Tricyrtis formosana ‘Spotted Toad’

Toad Lily Liliaceae

A particularly handsome selection of the Taiwanese toad lily, Tricyrtis formosana ‘Spotted Toad’ combines the elegant late-season flowers of the species with exceptionally attractive foliage. The upright stems carry broad, clasping leaves, heavily marked when young with irregular dark green to almost black spots, giving the plant considerable interest well before it comes into flower. Unlike many forms of T. formosana, the spotting remains strongly pronounced for considerably longer into the growing season, rather than fading as the leaves mature. In late summer and autumn, the branching stems are topped with open clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers, white to pale lilac and liberally spotted with purple.

‘Spotted Toad’ has a particularly good provenance. It was selected by Crûg Farm from a 1993 collection made at Taipingshan, Taiwan, under the collection number BSWJ 1769, the selection being made for its outstandingly dark-spotted foliage. It was subsequently introduced into horticulture by Crûg Farm and has become one of the better-known forms of T. formosana.

Tricyrtis formosana itself is native to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands, where it grows in woodland, thickets and other shaded habitats. ‘Spotted Toad’ is an especially worthwhile form for the woodland garden, combining good late-season flowering with foliage that remains ornamental for much longer than is usual in the species.

Height: 60–75cm
Spread: 45–60cm
Flowering: August–October
Position: Partial shade to light shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich and well drained
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK