Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)

Zones: 4 to 8
Light: Shade to Part Shade
Height: 18″ to 24″
Spread: 18″ to 24″
Bloom Time: Late Summer To Fall
Flower Color: Purple, blue, yellow, white, maroon, pink

Toad lilies are somewhat unusual looking perennial plants that love the shade and bloom in the late summer and fall.

The orchid-like flowers and the leaves are often spotted in interesting combinations of white, purple, pink, yellow, maroon and blue.

This perennial should be sited in dappled sun-light, sheltered from winds, and grown near pathways so its flowers can be seen and appreciated.  Although they can be grown in a wide range of climates, they thrive in zones 5 to 7.

A member of the lily family, toad lilies come from Asia, where they grow on the banks of streams so keep them moist for best performance and height.

These plants put on a show in the late summer and fall when many other plants are fading. And their flowers are much prettier than the name suggests!

Although it can be a little tricky to get started, once it’s established this is a very low maintenance perennial.

It is deer resistant but rabbits will eat the leaves of some varieties.

There are a myriad of cultivars to choose from (If you’re interested, you can find an in depth description here).

My Favorite Varieties

T. hirta ‘Blue Wonder’ – pictured above (Zone 4 – 8): Delicate star-shaped flowers that are white with bluish/purple spots from late summer through fall. Grows to 24″ high. Buy it HERE.

Or try a whole collection of toad lilies for a multi-color garden (Zone 5 to 9): Get it HERE.*

T. hirta ‘Raspberry Mousse’ (Zone 5 – 9): Rich red-purple blooms on slender stems that will be a show stopper in your shade garden. Find it HERE.*

Find out more HERE.