Toad Lily Tricyrtis 'Empress'
ABOUT
The Tricyrtis 'Empress', commonly known as the Toad Lily, is a captivating perennial plant recognized for its unique and striking flowers. The blossoms exhibit a blend of delicate pastel shades and deep, bold colors. They are predominantly spotted, displaying intricate patterns on their petals almost resembling those of an orchid. Each flower typically carries a combination of colors, often purples, pinks, whites, and yellows, with prominent freckle-like spots covering their six petal-like segments. The centers of the Toad Lily flowers are distinguished by a contrasting color, frequently a deeper shade, which highlights the presence of the flower's reproductive parts. The petals themselves have a somewhat wrinkled texture, contributing further to their ornamental charm. Foliage-wise, the Toad Lily has leaves that are lush and green, offering a perfect backdrop for the floral display. The leaves are typically broad, slightly glossy, and can have a lance-shaped or ovate form. They are arranged alternately along the stems and can sometimes have a slightly clasping base. Overall, the plant exudes a tropical air, though it is quite hardy. The blossoming period of the Toad Lily extends from late summer into the fall, providing a notable splash of color when many other plants have completed their show. It is a favorite among gardeners looking to add exotic flair to their shade gardens. Its distinctive flowers, lush foliage, and late blooming period make the Toad Lily 'Empress' a precious addition to any garden setting, enchanting observers with its exceptional and decorative appearance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Toad Lily, Empress Toad Lily
Common names
Tricyrtis 'Empress'.
ToxicityTo humans
Toad lily is not commonly listed as a poisonous plant for humans. However, as with any plant, individual reactions can vary, and it is always prudent not to ingest any part of ornamental plants due to the potential for adverse reactions. If accidental ingestion occurs, monitor for any signs of discomfort, and consult a medical professional if symptoms manifest.
To pets
Toad lily is not commonly listed as a poisonous plant for pets. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised as pets may have different sensitivities to plants compared to humans. If a pet ingests part of a toad lily, observe for any signs of gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions, and consult a veterinarian if any suspicious symptoms are observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Adds exotic appeal to gardens with its orchid-like flowers.
- Thrives in partially shaded areas, making it ideal for woodland or shade gardens.
- Blooms in late summer to early fall, providing color when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, beneficial for the ecosystem.
- Relatively deer-resistant, which is advantageous in areas with a significant deer population.
- Easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance once established.
- Has a compact growth habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens or spaces.
- Can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding unique beauty to bouquets.
- Perfect for creating accents in borders, beds, or along pathways with its unique texture and form.
- Multiples gradually over time, offering a natural way to expand garden displays without additional cost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: The unique spotted pattern and intricate flowers of the Toad Lily can inspire artists and be used as a subject in paintings and illustrations.
- Photography: The distinctive appearance of Toad Lily flowers makes them an excellent subject for macro photography, allowing photographers to capture their detailed beauty.
- Educational tool: Botany students and educators can use the Toad Lily to study and demonstrate various botanical concepts, such as flower formation and plant hybridization.
- Garden themed crafts: The flowers and leaves can be used as motifs or actual components in creating pressed flower art, garden-themed stationery, or botanical jewelry.
- Habitat enhancement: When planted in a garden, the Toad Lily can provide shelter and food for beneficial insects, thereby enhancing local biodiversity.
- Mood enhancement: The visual beauty of Toad Lily can improve the mood and ambiance of a space when used in garden design, creating a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing environment.
- Culinary decoration: Although not edible, the flower can be used as a non-toxic decorative element for plating in haute cuisine, provided it has not been treated with pesticides.
- Floral arrangements: Toad Lilies can be incorporated into exotic flower arrangements for events or as part of a home decor scheme, offering a touch of elegance and rarity.
- Nature crafts: The Toad Lily's blooms and foliage can be included in nature crafts, such as creating botanical suncatchers or natural potpourri mixes.
- Seasonal displays: The late blooming nature of the Toad Lily makes it a great choice for adding interest to autumn garden displays or seasonal arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Toad Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Toad Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Beauty: The Tricyrtis 'Empress', commonly known as Toad Lily, has a unique and striking appearance, symbolizing exotic beauty and distinctive charm.
- Mystery and Wonder: With its intricate patterns and hidden details, the Toad Lily signifies the allure of the mysterious and the wonders that lie within the understated or overlooked.
- Resilience: The Toad Lily is known for its ability to thrive in shaded areas, representing resilience and the ability to prosper in less than ideal circumstances.
- Opportunity: Its late bloom, often in the fall when other flowers have faded, makes it a symbol of opportunity and the idea that it's never too late for growth or beauty.
- Rare Achievement: As the Toad Lily is not as commonly found as other garden plants, it can represent a rare and noteworthy achievement, or the recognition of someone's unique talents.
WaterToad lily, commonly known as Tricyrtis 'Empress', prefers evenly moist soil, so it requires regular watering to maintain the moisture level. Water the toad lily once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, with approximately one inch or about half a gallon of water each time. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out. Ensure the water penetrates the soil deeply rather than just wetting the surface. In the winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down, adjusting to only enough water to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightThe toad lily thrives in dappled sunlight or partial shade, avoiding direct afternoon sun which can be too harsh for the foliage. The best spot for this plant is under the canopy of open-branched trees or on the north or east side of a building where it can receive bright but indirect light. Too much shade can lead to fewer flowers, while too much sun can scorch the leaves, so finding the right balance is key for the health of the Tricyrtis 'Empress'.
TemperatureThe toad lily fares well in temperature conditions that mimic its native habitat, which are moderate to cool. It can tolerate a temperature range from around 50°F to 75°F, with the ideal conditions being between 60°F and 70°F. The plant can survive occasional dips below this range but should be protected from frost and prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40°F or above 80°F, as extreme temperatures can damage or kill the plant.
PruningToad lily does not require extensive pruning, but deadheading the spent blooms can encourage more flowering and tidy the appearance of the plant. Prune away any dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and aesthetics. The best time for pruning toad lily is in late fall or early spring before the onset of new growth, which gives the plant a fresh start for the growing season. It's typically sufficient to prune once a year unless there's dead or damaged growth that needs attention during the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilToad Lily (Tricyrtis 'Empress') thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.1 and 7.5. A mix of loam, peat moss, and perlite or pine bark can create the ideal growing conditions.
RepottingToad Lily (Tricyrtis 'Empress') generally needs to be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it outgrows its current container, to ensure continued growth and blooming.
Humidity & MistingToad Lily (Tricyrtis 'Empress') prefers high humidity levels, around 50% to 70%, to replicate its natural habitat and maintain its lush foliage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide filtered light, high humidity, and keep the soil moist for indoor Toad Lily.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, and shelter from strong winds for outdoor Toad Lily.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleTricyrtis 'Empress', also known as Toad Lily 'Empress', is a perennial plant that begins its life as a dormant rhizome or rootstock. In spring, it sends out shoots that develop into upright stems with alternating leaves. As it matures through the summer, the plant continues to grow, reaching its full height and producing distinctive, orchid-like flowers by late summer or early fall. After flowering, which can last until the first frost, it sets seed, which can be dispersed to give rise to new plants. With the onset of winter, the aerial parts of the Toad Lily die back, retreating to the rhizome which survives underground. The plant rests in its dormant state over the winter until the cycle begins anew with the arrival of warmer weather in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method for propagating Tricyrtis 'Empress', also known as Toad Lily, is by division. This is best done in the spring, just as the plants are emerging from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of the toad lily ensuring you have a good amount of roots. Then, using your hands or a sharp knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Ensure that the newly planted divisions are well-watered to help establish them. Divisions will typically take root quickly and can bloom in their first season if they are divided early enough and the growing conditions are favorable.
