Tricyrtis hirta Tojen (Toad Lily)

One of the earliest Japanese Toad Lilies to bloom, Tricyrtis hirta 'Tojen' is a shade-loving perennial with short, gracefully arching, burgundy stems clad with large, lush, spring-green leaves arranged in a ladder-like fashion. Blooming from late summer to fall, clusters of large, showy, orchid-like, white flowers adorned with lavender-edged petals appear all along the stems. Unlike most Toad Lilies, the blossoms are without spotting. Quite showy, they are borne in the leaf axils along the entire stem, creating a more impressive floral display than on other species. Healthy and robust, this is an excellent perennial for adding late season color to the shade garden. Use it as an accent plant, container plant or ground cover in a woodland garden.

• Relatively trouble-free, this Toad Lily requires little maintenance, is heavy shade tolerant and deer resistant.
• Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• 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.
• Cut back old stems as plants die back for the winter.
• Virtually pest and disease free. Watch for snails and slugs.
• Native to Japan