Toad lilies bring flair to any fall garden.
The flowers usually come in whites, yellows, purples, or soft pinks.
Many variegated varieties oftoad lilyfeaturegold foliage with specklesor edges of another color.
Credit: JANET MESIC-MACKIE
Toad lilies are still a relatively recent introduction to the U.S. garden world.
They do best when mostly in the shade, especially where it’s hot.
How and When to Plant Toad Lily
Plant toad lilies in the spring for fall blooming.
Credit: JANET MESIC-MACKIE
Mix compost with soil and make a hole twice as big as the rhizome.
Spread the roots and fill in with the soil.
Water until top 1 to 2 inches of soil is saturated.
Credit: Andrew Drake
A few varieties may beable to take full sun, but only if well-watered.
Even then, foliage may scorch.
Soil and Water
Toad lilies perform best in rich, moist,well-drained soils.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
To maintain toad lily, you should add supplemental water during dry spells.
However, too much humidity can cause them to rot.
Doing so will add nutrients and increase the water-holding capacity, creating a better home for toad lilies.
Credit: Hetherington & Associates
When toad lilies get too big for their pots, divide them and replant.
There are few pests to worry about beyond the usual slugs and snails.
Watch out for rabbits, because they love to eat toad lilies, though deer do not.
Credit: Dency Kane
Toad lilies can also grow from seed.Start indoorsor sow them in garden soil.
Use fresh seeds and be careful not to bury them because they need sunlight to germinate.
Types of Toad Lily
Common Toad Lily
Tricyrtis hirtais soft and fuzzy with hairs.
Credit: Mark Kane
Its arching stems bear clusters of upright flowers.
The orchid-like blooms are white with dark purple spots.
It grows to 3 feet tall.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It’s more vigorous than many other toad lilies.
Its dense tufts of almost evergreen, broadly grassy leaves are often striped.
Stiff stems bear tight spikes of tiny blue or white bells, similar to those of grape hyacinth.
Clustered florets in a globe-shaped flower head are held aloft on a thick stem.
The larger allium flower heads are fun focal points for dried arrangements.
The smaller types are especially well suited for growing in rock gardens.
Not all asters are fall bloomers.
Extend the season by growing some of the summer bloomers as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Toad lily plants can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
The size will depend on the pop in grown.
The most common reason for browning leaves is not enough water.
ensure your plants are watered enough, but take care not to overwater.
