Toad lily (Tricyrtis formosana 'Gates of Heaven')
Discover Tricyrtis formosana 'Gates of Heaven' (Toad lily), a low-maintenance perennial offering late-season purple-spotted flowers in deep shade.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gates of Heaven’ is a highly valued, late-blooming perennial celebrated for its unique orchid-like flowers that brighten dark summer garden corners. As a form of the common Toad lily, this cultivar offers distinct golden foliage that contrasts beautifully with the emerging, intricate blooms later in the season. It thrives in deep shade where many other flowering plants struggle, providing reliable texture and color.
This herbaceous perennial establishes itself via creeping rhizomes, forming dense, attractive colonies over time without being invasive. Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gates of Heaven’ is prized for its low maintenance needs once established, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or naturalized areas requiring minimal intervention. Its ability to handle moist conditions further expands its utility in challenging shady sites.
Gardeners seeking seasonal interest will appreciate the foliage display, which precedes the star-shaped, heavily spotted flowers characteristic of the Toad lily. The visual detail of the flowers demands close inspection, rewarding gardeners who incorporate Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gates of Heaven’ into borders or shaded pathways.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Liliaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Bloom Description: Purple spotted with yellow throats
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gates of Heaven’ in the spring or fall, ideally timing establishment outside of extreme heat. Select a location that receives part shade to full shade, mimicking its native woodland habitat. The soil must be well-drained, even though it requires consistent moisture. Optimal growth occurs in average, organically rich, and humusy soil that leans slightly acidic.
Maintaining consistent moisture is crucial for the Toad lily; the soil must not be allowed to dry out during the growing season. While fertilizing is rarely necessary if the soil is rich, ensure adequate organic matter is incorporated annually. Pruning is minimal; simply tidy up tattered foliage in early spring before new growth emerges.
This easy-to-grow perennial benefits from being treated as a textural groundcover, as the creeping rhizomes will spread slowly to form colonies. Ensure that the chosen spot allows air movement, although this species is not prone to serious fungal issues. Watch occasionally for early season slugs and snails which may target the tender new growth.
Landscape Uses
Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gates of Heaven’ excels as a shade-loving perennial, perfect for filling in under high canopy trees or along the foundation of buildings that receive filtered light. Its tendency to naturalize makes it an excellent choice for softening woodland transitions or creating informal, receding borders away from main pathways.
Since the spectacular blooms appear late summer into early fall, place the Toad lily near seating areas or along regularly used paths. The intricate spotting on the flowers is easily lost from a distance, so siting where they can be observed up close is essential for full appreciation. They also perform admirably in shaded borders alongside ferns and hostas.
Do not overlook its potential as a good cut flower; bring a few stems indoors just as the blooms open to examine their detailed markings. This plant’s reliable clumping habit eliminates the need for staking or frequent dividing, contributing to its low-maintenance profile.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Tricyrtis formosana, commonly called toad lily, is an herbaceous shade-loving perennial of the lily family that typically grows in a spreading clump to 2-3’ tall. The cultivar ‘Gates of Heaven’ is particularly noted for its attractive golden foliage, which provides color throughout spring and early summer before the contrasting, orchid-like, purple-spotted flowers emerge. The genus name highlights the swollen, sacklike bases of the three outer petals, a defining feature of this fascinating plant.
Potential Problems
No serious insect or disease problems are typically associated with Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gates of Heaven’. Slugs and snails are occasional visitors and may nibble on the leaves, particularly when plants are young or when weather is damp. Control these common pests by applying early-season baits or physical barriers if necessary.
Tolerances
- No specific tolerances listed in the data provided beyond general cultural needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Toad lily suitable for?
Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gates of Heaven’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gates of Heaven’ grow?
This compact Toad lily form typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet, with a spread of 0.75 to 1 foot at maturity.
What sun exposure does Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gates of Heaven’ need?
This plant thrives best in conditions ranging from part shade to full shade, making it ideal for darker garden spots.
When does Toad lily bloom?
The blooming period for this cultivar generally spans from August into September, featuring its characteristic purple-spotted flowers with yellow throats.
Conclusion
The Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gates of Heaven’ offers exceptional late-season visual interest through its uniquely spotted flowers and attractive golden summer foliage. This low-maintenance Toad lily is a perfect fit for deep shade gardens requiring reliable, textural specimens. Ensure you check your local USDA zone compatibility before planning your purchase, and prepare moist, rich soil for planting this late bloomer.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gates of Heaven’, prioritize plants that share similar requirements for moisture and shade. Hostas provide excellent broad-leaf contrast, especially varieties with blue or variegated foliage that will complement the golden leaves of the Toad lily. Ferns, particularly Japanese Painted Ferns or Autumn Ferns, integrate seamlessly into the woodland aesthetic established by this perennial.
Consider positioning plants that bloom earlier to ensure continuous interest in the shade garden. Astilbes or Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ offer vibrant spring impact, fading gracefully as the late summer bloom of the Tricyrtis begins. All these selections appreciate the medium to wet, organically rich soils favored by the Toad lily.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Early Spring is the time to clean up any remaining dead foliage from the previous year and incorporate a light dressing of well-rotted compost. This top-dressing will replenish the humus content that Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gates of Heaven’ eagerly utilizes. Inspect the emerging golden growth for early slug damage and take preventative measures if needed.
Summer care focuses almost exclusively on irrigation, particularly during dry spells. Because this plant demands that soil not dry out, supplemental watering is often necessary, especially if planted near thirsty trees. Avoid overhead watering late in the day to minimize humidity among the foliage, although leaf spot is uncommon.
In the Fall, allow the foliage to naturally die back after the first few hard frosts to replenish rhizome energy stores. Do not attempt heavy division or major transplanting during the active bloom period; save significant divisions for early spring separation when the plant is beginning to wake up.
