What kind of lily is called toad lily?

Tricyrtis formosana (formerly T. stolonifera) is presently the most gardened Toad Lily, & 'Samurai' the most popular cultivar. But this could be rapidly changing as new species & cultivars are being introduced at regular intervals for this suddenly faddish genus.

The original variant was spotted in the garden of a Mrs. Masaoka in Japan, by Clarence H. Falstad III, a Michigan grower. Mrs. Masaoka permitted starts to be brought back to the nursery Clarence worked for. No one knew the species at first, because a variegated form of T. formosana was not previously known or expected, but with the help of Darrell Probst it was finally identified.

We planted ours amidst corydalises & dicentrums in the shade corridor, fairly close to a path. The first photo (snapped in August 2003) captures leaves from an Eastern Bleedingheart ( Dicentra eximia 'Pink' ). As this toadlily spread upon underground rhizomes, it popped up the next year between a Long-eared Holly Fern (Polystichum neolobatum) & an evergreen Sweetbox ( Sarcococca ruscifolia), a few leaves of each poking into the second photo snapped in October (2004).

It has become a cliche to say of them, "Plant close to path so you can view from mere inches away." It's good advice. From a distance the miniature lilies can seem rather lost, but bend down & look closely, they can take the breath away. They are halfway between an orchid & a tiger-lily, but only one-inch small, in loosely branched clusters or cymes, purple-spotted with yellow throats. As cut flowers, toad lilies are long-lasting in bouquets.

Being a variegated form, the foliage, slightly resembling a dwarf Solomon's Seal, adds creamy edging to the green leaves. At twelve to eighteen inches tall, rarely two feet, Samurai is about half the size of the species. It spreads slowly into a small clump less than a foot wide, then will form new young plants along its travelling rhizomes, very slowly colonizing an area, but by no means aggressively. Eventually, young plants can be severed from the parent to transplant in spring, or the whole clump can be divided. 'Samurai' is quicker than some varieties to bounce back from being dug up & divided.

Grown in partial to full shade in moist but not boggy ground, it will require no attention to thrive, & once established will be to a degree drought tolerant but less leafy without regular watering. It is a strong perennial in USDA zones 4 through 9, though at the colder end it would need protection from early frosts that can freeze off the buds before its late-flowering season really gets started.

The flowers arrive by August & last until deep into autumn. Their long presence provides a unique spot of color when much of the shade garden has ceased to bloom. Even for spring & early July when not in bloom, 'Samurai's' yellow-edged green leaves have a beautiful presence.

The name Toad Lily derives from a popular fraud, & the rest of this essay regards that hoax as one of the most amazing pieces of science-generated fairy lore ever seen, & which ultimately explains the common name "Toad Lily," to whit:

::Toad Lily::

In late summer, just when other perennials are beginning to go dormant, the exotic Toad Lily will burst into bloom. White with purple flecks, these unique and sturdy plants bloom for up to six weeks. Toad lilies are extremely easy to grow in ordinary, well-drained soil. Not fussy about light conditions, they will bloom in sun or shade! Space #1 plants 12-18" apart. Grows 18-24" tall. Hardy and elegant - a must for your garden. Zones 3-9. Tricyrtis hirta.

Botanical Name: Tricyrtis hirta

Plant/Bulb Size: #1

Sun Exposure: Shade /Full Sun / Partial Shade

Height: 18" - 24"

Spread: 12 - 18

Hardiness Zone: zone 3 - 9

Foliage Type: Green lily-like foliage

Flower Form: Eleagant plant, not bushy

Flower Color: White with Purple flecks

Flowering Date: Late Summer to Early Fall

Planting Instructions: Will grow under all light conditions.

Unique Characteristics: Exotic looking perennial with lily-like flowers in a unique patter, Toad lilies are very useful in the garden, where they will bloom in the late summer until early fall. Plant them in the border, wild garden or rock garden. They give a very special effect when grown between low growing plants. Toad lilies are extremely easy to grow in any ordinary, well - drained soil. The sturdy flowers assure a long flowering period.

Winterizing: Protect the plant with a mulch during the winter in the coldest zones.

::Toad Lily pictures::

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=toa...

Toadlilies are not a true lily from the Lillium family. They are native to eastern asia and are from the Tricyrtidaceae family.

Exotic flowers provide a beautiful late season display to the shaded garden. Arching stems and attractive leaves complement hostas, ferns and other shade-loving plants. Ideal at garden's edge or along pathways where its unique beauty can be appreciated.

Bloom time: Blooms in fall

Exposure: Plant in partial shade or shade

Water: Water weekly during dry spells

Height: Grows to 20" (51cm) tall

Space: 15-18" (38-46cm) apart

Uh- that would be a toad lily?