Tricyrtis

( trye - SURT - iss )

At-A-Glance Information

Also called Toad Lily, this plant needs partial shade and ample water. They are woodland plants that have heavily spotted flowers with decorative stamens. The genus has a native range from the Himalayas to eastern Asia. These herbaceous perennials have creeping rhizome roots and over time, form colonies of plants. Stems are typically erect, and hold campanulate or trumpet-shaped flowers. Take care when planting these beautiful flowers in the garden, as all plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Tricyrtis Species and Varietals

The best growing zones for Toad Lily vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Tricyrtis formosana (Tricyrtis stolonifera)
This species grows well in zones 3-9 and 14-17, and is native to Taiwan. It reaches 2.5 feet tall and spreads by runners to form a 1.5 foot wide clump. Leaves are green and marked with dark green. Flower buds are brown or maroon and open to reveal pale lilac to white flowers that are spotted with violet. Varieties include 'Amethystina' (which blooms earlier than the species with lavender flowers that have red-spotted throats), and 'Samurai' (a compact variety that blooms late into fall and has yellow-edged leaves).

Tricyrtis hirta (Toad Lily, Hairy Toad Lily)
Native to Japan, this flower grows best in zones 2-9 and 14-18. It reaches 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and does not produce runners. Leaves are pale green and flowers are white to pale lilac, marked with purple. Varieties include 'Miyazaki' (with pink to white flowers with crimson spots) and 'Miyazaki Gold' (with gold-edged leaves).

Tricyrtis macrantha (Yellow Chinese Toad Lily)
These plants are native to Japan, and prefer partial to full shade and consistently moist soil. Plants reach up to 2 feet tall and produce yellow flowers along the outer stems of the plant. blooms are elongated bell-shaped.

Caring for Tricyrtis

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Tricyrtis
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 637, Tricyrtis
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