Fall Blooming Toad Lilies

Toad lilies at Chanticleer Garden, Wayne, PA

Toad lilies (Tricyrtis spp.) are native to moist woodlands in India, China and Japan. They are in the lily (Lilaceae) plant family (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). Toad lilies are attractive fall-blooming shade perennials. In mid- to late September, as most perennials are finishing flowering, toad lilies are starting out. 

Three species of toad lilies, T. hirta, T. formosana, and T. macropoda are currently very popular, along with several hybrid cultivars.  Depending on species, plants grow 1 ½ to 3 feet tall. Funnel shaped orchid-like flowers come in an array of spotted colors and may be star or bell shaped.

Its plant name - “toad lily” - refers to the speckled flower colors. Planted in an ideal site, toadlilies are long-lived and require little attention. Flowers arise in the axils of the leaves and held on arching stems. 

Toad lilies prefer partial to full shade and in moist humus-rich garden soil. Under ideal conditions plants need little or no fertilizing. Feed plants lightly 1-2 times during the summer with water soluble fertilizers such as Miracle-Gro™ or Jack’s™.  Plants should be protected from the wind particularly in the southern parts of the U.S. Mulching keeps the soil moist and suppresses weeds. 

Divide roots of the toad lilies in early spring, and space new plants 2-3 feet apart.

Toad lilies are mostly untroubled by disease or pest problems. Anthracnose leaf spotting may pop up in wet summers. If so, rake up all fallen leaves and discard in late winter. In shady garden areas deer prefer hostas first, but may later turn to toad lilies. 

Top cultivars:
T. formosana - abundant purple-and-white blooms attached to 36 – 40 inch stalks. 
T. hirta ‘Miyazaki’ hybrids - superior flowering and vigorous growth.
T. macropoda  cultivars - ‘Sinonome’
Hybrids: ‘Tojen’ - unspotted lavender flowers; 'Lightning Strike' with green /gold-streaked foliage.

The Best Lacebark Elms For Your Area

'Athena' Lacebark Elm

Lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia), also called little leaf elm, is a beautiful medium-sized shade tree. In recent years lacebark elm has become a popular urban street tree in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 . The four leading cultivars of lacebark elm are Allee®, Athena®, and Bosque™, and Dynasty®.

The tree earns its name from the delightful orange or brown color mosaic or puzzle-like pattern over the main trunk (s) and branches. The autumn leaf color is rarely memorable and the small 1-2 inch leaves fall without much fanfare and leaf litter mess. This elm tree blooms in late summer and flowers are mostly inconspicuous.

Get lacebark elm off to a long and prosperous life by irrigating bi-monthly the tree over long dry spells and fertilize the tree in late winter the first two years after planting. An established lacebark elm exhibits exceptional drought tolerance. Disease and insect problems are rare.

In Tennessee and elsewhere, damaging summer storms have caused arborists to evaluate varieties regionally. For example, Tennessee urban foresters report that limb breakage and clean up around Allee elms is greater than on other cultivars. The cultivar Bosque appears to fare much better.

Consult a local certified arborist which lacebark elms grow best for your area.