Toad Lily
Tricyrtis hirta
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jun 14, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Toad Lily
Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta) is a shade-loving Japanese perennial bearing arching stems of uniquely spotted, orchid-like flowers in white to lilac with bold purple spots in late summer and fall. Technically rated to zone 9b, it is a challenging but rewarding specimen for deeply shaded, consistently moist NE Florida gardens. Starting at $19.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall
- Flower Color
- White, Purple
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Well-drained, Humus-rich
Best planting months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Grow in part shade to full shade; in NE Florida, deep afternoon shade is essential — protect from any direct midday or afternoon sun, which scorches leaves and stresses plants in the summer heat.
Keep soil consistently moist; Toad Lily will go dormant prematurely and fail to bloom if it dries out — mulch heavily to retain soil moisture through Florida's dry periods.
Plant in humus-rich, well-drained, acidic loamy soil amended with compost; apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring as new growth emerges to support healthy stems and fall flower production.
Similar needs
Crocodile Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
Macho Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Tasmanian Tree Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Common Blue Violet
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Hammock Snakeroot
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Arrowhead Plant
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, acidic, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Toad Lily a good plant for St. Augustine?
Toad Lily is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 1-3 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.