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Herbaceous Perennial

Tricyrtis formosana

toad lily

A rhizomatous herbaceous perennial with erect stems to 80cm, with dark-spotted lance-shaped leaves and lax clusters of star-shaped whitish flowers 2.5cm in width, heavily spotted purple

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Green
Autumn Purple White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Liliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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
Ryukyu Is., Taiwan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in deep or partial shade. In cold areas, a sheltered position encourages flowers before the first frosts. May need a deep winter mulch if cold but no snow cover

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or in autumn. Propagate by division in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Remove faded flowerheads

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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