Species

Tricyrtis hirtaToad Lily

7 other cultivars

perennial

Moonlight Toad Lily

Tricyrtis hirta 'Moonlight'

Same species

Species

Tricyrtis hirtaToad Lily

7 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Requires consistent moisture

Humidity

Prefers humid environments

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Tricyrtis hirta 'Moonlight' is a perennial herbaceous plant with arching stems, lush green, ovate leaves, and distinctive star-shaped flowers that are predominantly white with purple markings, blooming in late summer to autumn. This cultivar is valued for its striking pale, moonlight-like flowers and its ability to thrive in shaded, woodland garden settings, adding elegance and texture to shaded borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds delicate, star-shaped purple blooms to shaded gardens, providing visual interest from mid-summer to late summer.

Prefers shady conditions, reducing the need for additional shading structures.

Attracts beneficial insects, supporting garden biodiversity.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.
Place in partial shade for best growth.
Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Divide every 3–4 years in early spring.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist and mulch to retain humidity.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Divide plants every 3–4 years

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not expose to full sun, it prefers shade
Skip fertilizing during dormancy

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade garden borderMoonlit woodland bed

Companion Plants

Hosta Fern Astilbe Japanese Forest Grass Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Moonlight Toad Lily questions

What zones can Moonlight Toad Lily grow in?

Moonlight 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 Moonlight Toad Lily deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Moonlight Toad Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Moonlight Toad Lily bloom?

Moonlight 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 Moonlight Toad Lily need full sun?

Moonlight Toad Lily does best in part shade.