Toad Lily, Japanese Toad Lily
Tricyrtis hirta

Family: Tricyrtidaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late fall, Mid fall. Form: Upright or erect.

Tricyrtis hirta is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.8

Where it is found

Shady rocks.

E. Asia - Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves and young shoots - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Rock garden, Woodland garden. Prefers a humus-rich fertile well-drained but moisture-retentive acid or neutral light sandy loam in partial shade. Prefers the dappled shade of a woodland garden but tolerates full sun if the soil is reliably moist throughout the growing season, flowering earlier in such a position. Plants also require a sunnier position in the northern parts of Britain. This species is hardy to about -20°c, but if prolonged cold weather is not accompanied by snow cover the plants will appreciate a good mulch of organic matter. Plants are very susceptible to attacks by slugs. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Suitable for cut flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed requires 12 weeks stratification at 5°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division just before growth starts in spring to single crowns. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

T. japonica.