Toad Lily Tricyrtis 'Taipei Silk' (PBR)
ABOUT
Tricyrtis 'Taipei Silk', also commonly known as Toad Lily, is a perennial plant known for its unique and exotic-looking flowers. The plant features an upright form with arching stems that support an attractive array of foliage. The leaves are typically lance-shaped with a lush, green color, which sometimes can be speckled or mottled, depending on the variety. The real show-stoppers of the Toad Lily are its intricate flowers, which bloom in late summer to fall. These blossoms have a mesmerizing appearance, often featuring a base color that ranges from white to pale pink or lavender. The blossoms are star-shaped and are heavily spotted with rich purple to burgundy speckles, giving them an almost orchid-like look. This spotting contrasts beautifully with the lighter background color of the petals. Each flower consists of six petal-like segments that splay outwards, creating an almost flat face that is very alluring to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In the center of the bloom, there are noticeable, hair-like stamens and pistils that protrude, adding to the intricate detailing of the flower. 'Taipei Silk' carries its blossoms above the foliage, making them stand out even more in the garden. The flowering display teamed with the plant's leafy backdrop tends to give a lush and tropical feeling to temperate gardens. This variety of Toad Lily is prized in gardens for its unique beauty and the late-season color it provides when many other plants have completed their flowering cycle. It is often used in shady borders and woodland gardens where it can be appreciated up close for its ornate details. Its ability to thrive in partial to full shade makes it a valuable addition to spots in the garden that many other flowering plants would not find favorable.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Taipei Silk Toad Lily, Satin Toad Lily.
Common names
Tricyrtis 'Taipei Silk' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Toad Lily, commonly known as Tricyrtis 'Taipei Silk', does not have a well-documented toxicity profile for humans. Most toad lilies are not considered poisonous, and there is little information suggesting that Tricyrtis 'Taipei Silk' is toxic if ingested. Nevertheless, it is generally recommended that no plant material be consumed unless it is known to be safe. If there were any concerns about poisoning, it would be wise to consult a medical professional.
To pets
Toad Lily, known in this variety as Tricyrtis 'Taipei Silk', is not typically listed as a toxic plant for pets such as dogs and cats. There is limited information regarding its toxicity, but generally, it is not considered to be a plant that poses significant risk if ingested by pets. However, it is always best to prevent pets from eating plants, as individual animals might react differently or have unexpected allergies. If any symptoms of poisoning were to occur, consultation with a veterinarian would be necessary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Tricyrtis 'Taipei Silk' offers unique, orchid-like flowers that add an exotic touch to gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Taipei Silk requires minimal care, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
- Cold Hardy: It is resilient in cooler climates and can withstand temperatures typical of USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9.
- Extended Blooming Period: The plant flowers from late summer to fall, providing color and interest when many other plants are winding down.
- Compact Size: With its moderate growth habit, Taipei Silk is suitable for smaller gardens or as an underplanting for larger shrubs.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is less appealing to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Projects: The unique spotted and delicate flowers of Tricyrtis 'Taipei Silk' offer a captivating subject for macro photographers and botanical artists to capture its intricate beauty.
- Fairy Gardens: With their whimsical look, the Toad Lily can be incorporated into fairy garden designs, providing a magical atmosphere and enhancing the visual narrative of miniature fantasy scenes.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture educators can use Toad Lily plants as an example to teach about less common perennials and how to care for them in various climates.
- Theme Gardens: Tricyrtis 'Taipei Silk' can be used in Asian-themed gardens to help create an authentic look due to their resemblance to certain Asian orchids.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use Toad Lilies as a muse or reference for botanical artwork, textiles, or pattern designs due to their unique appearance.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly consumed, the blooms of Toad Lily can be used as an exotic and decorative garnish on special dishes for culinary presentation, provided they are free of pesticides and contaminants.
- Crafting: Toad Lily flowers can be pressed and preserved for crafting handmade cards, bookmarks, or other delicate paper crafts needing a touch of natural beauty.
- Wedding Decor: Toad Lilies can be incorporated into floral arrangements or venue decorations for a rustic or woodland-themed wedding, offering a unique visual element.
- Screening Plants: When planted in groups, Toad Lilies can provide a soft and attractive screen or backdrop in semi-shaded garden areas.
- Ink Production: The flowers and leaves, if properly processed, could be used to produce natural dyes for inks used in traditional art or calligraphy, although this is not a common practice.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Toad Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Toad Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Beauty: Tricyrtis 'Taipei Silk', commonly known as Toad Lily, features intricate and unique spotted patterns that symbolize rare and exotic beauty, reflecting the uncommon aesthetics it brings to a garden.
- Mystery and Wonder: The Toad Lily's enchanting appearance often symbolizes the sense of mystery and wonder of the natural world, as it blooms in the late season when most flowers have finished their display.
- Perseverance and Resilience: Able to bloom in shadier spots, the Toad Lily is a symbol of perseverance and resilience as it thrives in conditions where many other plants would fail to flourish.
- Hope and Renewal: Blooming in late summer to fall, Toad Lilies can symbolize hope and the promise of renewal, representing the idea that it's never too late for beauty to emerge.
WaterToad lily, the common name for Tricyrtis 'Taipei Silk', requires consistent moisture, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. This typically means watering once or twice a week, but this can vary depending on climate and weather conditions. It's best to provide deep waterings to encourage strong root development, which might equate to about 0.5 gallons per plant for each watering session, assuming typical garden soil. Keep an eye on your plant during hot or dry spells, as you may need to water more frequently. Always avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases.
LightToad lily thrives in partial to full shade, so select a spot in the garden that receives filtered sunlight or dappled shade. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh sunlight as it can scorch the delicate foliage of the plant. An ideal location would be 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.
TemperatureToad lily prefers temperate conditions and can survive in temperatures ranging from about 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. While they can tolerate a light frost, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plant.
PruningPruning toad lily should be done to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health and appearance. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This not only tidies the plant but encourages more blooms during the flowering season. Pruning can also be performed after flowering if required, to shape the plant or reduce its size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilToad lily prefers a fertile, humus-rich, well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix containing equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand would provide an ideal growing medium for optimal health and blooming.
RepottingToad lily should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate its growing root system. It's best to repot in the spring before the onset of rapid growth.
Humidity & MistingToad lily thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 60% to 80%. If indoor air is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a water-filled pebble tray to increase ambient moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Toad lily in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Keep Toad lily in partial shade with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleTricyrtis 'Taipei Silk', commonly known as Toad Lily, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome, which breaks dormancy in spring as temperatures rise and daylight increases. The rhizome sends up shoots that develop into stems with lush, green foliage, and the plant undergoes vegetative growth. In late summer to early fall, the Toad Lily enters its flowering stage, producing unique, orchid-like flowers with intricate patterns that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers may produce seed capsules if conditions allow, which can eventually disperse to give rise to new plants. Following the flowering period, as temperatures drop and days shorten, the plant's above-ground foliage dies back, and it enters a period of dormancy during the winter months. The cycle recommences the following spring when the rhizome once again sprouts new growth, continuing the perennial life cycle of the Toad Lily.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Tricyrtis 'Taipei Silk', more commonly known as toad lily, can be propagated most effectively by division. The ideal time for this is in the spring, just as the new shoots start to emerge. To propagate by division, gently lift the clump of toad lilies from the ground with a shovel or gardening fork, taking care to minimize damage to the root system. Once out of the ground, the clumps can be separated by hand or with a knife into smaller sections ensuring that each division has at least a couple of growth points or shoots. These divisions can then be replanted immediately in a well-prepared part of the garden, spaced approximately a foot apart, which translates to around 30 centimeters, to allow for future growth. The divisions should be planted at the same depth as they were previously growing and watered thoroughly to help establish the new plants.
