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Purple-spotted orchid-like flowers of the toad lilyPerennials

Tricyrtis hirta

Toad Lily

toad lilyshade plantautumn bloomerorchid-likespotted flower

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.

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Before
After

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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

Large blue-green hosta leaves in a shaded gardenPerennials

Hosta 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.

Full shadeMedium50–90 cm
Purple lenten rose blooming among evergreen foliage in early springPerennials

Helleborus 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.

Partial shadeMedium30–50 cm
Finely divided green fronds of the soft shield fern in a shady borderFerns

Polystichum 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.

Partial shadeMedium