Amethyst Toad Lily Tricyrtis lasiocarpa
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Tricyrtis formosana var. ovatifolia
- Tricyrtis ovatifolia
- Description
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Originating in Taiwan, the common name Toad Lily comes from local Indian tribe members routine of wiping their hands with the juices from the flowers before heading out to collect frogs.
Blooming from late summer into early fall, Amethyst Toad Lily performs best in part shade. However, in its native Taiwan, it has been observed growing in locations experiencing full sun. The flowers take the form of a thyrse, which is a compact panicle with an obscured flower attachment point.
Its flower style resemble those of the orchid. Spreading by creeping rhizomes, they face upwards and appear in terminal sprays.
Its late bloom period comes at a time when most garden perennials have finished for the year.
If propagating by means of root cutting, ensure that you have at least one node in the cutting.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Lack of proper moisture and shade can result in the foliage turning brown, giving the plant a ratty appearance.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Tricyrtis
- Species:
- lasiocarpa
- Family:
- Liliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Root Cutting
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Taiwan
- Wildlife Value:
- Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Easy to Grow
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Ascending
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Bell
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 2-3 rays/petals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- 1" white flowers with purple/blue tips face upwards. They resemble the blooms of an Orchid.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Purple/Lavender
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are a showy green and purple speckled. They are the largest leaves in the species, growing to up to 12" long and 4" wide. They are borne directly from the stem.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Straight
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Pond
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
