Tricyrtis formosana (Toad Lily)

Incredibly pretty and exotic-looking, Tricyrtis formosana (Toad Lily) is a shade-loving perennial with small, orchid-like flowers, 1 in. long (2.5 cm). The blooms feature six showy white tepals, heavily sprinkled with purple freckles and a yellow throat. Quite showy, they are born in lax clusters at the top of erect stalks and sparkle in the garden in late summer to early fall. The foliage of shiny, lance-shaped, dark green leaves usually remains attractive throughout the growing season. Tricyrtis formosana is regarded as a top performer in the 2001 Chicago Botanic Plant Evaluation study as a result of its superior floral display, robust habit, winter hardiness and disease resistance.

• Relatively trouble-free, this Toad Lily requires little maintenance, is heavy shade tolerant and deer resistant.
• Slowly spreading by creeping rhizomes, this Toad Lily grows vigorously up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and spreads 18-24 in. (45-60 cm). Will naturalize to form dense colonies over time without being invasive.
• Part shade to full shade lover, this Toad Lily thrives in organically rich, evenly moist, slightly acidic, well drained soils. Don't let the soil dry out! Mulch should be added to reduce water evaporation and maintain moisture.
• While most other perennials have finished blooming, this delicate beauty is just getting started. Plant it in perennial borders, woodlands, by streams, ponds or by a path or sidewalk where you can enjoy this uncommon charmer as you pass it every day.
• Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or in fall. Propagate by division in early spring
• Native to Taiwan