Totally Terrific Toad Lilies
Cynthia Druckenbrod
Tricyrtis formosana
Known for their little gem-like flowers, you’ll no doubt be surprised and delighted by the toad lilies. Perched above 2-3’ tall stems or growing along nodes, the intricately patterned flowers are wonderful harbingers of autumn. So, why are these cute Asian, fall-blooming perennials called toad lilies? Most likely, it’s due to the fact that the flowers are usually covered with spots and at the backside of the base of the flower, sac-like nectaries look almost warty!
T. hirta
Toadlilies (Genus Tricyrtis) do best when they are planted in partial shade and like moist, rich soils. Plant them next to a path or along a border so you can get close to their lovely, complex blossoms. Being a very low maintenance perennial, the only real problems you might encounter are slugs or vine weevils. Slugs can be controlled with iron phosphate and vine weevils with beneficial nematodes. Good companions to plant with toad lilies include hostas and hellebores which will give you three seasons of color! The most common species of toad lilies available are Tricyrtis formosana and T. hirta, both of which have numerous cultivars in shades of purple, white, and yellow. Take a moment this fall to fall for toad lilies!