Toad lilies are dainty flowers that resemble an orchid. Gardeners who reside in USDA growing zones 5–9 plant the shade-loving toad lily amongst their hostas, ferns, astilbe, or in a woodland setting. The toad lily will start to bloom in September and will continue to bloom into October, thus adding eye-appealing color and interest to one’s shade garden.
A few years ago, I discovered toad lilies growing in my garden. I took several pictures of the orchid-like flower and went to the library to research the flower. The botanical name is Tricyrtis—Toad Lily—and it grows in shade to part shade. A woodland setting is ideal for growing the toad lily.
The following spring I planted the yellow with red dots and the white with purple dots toad lilies in my shade garden. In the later part of summer the stems pushed up through the soil and grew very quickly.
When fully grown, the stems have a hairy texture and the leaves are dark to pale green. Toad lily stems will grow to heights of 18 to 28 inches and the spread is that of the same.
Toad lily flower buds form in clusters and are funnel-shaped, opening from the tip of the bud. The flowers come in a variety of colors: white with purple dots, white with red dots, yellow with red dots, or white with light purple dots. If you’re like me, I know you’ll want to grow all of the color combinations.
Best Companion Plants for Toad Lilies
Toad lilies thrive in rich, moist soil and dappled shade making them perfect partners for other shade-loving perennials. Here are some of my favorite companions:
- Hostas – Their broad leaves create a lush backdrop that makes the delicate toad lily blooms pop.
- Ferns – Add texture and movement, especially varieties like Japanese painted fern or lady fern.
- Astilbe – Their feathery plumes bloom earlier in summer, extending the visual interest in your garden.
- Heuchera (Coral Bells) Offers colorful foliage in shades of burgundy, lime, and peach that contrast beautifully with toad lilies.
- Solomon’s Seal Graceful arching stems and white bell-shaped flowers pair well with the upright habit of toad lilies.
- Pulmonaria (Lungwort) Speckled leaves and early spring flowers complement the late-season bloom of toad lilies.
- Brunnera (False Forget-Me-Not) Heart-shaped leaves and tiny blue flowers add charm and groundcover appeal.
- Trillium or Jack-in-the-Pulpit For a truly woodland feel, these native plants echo the natural habitat of toad lilies.
Plant the toad lily rhizomes in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Toad lilies grow best in an area of shade to part shade, with moist humus-rich, well-drained soil.
Clear the planting area and amend the soil with compost. Dig a hole that is three inches deep and plant the rhizome, pointy side up. Fill the hole with soil and water well. Keep the soil moist during the growing season.
You can also grow these lilies from seed. The toad lily will reseed itself or you can buy seeds to fill your garden with this exotic-looking flower.
