8 named cultivars
Same species
8 named cultivars
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Tricyrtis hirta, commonly known as the toad lily, is a perennial herbaceous plant with arching stems, ovate leaves, and distinctive orchid-like, spotted flowers that bloom in late summer to autumn. This species is celebrated for its unique, intricate flowers with purple spots and markings, which add exotic charm and are highly attractive to pollinators in shaded garden areas.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Mist cuttings regularly for root development
- Plant in shaded area with rich, well-drained soil
- Water consistently during growing season
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide clumps every 3–4 years for vigorous growth
Pro Tip
Provide partial shade and consistent moisture for best blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture
- Prune dead or damaged stems in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overexposure to direct sunlight ☀️
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in the season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| 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
Toad Lily questions
What zones can Toad Lily grow in?
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 Toad Lily deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Toad Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Toad Lily bloom?
Toad Lily typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Toad Lily need full sun?
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'
Empress Toad Lily
Tricyrtis x hybrida 'Empress'
Wando Toad Lily
Tricyrtis macropoda 'Wando'
White Waves toad lily
Tricyrtis hirta 'White Waves'
Dark Beauty Toad Lily
Tricyrtis hirta 'Dark Beauty'
Keep exploring
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Grow 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.