Toad lily (Tricyrtis macrantha subsp. macranthopsis)
Discover Tricyrtis macrantha subsp. macranthopsis, the Toad lily, prized for its unique yellow flowers spotted with raspberry in late summer shade.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Toad lily (Tricyrtis macrantha subsp. macranthopsis) offers a stunning late-season display, filling shady garden corners when many other perennials are winding down. This delicate herbaceous perennial is noted for its distinctive, nodding, bell-shaped bright yellow flowers heavily speckled with reddish-brown or raspberry markings inside the tepals. Native to parts of Japan, it brings an element of graceful, cascading structure to the landscape.
This unique cultivar, Tricyrtis macrantha subsp. macranthopsis, is particularly valued for its hairless stems and strap-like, dark green, glossy leaves that emerge on arching stems. It reliably reaches about 1 to 1.5 feet tall and spreads similarly, making it an excellent choice for adding texture and late-summer interest beneath taller woodland plants. Achieving the best display requires providing the consistent moisture and dappled light it requires.
As a low-maintenance specimen, the Toad lily is perfect for seasoned gardeners seeking sophisticated texture in deep shade environments. Its weeping habit makes it ideal for elevated plantings where the pendulous blooms can cascade attractively, offering a final, memorable floral show before fall sets in.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Liliaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Japan
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Bloom Description: Yellow with raspberry spotting inside
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Tricyrtis macrantha subsp. macranthopsis should ideally occur in spring or early fall, giving the roots time to establish before extreme weather. Locate this Toad lily variety in a site receiving part shade to full shade; harsh afternoon sun will scorch the foliage. The most critical cultural requirement is soil quality: it thrives in average, well-drained soil enriched heavily with organic matter, preferring humusy, moist, slightly acidic conditions. Ensure the soil must not be allowed to dry out, as consistent moisture is vital for healthy growth.
Ongoing care for this perennial is remarkably simple. Water regularly to maintain medium to wet soil conditions, especially during dry periods in summer, reflecting its native habitat near wet ravines. While generally low maintenance, applying a layer of compost or leaf mold annually will help maintain the humus-rich, slightly acidic environment it prefers. Minimal pruning is required beyond removing any damaged foliage in early spring.
Since the stems of Tricyrtis macrantha subsp. Macranthopsis are naturallyarching, incorporating it into rockeries or using it near the edge of retaining walls enhances its weeping qualities. In colder zones (Zone 6), ensure adequate mulch is applied to protect the root crown as winter approaches, though it is generally quite cold-tolerant when well-established.
Landscape Uses
The trailing habit of the Toad lily makes it an exceptional specimen for areas where its unique flowers can be viewed from above or the side. Siting this plant at the top of a rock wall allows the stems and pendulous flowers to trail down beautifully, showcasing the intricate yellow and raspberry markings. They perform excellently in woodland gardens or deeply shaded borders where the arching stems blend seamlessly with ferns and hostas.
This shade-loving perennial is also a fantastic addition to containers, particularly elevated urns or window boxes placed near entryways where its late-season blooms can be easily appreciated. When companion planting, pair Tricyrtis macrantha subsp. macranthopsis with plants that require similar moisture and shade levels, such as Helleborus, Athyrium (Japanese painted ferns), or Disporum. Its deep green leaves provide excellent contrast to the lighter foliage of many shade companions.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Tricyrtis macranthopsis, commonly called Toad lily, is an herbaceous perennial with a weeping habit native to shady ravines in Japan. It typically grows to 12-18” tall with arching stems clad with glossy, dark green, cordate-based leaves up to 4” long. Nodding, pendulous, bell-shaped, bright yellow flowers, up to 1.5” long, are speckled with reddish-brown inside and bloom late in the season. Subsp. Macranthopsis is identified by its hairless stems and slightly later bloom time compared to the species. Genus name comes from the Greek words tri- meaning three and kyrtos meaning humped, referring to the swollen bases of the outer petals.
Tolerances
- No serious insect or disease problems.
Potential Problems
Fortunately, this Toad lily generally exhibits few significant pest issues. Slugs and snails are occasional visitors, drawn to the lush foliage common in damp, shady environments. To manage them effectively, employ protective measures early in the season, such as setting beer traps or applying iron phosphate pellets around the base of the plants. Good air circulation, though secondary to moisture needs, can also help minimize common fungal concerns associated with overly wet conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Toad lily suitable for?
Tricyrtis macrantha subsp. macranthopsis is suitable for gardening in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 8.
How large does Toad lily grow?
This perennial typically reaches a moderate size, growing between 1 and 1.5 feet in height, with a similar spread of 1 to 1.5 feet.
What sun exposure does Toad lily need?
The ideal environment for the Toad lily is part shade to full shade; protect it from intense afternoon sun exposures.
When does Toad lily bloom?
This plant provides color from August into September, featuring unique yellow flowers heavily speckled with raspberry spotting inside.
Conclusion
The elegance of Tricyrtis macrantha subsp. macranthopsis lies in its unique late-season bloom time and its architectural, weeping habit perfectly suited for dark, moist corners of the garden. For reliable color and texture when summer fades, the Toad lily is an outstanding choice known for its low maintenance once established. Check your local USDA growing zone compatibility before planting this month to ensure a fantastic display next late summer.
Companion Planting
When selecting neighbors for Tricyrtis macrantha subsp. macranthopsis, prioritize plants that share the need for consistently moist, humus-rich soil and protection from the harsh summer sun. Woodland companions that look fantastic alongside the arching stems of the Toad lily include shade-loving groundcovers like Epimedium (Barrenwort) species, which offer early spring foliage interest. Taller companions like Rodgersia or various textured ferns create a lush, layered backdrop that highlights the delicate, pendant flowers of the Tricyrtis.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the ideal time for tidying up the garden area, allowing new emerging shoots of the Toad lily to emerge cleanly. Apply a fresh layer of well-rotted compost or leaf mold around the base; this organically feeds the plant and helps retain the crucial soil moisture needed throughout the growing season. During the heat of summer, monitor moisture levels closely, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, which is key to preventing stress and supporting bud development for the fall show. In late fall or early winter, after the foliage has died back, a light application of mulch can provide added insulation in borderline cold zones.
