September is an excellent month for plants. I had a hard choice between: turtlehead, hardy cyclamen, Japanese anemones and the toad lilies for September's Plant of the Month. I have chosen toad lilies, aka Tricyrtis hirta. And let me tell you why.
The toad lilies are not only beautiful, but hardy, easy to grow, unique, and bloom for a very long time. I have grown toad lilies for five years now. They have never ever failed me, not even last year after the long drought. I have never watered my toad lilies and I can tell you they are planted within 10 feet of an Eastern Red Cedar; which sucks all moisture from the soil as any gardener knows.
I decided to split the clump last fall when I planted a new bed out front under a pine tree and a few oaks. The result is pictured above. This plant has been blooming a few weeks now and shows no sign of letting up. Just look at all the buds. I am not sure of the cultivar I am growing, but I can tell you I mail ordered mine and have had no trouble from them at all. Some people think they look like orchids.
One year the voles decided these toad lilies tasted real good. They decimated the roots so that by the time I realized there was a problem all the lilies were laying on the ground. No problem for the lilies! I just stamped the ground down and watched them closely. They all recovered. Amazing. Let me tell you roses would never recover from such an insult as having their roots eaten! They can suffer severely from squirrels eating them up though, as Dan discovered in his garden so keep a lookout.
Grow toad lilies in shade to part shade, never full sun. A nice woodland garden works well and I have not found them to be picky about moisture; whether too dry or too wet. Mine grow to about 24" wide and tall with no extra amendments.
Frances, you might want to try some. Racquel just did a post on these plants too, and I think you can take it from her and I, these are great plants.
in the garden....
Hi Tina, you read my mind! I have some dry shade with only a few things that can tolerate being under the tall pine trees. I might have to give these a try, thanks!
ReplyDeleteFrances
Me too! Ahhh, a flower that meets my needs, so hard to find a exculsive shade plant and have them last for awhile.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, it is a beautiful plant. I am not familiar with but I am always willing to try new plants. I will write a note on my garden journal.
ReplyDeleteGreat choice for September's Plant of the Month Tina! You are absolutely right, it is a real trooper in the garden. Mine is planted in dry shade in a morning sun bed. The foliage did get alittle brown this summer from the heat & drought, but it is still blooming as we speak. :)
ReplyDeleteRacquel
What an ugly name for such a beautiful flower. I'm learning so much from your blog. I enjoyed meeting CeCe below too. My Stella is snoozing at my feet.
ReplyDeleteYes all! This is a super good plant in my garden and many others. Do give it a try!
ReplyDeleteWill they handle very sandy soil? I have one of those towering eastern red cedars you mentioned, and very few blooming plants thrive beneath it. I would like to give these lilies a try.
ReplyDeletewalk2write, That is a very good question! I cannot definitively answer it but in Florida you will not be able to grow these at all. My Southern living books says they grow down as far as the lower south; which only includes a tiny bit of the Florida panhandle northwest of Tallahassee. I think they would tolerate the sand, but can't say for sure since I have a mix, maybe Raquel has sand and knows, but don't try them down there due to the climate conditions. Sorry!
ReplyDeleteHi Tina. I never tried toad lilies because I thought they required too much water. If they are somewhat drought tolerant, I might try one. Thanks
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Marnie, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with these tough ole gals.
ReplyDeleteI just brought home this beauty a few weeks ago. She isn't in the woodland garden yet. I have been waiting for cooler weather...so in the next day or so, I will plant her near the front path so all can see her. Mine is 'Empress'. Thanks for more info, Gail
ReplyDeleteI just brought home this beauty a few weeks ago. She isn't in the woodland garden yet. I have been waiting for cooler weather...so in the next day or so, I will plant her near the front path so all can see her. Mine is 'Empress'. Thanks for more info, Gail
ReplyDeleteThey are very pretty and sure sound easy.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHum, you say they can handle a drought and PG says they need moist soil. I bet it is one of those plants that you have to just give it a try and see. I dont think I will give it a try though as we have soooo many voles and squirrels in our yard. They would surely upset me by eating it! Darn critters….
ReplyDeletePretty plant and blooms though. Why is it called a Toad plant? I dont see a toad within....
I think the toad in the name may come from the spots on the flowers and some times on the leaves with some varieties.
ReplyDeleteI can attest to there drought tolerance, mine grows under norway maples that not only suck up all the water but also block rain from falling on them. It has done so well in the month it has been in I am going to add more next spring.
Thanks for the link to my page!
Gail, You'll love them!
ReplyDeleteMom, Very easy for sure!
Skeeter, Like Dan said-spots for the toad name. I think the lilies would prefer moisture, but are hardy and deal with drought. They would grow nicely in your woods with some azaleas and maybe even with your nanners, so if you see some don't be afraid to pick them up:)
Dan, Thanks! They are drought tolerant I think and yours sound the best. You are welcomed on the link. We try to put those in when applicable and your post on yours was timely. Plus you told me about the squirrel problem, that is important to know and I appreciate it!
Forgot to say, Racquel-yes your name is hard as I misspelled it this morning. I think I have it right now:) Sorry.
ReplyDeleteLovely looking plant. Sorry I can't have it here. Am willing to try any plant as I have brought them from Tn. & N.C. {even trees} so for all is ok. I'm glad about that.
ReplyDeleteLola, I hope you'll send a Dave a picture for the peak color. I am sure he would post it for you. Have you ever considered doing a blog yourself? You are so good at it. Also, there are members registered with Blotanical that do not blog. You might check it out. I think of you because there is a category for the award nominations for "Someone you wish would start a blog who doesn't have one". I think of you. ttyl Early night for me. Long day with garden club and all and again tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI don't grow them. Their name sounds too much like a frog. (Ain't that a dumb reason??) ;~)
ReplyDeleteI am certainly sold on this plant after reading about yours. If it will grow in zone 8b, I am giving it a try.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried them yet here I am struggling with a dry shady area. I will have to try and find some. I've never seen them in our local nurseries. Know of a good mail order source?
ReplyDeleteYes, it will grow in my zone and just look at this beauty that is available for fall this year.
ReplyDeleteToad Lily for Fall 2008
TC, Yes, I agree but that is fine:)
ReplyDeleteEve, That Taipei silk is quite nice. You are on the edge of their hardiness according to Southern Living. You should do fine with them.
Phillip, They would grow well for you. I purchased mine mail order and I want to say Jung is who I got them from. But it has been many years so I can't be sure. Most catalogs offer them. This is one plant that withstands mail order fine.
Not to sure on the blog, Tina. Don't think I could do it.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll try this plant & see what happens.
We had rain again today & boy has the temps dropped. Maybe now I can do more gardening as it will be cooler. Can't take that heat anymore.
Stick with it Lola. Cooler weather is welcomed for sure!
ReplyDeleteI'm ordering some of these! I have lots of shade where I need color. Mind telling me where you happened to order these from?
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Hi Brenda and welcome! I purchased my toad lilies by mail order. I believe it was Jung but don't hold me to it. They are fairly commonly available. Good luck and thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteAll your plant of the month nominees sound lovely, Tina!
ReplyDeleteA friend passed along a division of toad lilies to me early this year. They're not budding or blooming, but in spite of 60 days over 100°F are alive....which is miracle enough, even without flowers.
Hope to see cute little spotted toad faces in my garden some autumn!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Hi Annie, You were so lucky to have a friend passalong some toad lilies. I don't think mine bloomed the first year but each after. Yes, great to be still alive. You'll love them.
ReplyDelete