PerennialsTricyrtis hirta
Toad Lily
The toad lily is a fascinating shade plant with exotic-looking, orchid-like flowers speckled with purple spots on a white background. The blooms appear in September and October on arching stems, creating a unique presence in the autumn garden.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade, Full shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 50–80 cm
- Spread
- 40–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–8
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- purple, white
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich soil that does not dry out. Protect from harsh midday sun. Mulch annually with leaf compost to keep the soil cool and moist. Apply a light feed in spring.
Pruning tips
Allow flowers to finish naturally on the plant for the best effect. Cut back dead stems to the ground after the first frost. The plant spreads slowly and rarely needs dividing.
Good companions
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
PerennialsHelleborus orientalis
Lenten Rose
The Lenten Rose is one of the first bloomers of the garden year, with saucer-shaped flowers in purple, pink or white appearing as early as February. The evergreen, palmate foliage forms attractive clumps that remain decorative year-round. The plant is a valuable early nectar source for bees.
FernsPolystichum setiferum
Soft Shield Fern
The soft shield fern is an elegant, evergreen fern with finely divided, soft green fronds that arch gracefully outwards. The plant forms a beautiful rosette and fits perfectly in shady borders and woodland gardens. Mature specimens can reach up to 120 centimetres across.