Tricyrtis formosana 'Autumn Glow'
toad lily
A robust and long-flowering perennial, Tricyrtis formosana 'Autumn Glow' forms attractive clumps of arching stems, clothed in broad green leaves, that typically display a rich gold stripe towards their outer edges.
The orchid-like flowers, for which this exotic-looking perennial is prized, appear in abundance. Heavily smattered with purple-red spots, the purple-blue petals are daubed in deeper mauve and are accented with a chartreuse eye, creating an eye-catching display that lasts from late summer to mid- to late autumn.
Thriving in moist, humus-rich soil and dappled shade, this delightful toad lily will bring colour and interest to woodland gardens when many other perennials are well past their best.
The orchid-like flowers, for which this exotic-looking perennial is prized, appear in abundance. Heavily smattered with purple-red spots, the purple-blue petals are daubed in deeper mauve and are accented with a chartreuse eye, creating an eye-catching display that lasts from late summer to mid- to late autumn.
Thriving in moist, humus-rich soil and dappled shade, this delightful toad lily will bring colour and interest to woodland gardens when many other perennials are well past their best.
How to care for Tricyrtis formosana Autumn Glow:
Plant in moist, humus-rich soil that drains well but never dries out completely. Choose partial or full shade, as strong sun can scorch the foliage. Keep the soil consistently damp during the growing season, especially in warm spells, and add a thick mulch of leaf mould or compost each spring to hold moisture and feed the roots.
Protect young shoots from slugs and snails, as they are a favourite target. Leave stems to die back naturally in autumn, then remove the spent growth to keep the clump tidy. Toad lily prefers a sheltered spot, builds up slowly, and rewards stable conditions by forming a neat, reliable clump over time.
In cold areas of the country provide a deep, dry, winter mulch around the crown of the plant.
Protect young shoots from slugs and snails, as they are a favourite target. Leave stems to die back naturally in autumn, then remove the spent growth to keep the clump tidy. Toad lily prefers a sheltered spot, builds up slowly, and rewards stable conditions by forming a neat, reliable clump over time.
In cold areas of the country provide a deep, dry, winter mulch around the crown of the plant.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Light shade / shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
