Species
Tricyrtis hirtaToad Lily7 other cultivars
Same species
Species
Tricyrtis hirtaToad Lily7 other 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
Requires consistent moisture
Humidity
Prefers humid conditions
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Tricyrtis hirta, commonly known as the toad lily, is a perennial herbaceous plant with arching stems, spotted ovate leaves, and striking bell-shaped flowers that are predominantly white with purple markings, blooming in late summer to autumn. The 'White Towers' cultivar is distinguished by its pure white flowers with subtle purple markings, offering a refined and elegant appearance that enhances shaded garden borders and woodland settings.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring
- Maintain consistent moisture during growing season
- Transplant in early spring or fall for best results
- Mulch around base to retain soil moisture
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring
- Mist cuttings during propagation for root development
Pro Tip
Provide partial shade and rich, moist soil for optimal growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize with organic compost each spring
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Do not expose to full sun, which can scorch leaves
- Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent rot
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
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
Japanese Toad Lily questions
What zones can Japanese Toad Lily grow in?
Japanese 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 Japanese Toad Lily deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Japanese Toad Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Japanese Toad Lily bloom?
Japanese Toad Lily typically blooms in late summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Japanese Toad Lily need full sun?
Japanese Toad Lily does best in part shade.
More Tricyrtis to compare
Autumn Glow Toad Lily
Tricyrtis formosana 'Autumn Glow'
Toad Lily
Tricyrtis latifolia
Gilt Edge Toad Lily
Tricyrtis hirta 'Gilt Edge'
Empress Toad Lily
Tricyrtis x hybrida 'Empress'
Wando Toad Lily
Tricyrtis macropoda 'Wando'
Dark Beauty Toad Lily
Tricyrtis hirta 'Dark Beauty'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Japanese 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.