General Culture:

Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in part to full shade. Prefers moist, humusy, slightly acidic soils in part shade. Soil must not be allowed to dry out.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Toad lily is perhaps best known for its unique flowers, ability to bloom in shade and late summer to early fall bloom time. This hybrid cultivar typically grows to 24" tall and is noted for having much larger leaves than any other toad lily in cultivation and for unspotted flowers which are located in clusters (cymes) mostly at the stem ends. The small, lavender, orchid-like, yellow-throated flowers (to 1 inch long) are shaded lighter toward the center. Unusually large, oval to oblong leaves (6-15" long) with parallel veins and clasping leaf bases.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Slugs are an occasional pest.

Uses:

Borders, woodland gardens, shade gardens or naturalized areas. Plant in areas where they can be easily observed at close range, because the beauty and detail of the small flowers becomes lost at a distance.

© Missouri Botanical Garden, 2001-2010