Toad lily (Tricyrtis 'Tojen')
Tricyrtis 'Tojen' is a low-maintenance herbaceous perennial Toad lily blooming late summer with unique lavender flowers.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’, commonly known as the Toad lily, brings remarkable late-season interest to shady garden spaces where few other plants shine. This hybrid cultivar is treasured for its unique, orchid-like lavender flowers appearing in late summer and early fall. Unlike many shade-lovers, the Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ commands attention precisely when garden color begins to fade.
This herbaceous perennial is valued for its ability to thrive in deep shade while offering substantial foliage interest throughout the season. It features unusually large, oval to oblong leaves, setting it apart from other Toad lily varieties. As a stoloniferous plant, Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ slowly colonizes an area, creating beautiful, dense patches over time without being aggressive.
Offering low maintenance requirements, this Toad lily is an excellent choice for woodland settings or tucked away borders where its delicate, yellow-throated blooms can be appreciated up close. Gardeners should prioritize consistent moisture to ensure this specimen performs optimally and rewards them with its unique late display.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Liliaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Bloom Description: Lavender
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ in the spring after the danger of hard frost has passed, allowing time for the stolons to establish before summer heat. This plant thrives in average, well-drained soils, but truly excels in moist, organically rich, humusy, and slightly acidic conditions. Ensure the chosen location provides ample part shade to full shade, mimicking its native woodland environment.
Watering is crucial for the successful cultivation of the Toad lily; the soil must not be allowed to dry out. Maintain consistently medium to wet soil moisture, especially during dry spells, ensuring good drainage is still maintained to prevent root issues. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil is rich in organic matter; simply top-dressing with compost annually will suffice.
Maintenance for Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ is simple. Deadhead spent flower stalks if desired, though this is not required for plant health. In colder regions (Zone 5), applying a light winter mulch will help protect the roots and emerging crowns against harsh temperature fluctuations.
Landscape Uses
The unique aesthetic of Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ makes it perfectly suited for specialized garden niches. It excels in woodland gardens where dappled light filters through the canopy, creating an ethereal backdrop for its distinctive flowers. They also form excellent, textural borders or can be naturalized in established beds, provided the moisture needs are met.
Because the beauty and intricate detail of the small flowers can be easily lost from a distance, site this Toad lily where it can be observed at close range. Groupings of Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ create a significant impact, contrasting nicely with broader-leafed shade plants like hostas or ferns. Furthermore, its late bloom time makes it a good candidate for use as a cut flower in late-season arrangements. Do not mistake its colonizing nature for invasiveness; this plant spreads politely via stolons, filling in gaps naturally.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Tricyrtis, commonly called toad lilies, is known for its valued garden presence due to its unique late-summer to fall flowering habit in shady spots. The genus name originates from Greek words signifying ‘three’ and ‘humped’ due to the swollen bases of the outer petals. The cultivar ‘Tojen’ is distinguished by its exceptionally large, unspotted, lavender flowers with yellow throats, clustered mostly at the stem ends, borne on plants with unusually large (6-15” long) leaves.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Problems are rare for Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’, as it generally avoids serious insect or disease issues when grown in appropriate conditions. The most common occasional visitors are slugs and snails, which may target the lush foliage, especially when conditions are damp. To manage these pests, apply shallow barriers of diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants or use slug bait if populations become problematic.
Ensure robust air circulation and avoid overhead watering late in the day to minimize potential fungal issues, although the plant tolerates wet soil better than many shade perennials. Proper siting in rich, draining soil is the best preventative measure for a healthy, resilient Toad lily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ suitable for?
The Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ Toad lily is hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 9, offering reliability across a wide range of climates.
How large does Toad lily grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a height between 1 and 2 feet, spreading to a width of 1 to 1.5 feet as it colonizes its space.
What sun exposure does Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ need?
Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ prefers situations ranging from part shade to full shade; direct, intense afternoon sun should be avoided to prevent leaf scorch.
When does Toad lily bloom?
The bloom time for this cultivar of Toad lily is late in the season, spanning from August through September, featuring lavender flowers.
Conclusion
The Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ Toad lily remains an exceptional choice for adding architecture and surprising late-season color to shaded borders and woodland gardens. Its exceptionally large foliage and intricate, unspotted lavender blooms ensure this hybrid stands out among shade perennials. Plan your garden layout now and check your local hardiness zone compatibility before planting this season.
Companion Planting in Shade Gardens
When growing Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’, successful companion planting hinges on matching the high moisture and shade requirements. Pair the Toad lily with other moisture-loving woodland inhabitants like Hosta varieties that tolerate deep shade, Astilbe for contrasting plumes of color, and various ferns which share similar soil preferences. These companions help create a lush, dense understory that supports the soil humidity the Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ requires to flourish.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Early spring is the ideal time to refresh the soil around your Toad lily by adding a layer of rich compost or well-rotted leaf mold. This organic matter feeds the plant and helps retain the necessary moisture. Throughout the summer, monitor soil moisture closely to ensure the medium remains consistently damp; deep watering at the base is preferable to light sprinkling. In late fall, a light protective mulch over the root zone will benefit plants in the cooler end of its hardiness range before the first hard freeze.
