Tricolor Toad Lily
Tricyrtis macropoda 'Tricolor'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moist but well-drained
Humidity
Prefers high humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China, Korea
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans
The Story
Plant Bio
Tricyrtis macropoda, a species of toad lily, is an upright, clump-forming perennial featuring arching stems with lance-shaped, glossy green leaves. In late summer to fall, it produces unique, orchid-like, star-shaped flowers, typically pale with purplish spots. The 'Tricolor' cultivar is prized for its attractive foliage. The lance-shaped leaves are variegated with creamy-white margins and green centers, often flushed with pink in the spring, providing multi-season interest.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide mature plants every 3–4 years in early spring.
- Prune faded stems after flowering to encourage new growth.
- Provide partial shade for optimal growth.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains moist and provide shade during hottest months.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture
- Divide every 3–4 years for vigorous growth
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Don't
- Avoid full sun exposure 🌞
- Do not let soil dry out completely ❌
- Overfertilize which may cause legginess
- Ignore pests that can attack foliage
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Tricolor Toad Lily questions
What zones can Tricolor Toad Lily grow in?
Tricolor Toad Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Tricolor Toad Lily deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Tricolor Toad Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Tricolor Toad Lily bloom?
Tricolor Toad Lily typically blooms in late summer to early fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Tricolor Toad Lily need full sun?
Tricolor Toad Lily does best in part shade.
More Tricyrtis to compare
Autumn Glow Toad Lily
Tricyrtis formosana 'Autumn Glow'
Gilt Edge Toad Lily
Tricyrtis hirta 'Gilt Edge'
Wando Toad Lily
Tricyrtis macropoda 'Wando'
Empress Toad Lily
Tricyrtis x hybrida 'Empress'
White Waves toad lily
Tricyrtis hirta 'White Waves'
Samurai Toad Lily
Tricyrtis formosana 'Samurai'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Tricolor Toad Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
