Toad lilies boast November blooms

November 4, 2:37 PMHouston Gardening ExaminerGreg Shelley

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This toad lily in Greg's garden is in full bloom now. (Photo: G. Shelley, Nov. '09)

The toad lily, Tricyrtis hirta, is a shade-loving perennial that produces intricate and beautiful blooms even this late in fall. While it is said to be hardy from Zones 5a to 9b, in the cooler climates you will need to protect its flower bulbs from frost. In the warmer climates, shade and moisture are the most important particularly through the summer months. Toad lilies can be grown rather easily as container plants as well.

The number one most important aspect of its care is keeping the soil consistently moist. If it is allowed to dry out, its foliage will show immediate detrimental effects, it can go into a dormant state temporarily, and it will likely make the plant less likely to bloom in the fall. If you have to put it in a spot that does get some sunlight, be sure it is early-day sun and not late-day sun, particularly anywhere in Zone 9. A nice semi-shady spot under a tree or against an east-facing wall is ideal, and this plant will reward you not only with the fall blooms but also by spreading through self-seeding each year.

Don’t worry, this is not an all an aggressive spreader, but as the years pass it sure is nice to have the additional presence of the beautiful blooms and foliage particularly this late in fall. You can let the seed pods dry on the plant after the blooms have passed and collect them for spreading or sharing. Certain varieties are said to reach four feet in height. I currently have mine in a container near my patio in full shade, where it has been for two years now and continues to multiply and bloom more prolifically with each passing year. It has reached about three feet tall. I plan to harvest seeds this year and share them with other locations throughout the garden. Seeing the blooms this year reminded me that this plant does indeed deserve a bigger presence in my landscape.

Some reports list all parts of this plant as poisonous if ingested, so please keep that in mind if you have small children or pets.

Well, here’s hoping your garden is still full of blooms despite being six weeks into fall. As always, thanks for reading!

For more info: Check out Dave's Garden.  Feel free to contact me directly via email at gregshelley@comcast.net.