How to Care for a Toad Lily
In spite of its less than beautiful name, toad lily (Tricyrtis hirta) is an exotic late summer bloomer with large leaves, upright stems and showy, white orchid-like blooms with dark purple speckles. Once the toad lily matures after about three years, the clump of flowers will grow larger and the unusual, spectacular blooms will be unlike anything else in your garden. Toad lily is hardy to USDA Zones 5-9. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant toad lily in light shade if you live in a climate with warm summers. In cooler, northern climates, toad lily can be planted in full sunlight as long as the soil is kept moist.
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Keep the soil moist at all times. Water deeply whenever the top of the soil feels slightly dry to the touch and never allow the soil to become bone dry.
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Place 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around the toad lily, but don't allow the mulch to pile up against the stems or foliage. Organic mulch such as straw, shredded bark or pine needles will keep the plant's roots cool and moist and will help to deter weeds.
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Feed toad lilies every spring, using a high phosphorus granular fertilizer with a ratio such as 5-10-10. Always apply fertilizer according to the directions on the package.
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Remove (deadhead) wilted toad lily blooms by carefully pinching off the bloom with your fingers. Allow the foliage to remain on the plant until the leaves turn yellow in late fall.
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