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Amethyst Toad Lily Tricyrtis lasiocarpa

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Tricyrtis formosana var. ovatifolia
  • Tricyrtis ovatifolia
Description

Toad Lily is a perennial flowering plant that is in the Liliaceae or lily family. The plant comes from Eastern Asia from China, Korea and Japan in the north as far east as Nepal and south to the Philippines. It is found growing in moist shady locations from the Himalayas to tropical forest. Its favorite sites are shady groves, openings at the edge of forest or along creeks and trails. Its genus name comes from the Greek – tri which means 'three' and kyrtos which means 'humped'. The name refers to swollen bases of the tepals which are nectaries. The specific epithet come from the Latin – lasio which means 'wooly' and carpa which means 'fruit'.

As long as this plant is living in semi-shaded, slightly moist, rich soil it will be happy. Trim back dead material at the end of the season.

This plant can be propagated from seed, division and stem cuttings. Each is a little tricky. The seeds are so fine you must sow them as soon as they are ripe (October, November in North Carolina). Do not cover the seed. In order to succeed with a clump of the plant, you must ensure that you include next year's stem growth bud. Each stem lives only one year and a bud for next year is produced underground. Cuttings are made by cutting one stem to the ground. Cut it into 3 to 4 inch lengths with a leaf at the top and bare stem below. Insert the entire stem into rooting hormone right up to the base of the leaf. Then place it on top of the soil, and put the pot somewhere the leaf will stay moist. New plants develop in the leaf axil then send roots down into the soil.

Toad lilies carry very interesting flowers which have slightly twisted tepals. The coloring is white with heavy reddish-purple spots on the petals and a yellow throat. Because the flower is so striking, place it where it can be seen. Place it at the edge of the woods, along a lightly shaded stream or drainage area. They make good cut flowers.

 

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:
Tags:
#showy flowers#showy leaves#herbaceous#deer resistant#herbaceous perennial#long bloom time#naturalizes#cutting garden#dried arrangements#partial shade tolerant#dry soils intolerant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#showy leaves#herbaceous#deer resistant#herbaceous perennial#long bloom time#naturalizes#cutting garden#dried arrangements#partial shade tolerant#dry soils intolerant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Tricyrtis
    Species:
    lasiocarpa
    Family:
    Liliaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Root Cutting
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China, Korea Japan, Nepal, Taiwan Philippines
    Distribution:
    Eastern Asia
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Easy to Grow
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Slightly deer resistant
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 9 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Ascending
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    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, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Straight
  • 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