How to Plant Tricyrtis Fall Bulbs

Tricyrtis fall bulbs are a showy, exotic addition to the garden. The Tricyrtis, or Toad Lily, has mottled or spotted orchid-like flowers that bloom in a line along the stem in the fall. Flowers range in color from white to purple. In summer the Tricyrtis provides delicate arching green branches tinged with yellow. The Tricyrtis ranges from 18 to 36 inches in height and is considered a low maintenance plant.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Select a spot in your garden that allows the Tricyrtis bulb moderate to full shade throughout the day.

2. Test your soil for acidity with a basic soil testing kit available at any garden store. The Tricyrtis bulb requires mildly acidic to acidic soil in zones five and six, and neutral soil in zone seven. Add compost or peat to your soil in zones five and six to make it more acidic. If your soil is too acid, add lime to make your soil more alkaline.

3. Dig your planting holes one to two feet apart.

4. Plant one Tricyrtis bulb per hole.

5. Water the newly planted Tricyrtis bulb and keep the soil wet. Do not let it dry out between watering.

Tips & Warnings

• Tricyrtis bulbs and their flowers are naturally resistant to deer.
• To collect seeds from this plant, allow the plant pods to dry on the plant. Break the dried pods open to collect the seeds inside.
• Do not ingest any part of this plant, as all portions are poisonous.