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Liliaceae
Japanese Toad Lily
Tricyrtis hirta
Hidden beauty revealed and orchid of the shade.
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Genus
- Tricyrtis
- Native to
- Japan
- Bloom season
- Late Summer, Fall
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 40–80 cm
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- moist, humus-rich, well-drained
- Water
- medium to high
- Hardiness
- 4–8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The spotted petals resemble orchid blossoms so closely that toad lilies are often called 'poor man's orchids.'
- The common name 'toad lily' comes from the Japanese practice of rubbing the sap on hands to attract frogs for hunting.
- Each intricate flower has six spotted tepals and a prominent, ornate pistil that looks like a tiny crown.
- Japanese toad lily blooms in autumn when most shade gardens have gone quiet, providing a late-season surprise.
- The species name 'hirta' means 'hairy,' referring to the soft down covering the stems and leaves.
Color meanings
White
unexpected discovery
Purple
exotic mystery
Pink
delicate wonder