Species

Tricyrtis hirtaToad Lily

7 other cultivars

perennial

Golden Toad Lily

Tricyrtis hirta 'Golden Gleam'

Same species

Species

Tricyrtis hirtaToad Lily

7 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Tricyrtis hirta, commonly known as toad lily, is an herbaceous perennial with arching stems and lance-shaped leaves. Its intricate, orchid-like flowers bloom in late summer and fall. The 'Golden Gleam' cultivar is noted for its bright, golden-yellow, upward-facing flowers with bronze-red spotting. It brightens up shady areas of the garden late in the season.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds exotic flair with its unique star-shaped flowers and spotted petals, thriving in shaded areas.

Prefers moist, well-drained soil, making it ideal for rain gardens and shaded borders.

Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
Keep soil consistently moist during growing season
Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
Stake taller varieties for support
Mist cuttings in a humid environment for propagation

Pro Tip

Plant in part shade with rich, well-drained soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Provide partial shade in hot climates
Apply organic fertilizer in spring
Mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

Avoid drought stress by watering deeply
Don’t expose to full sun in intense heat ❌
Refrain from over-fertilizing
Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderMoist shady garden bed

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Astilbes Heucheras

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Toad Lily questions

What zones can Golden Toad Lily grow in?

Golden Toad Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Golden Toad Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Golden Toad Lily bloom?

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

Does Golden Toad Lily need full sun?

Golden Toad Lily does best in part shade.