Tricyrtis hirta
Japanese toad lily
T. hirta is a clump-forming deciduous perennial to 75cm tall, with erect stems bearing alternate, ovate or elliptic leaves and heavily purple-spotted, funnel-shaped white flowers 2cm across in late summer and autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple White | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Tricyrtis are rhizomatous perennials, sometimes stoloniferous, with erect or arching stems with alternate, sometimes 2-ranked leaves and star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers that may be solitary or in terminal or axillary clusters
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Plants require a moist, humus-rich but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full or partial shade. Very suitable for a woodland garden, shady border or shaded peat bank
Propagation
Propagate by seed as soon as ripe and sow in containers, keeping them overwinter in a cold frame. Young plants may need the protection of a greenhouse for their first winter in colder areas
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back old stems as plants die back for the winter
Pests
Susceptible to damage from slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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