Species

Tricyrtis macropodaToad Lily

1 other cultivar

‘Tricolor’Tricolor Toad Lily

perennial

Wando Toad Lily

Tricyrtis macropoda 'Wando'

The Story

Plant Bio

Tricyrtis macropoda is a tall, upright toad lily species with arching stems. It features glossy, ovate leaves and terminal clusters of star-shaped, lilac to white flowers heavily spotted with purple, blooming from late summer into fall.

A vigorous selection of the species, 'Wando' is prized for its profuse display of light orchid flowers with dense, dark purple spotting and its strong, upright habit. It is an excellent, reliable performer in woodland or shade gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking purple flowers in shaded gardens, adding exotic appeal.

Prefers moist, well-drained soil, making it ideal for damp areas.

Supports pollinators attracted to its nectar-rich blooms.

SpeciesTricyrtis macropodaToad Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

21 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistently moist, well-drained

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

China, Korea, Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Late fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring or fall.
Prune dead or damaged stems back in early spring.
Stake tall stems if necessary to prevent flopping.

Pro Tip

Keep soil moist and provide partial shade for best bloom development.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to maintain moist soil 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds 🌱
Divide every 3–4 years for vigorous growth 🌱
Prune after flowering to shape plant 🌱

Don't

Avoid dry or overly sunny locations ❌
Don't let soil dry out completely ❌
Refrain from heavy fertilization late in season ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Moist shaded borderExotic woodland gardenFocal point in shade garden

Companion Plants

HostaFerns Astilbe LigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Wando Toad Lily questions

What zones can Wando Toad Lily grow in?

Wando Toad Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Wando Toad Lily deer resistant?

Yes — Wando Toad Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Wando Toad Lily bloom?

Wando Toad Lily typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Wando Toad Lily need full sun?

Wando Toad Lily does best in part shade.