Toad lily (Tricyrtis 'Sinonome')
Unique late-blooming Tricyrtis 'Sinonome' (Toad lily) offers spotted fall flowers in deep shade with low maintenance needs.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’, commonly referred to as Toad lily, fills a crucial niche in the late-season garden, offering unique visual interest when many other perennials have finished flowering. This herbaceous perennial is highly valued for its distinctive orchid-like blooms that emerge reliably from September into October, providing color when the garden needs it most. The delicate, creamy white flowers heavily marked with burgundy-purple spots provide a fascinating focal point in shady locations.
As a stoloniferous plant, Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ spreads gently by underground rhizomes, gradually forming attractive, non-invasive colonies over time, making it excellent for naturalizing beneath taller trees or shrubs. Growers appreciate the low maintenance requirements of the Toad lily, provided its basic needs for consistent moisture and shade are met.
The overall structure of Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ features upright stems topped with small, lily-like flowers, which have already made it a popular choice in Asian cut flower industries. Planting this variety ensures you secure a valuable texture and late floral show, perfect for creating deep, woodland garden vignettes where sun-lovers struggle.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Liliaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2.5-3 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: September to October
- Bloom Description: White with burgundy-purple blotching
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The ideal time to establish Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ divisions or container-grown starts is in the spring or early fall, allowing the root system time to settle before extremes of heat or cold arrive. These Toad lilies thrive best in well-drained soil that is consistently medium to wet. They have a clear preference for soils that are organically rich and humusy, ideally slightly acidic—mimicking their woodland origins.
Consistent soil moisture is paramount for healthy Toad lily growth. The soil must not be allowed to dry out, especially during hot summer months, though excellent drainage is still required to prevent root rot. While fertilization is rarely necessary in rich, established garden beds, a light incorporation of compost in the spring can boost vigor. No extensive pruning is needed; simply tidy up any dead foliage in early spring before new growth emerges.
Since Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ is stoloniferous, be aware that in optimum conditions, it will slowly colonize the area. If you wish to limit its spread, root pruning annually may be necessary, though this spreading is generally non-invasive. Applying a light layer of mulch in the late fall offers beneficial root protection heading into winter, especially in the cooler reaches of its hardiness range (Zone 5).
Landscape Uses
Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ excels when situated in woodland gardens or shaded borders where its unique flowering habit can be deliberately showcased. Because the intricate spotting on the small flowers can be easily missed from a distance, it is highly recommended to site these plants near pathways, patios, or entryways where they can be observed closely. Its ability to colonize makes it an excellent choice for large-scale naturalized areas, forming a soft, green groundcover base beneath taller, deciduous trees.
For dramatic effect, pair the late blooms of the Toad lily with earlier flowering shade perennials that die back before fall, such as Hosta or Astilbe, ensuring continuous seasonal interest in the shady border. Furthermore, the upright stems of Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ make it inherently suitable as a superb cut flower, harvested in late summer for late-season floral arrangements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Tricyrtis, commonly called toad lilies, is a genus of about 16 species of herbaceous perennials from the Eastern Himalayas to the Philippines. They are valued garden plants in large part because of their unique flowers, ability to flower in shade and late summer to fall bloom time. Genus name comes from the Greek words tri- meaning three and kyrtos meaning humped as the bases of the three outer petals are swollen and sacklike. Common name presumably relates to the spotting on the flowers. ‘Sinonome’ is a hybrid cultivar that typically grows in a vase-shaped clump to 30-36” tall on upright stems slightly arching near the top. In optimum growing conditions, it will spread by rhizomes to form large colonies. It features small, creamy white, lily-like flowers (1” long) with burgundy-purple spotting and blotching. Flowers appear in clusters in the upper leaf axils and stem tips. Flowers bloom in late summer to fall (early September into October in St. Louis). Each flower has six showy tepals (similar appearing sepals and petals). Ovate, medium green leaves (to 4” long). ‘Sinonome’ has reportedly been a popular selection of the cut flower industry in Japan for a number of years now due to its long flowering stems. Some nurseries sell this plant as T. Sinonome.
Tolerances
None listed
Potential Problems
Generally, this Toad lily variety proves very resilient in the garden. Serious insect or disease problems are uncommon for Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ when cultural needs are met. Gardeners should remain vigilant for occasional visits from common mollusks like slugs and snails; these pests are often attracted to the foliage in wet, humid conditions.
To manage slugs and snails effectively, employ regular early morning inspection, handpicking, or use appropriate environmental controls like copper barriers or baits applied around the base of the plants, particularly when new growth is tender in spring. Avoiding overhead watering late in the evening can also help keep moisture levels lower on the foliage overnight, deterring these moisture-loving visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Toad lily suitable for?
The Toad lily, Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’, performs best when grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. Ensure your location falls within this range for reliable perennial survival year after year.
How large does Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 2.5 and 3 feet tall, with a spread averaging between 1 and 2 feet wide, forming a noticeable clump in the shade border.
What sun exposure does Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ need?
Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ requires protection from harsh afternoon rays, thriving best in locations described as part shade to full shade. Deep, dappled shade is often perfect for maximizing flower quality.
When does Toad lily bloom?
The primary bloom window for this late-blooming perennial falls between September and October, showcasing lovely white flowers heavily marked with burgundy-purple blotching.
Conclusion
Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ is an essential addition for gardeners seeking reliable structure and truly unique floral displays late in the season. The captivating, spotted blooms of this Toad lily inject unexpected artistry into deep shade plantings. Before setting out your new specimens, confirm your soil consistency—moist to wet is preferred—and ensure appropriate timing for planting within Zones 5-8.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions enhances the woodland aesthetic Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ naturally creates. Look for plants that demand similar moist, humus-rich soil and thrive under partial to full shade conditions. Good partners include Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) for textural contrast with its flowing, bright green leaves, and various Heuchera cultivars which offer deep, contrasting foliage colors like deep purple or lime green.
For height variation alongside your 3-foot tall Toad lily, consider taller woodland ferns such as the Japanese Painted Fern, whose silvery fronds offer excellent contrast to the deep green, mottled leaves of the Tricyrtis. Grouping these three elements—the flowing grass, the colorful foliage, and the late-blooming Toad lily—creates a dynamic, multi-layered shady garden scene.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Early Spring: As temperatures rise and new shoots of Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ begin to emerge, this is the time to lightly top-dress the soil with a layer of compost to replenish organic matter lost over winter. Inspect the area for any winter debris and perform any necessary division if the clump has become overly crowded; divisions should be replanted immediately.
Summer Care: Focus heavily on moisture management during the height of summer. Since this plant prefers medium to wet conditions and dislikes drying out, consistent watering is crucial, especially in containers or hotter microclimates. Avoid heavy mulching right up against the crown, but keep the soil consistently moist through deep, infrequent watering rather than shallow sprinkling.
Late Fall/Early Winter: Once the first hard frost blackens the foliage of the Toad lily, cut back the non-evergreen stems to the ground. Apply a light winter mulch—straw or shredded leaves work well—over the root zone, which aids in protecting the roots from freeze-thaw cycles, particularly important in Zone 5 gardens where the ground may heave.
