs best in part shade or filtered shade and is well suited to woodland gardens.
When does Tricyrtis hirta flower?
Most varieties flower from late summer through autumn, providing colour when many other perennials have finished flowering.
Can Tricyrtis hirta be grown in pots?
Yes. It grows well in containers provided a humus-rich potting mix is used and plants are watered regularly.
How tall does Tricyrtis hirta grow?
Most plants reach between 50 and 70 cm in height, although some cultivars may grow taller under ideal conditions.