Samurai Toad Lily
Tricyrtis formosana 'Samurai'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Prefers moist soil
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Taiwan
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Tricyrtis formosana 'Samurai' is a perennial herbaceous plant with arching stems and lush, ovate green leaves. It produces distinctive, orchid-like flowers with intricate markings, typically in shades of purple or lilac. This cultivar is celebrated for its striking, patterned flowers that resemble delicate orchids, adding exotic charm to shaded garden areas and thriving in moist, well-drained soils.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season
- Mist cuttings regularly to encourage root development
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and mid-summer
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade with rich, well-draining soil for best blooms
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 💧
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune back after flowering to maintain shape
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun which can scorch leaves
- Refrain from heavy fertilization late in the season
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Samurai Toad Lily questions
What zones can Samurai Toad Lily grow in?
Samurai 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 Samurai Toad Lily deer resistant?
Yes — Samurai Toad Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Samurai Toad Lily bloom?
Samurai 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 Samurai Toad Lily need full sun?
Samurai 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'
Tricolor Toad Lily
Tricyrtis macropoda 'Tricolor'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Samurai 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.
