In a vase and out: Toad lilies bloom at last

Our first frost typically occurs sometime between Sept. 27 and Oct. 3rd. Not this year. Our overnight lows have barely been dropping into the 40s and it looks like that won't change soon, according to the weather forecast. That means I don't have to worry that cold weather will hit my Toad lilies (Tricyrtis ssp.) before they've had a chance to flower. 

Trycirtis hirta 'Variegata' looking gorgeous but not even beginning to open yet.

Tricyrtis hirta 'Miyazaki'. This toad lily has arching stems and looks best where it has room to display that characteristic. I planted a patch under a pine tree at the edge of the waterfall. The tree is now big enough it hides the plant. But that means I can cut stems from it without anyone being the wiser.

Last year I decided to start a new clump at the top of the stone steps that lead up to the garden from the driveway. 

'Miyazaki' has large, sturdy flowers that make a definite statement. This spot is sunnier and drier than the stream-side bed, so this plant is probably going to have more browning leaves as a result. But it is a great spot to be able to enjoy those arching stems and actually see the flowers as well.

Coming around the corner from 'Miyazaki' you can see the draping (or drooping?) stems of Tricyrtis macrantha.

T. macrantha has the largest, most dramatic flowers of any variety that I grow. They are speckled brown inside. 

This patch of Tricyrtis hirta are growing behind some specimen evergreens and under the neighbor's white pines. Thus all those pine needles you see. This is one of my favorites as it has narrow, delicate-looking stems but they stand straight up.

The flowers are typical but there are lots of them.

Tricyrtis hirta 'Tojen' is in the back garden. It tends to flop with its large, thick leaves and big flowers. But it does have flowers that are distinctive because they have virtually no speckles.

This is T. hirta 'Lightning Strike.' I like this one best when it is shorter and without flowers, since this is one that to my eye is all about the striped foliage and not the flowers.

Tricyrtis 'Golden Gleam' has golden leaves that turn more green as the season progresses. It is also in a spot where it now gets too much sun and has rather ratty looking leaves. But I love the sharp, spikey flowers on this variety. 

Toad lilies are one of my favorite flowers to put into a vase. Plus nothing is nicer than being able to pick flowers from the garden in October in Wisconsin.

The lighting in this location gives everything a bit of a weird glow.

Appropriate partners for the toad lilies.

To see how other gardeners put together a vase this morning, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden who hosts this most satisfying meme.

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

Of course you have toads to place beside the vase full of toad lilies. The toads look like they could start jumping across your table at any moment. Your collection of toad lilies is an inspiration. I have only 3 varieties. I think Tojen has died in my garden. It was my favorite for awhile. It was so soft and pretty.

[Linda Brazill]

I had not thought of it, but I think you are correct in describing Tojen as "soft." It has quite a different feel than the others.

[Susie]

The toad lilies are delightful. Fun to see them both in the natural setting and atop that gorgeous dining table.

[Peter/Outlaw]

Who knew that there were so many Tricyrtis varieties? I've just started with two this season and love the foliage. Love your idea to bring them inside where the blooms can be appreciated at close range. Your toad props are awesome!

[Eliza Waters]

Your collection of toad lilies is exceptional, Linda. You must have perfect conditions for them. I had some once but I think they got shaded out. That can easily happen in my garden! Love your props. :)

[Rebecca R.]

Love the toads with the toad lilies!

[Cathy]

I was really intrigued by all these toad lilies, Linda - I am not sure which variety it is that is available in the UK but it certainly won't be all of these. Lovely to see your toads next to your vase!! ps the link you left on my blog only took me to a Typepad log in page but I will go into Wordpress admin and change it in case other people have the same problem

[Loree / danger garden]

Love the toads and the toad lilies! And congrats on the late frost, anytime you can extend the growing season it's a good thing in my book.

[AlisonC]

That is very early for frost, I hope we'll get another month or so before it strikes here. It's so sad when everything is cut down. Your lilies are blooming beautifully and your little toads are great fun.

[Amelia Grant]

Warm in Wisconsin? Amazing. I grew Toad Lilies in Atlanta and they were a favorite, so I enjoyed yours and the toads. Garden looks lovely, I would love to see it.

[Jenny]

I love your toad lilies but I really, really love your dry stack wall. Maybe I should go with the evergreen look.

[hb]

Really interesting post; a plant I'm not at all familiar with--most of them need winter chill?

They are lovely, and you made a beautiful arrangement, even better on that table, what gorgeous wood!

[Linda Brazill]

When we started the garden in the 1990s, all the neighbors were curious and came over to see what we were doing. Then they started offering us materials like bricks, a Pagoda dogwood tree etc. The neighbor across the street owned a limestone quarry and let my husband take enough stone to build that wall. He just had to drive out to the quarry and only take pieces from a particular spot. No problem! The bricks in the circle in front of the wall are the ones from the neighbor down the street. Lots of lovely memories as they have all moved away.

[Linda Brazill]

Interesting point about the possibility of Tricyrtis needing a winter chill. I'm so used to paying attention to what plants can survive in zone 4/5 that I rarely think about things like Tulips that need winter to flourish. I am sorry I don't know for sure if that is the case with the toad lilies. You can't see all the knicks and dings in the table (patina!) in the photo. We bought it many years ago when we were in a dinner group and did not have anything that would seat 8 people when it was our turn to host!

[Kris P]

I admire toad lilies so much that, even being well outside their stated range, I tried planting them in my former, shady garden. As might be expected, they weren't happy and soon made their exit. I'm pleased to be able to enjoy yours, if only virtually. The toad figures perfect the vignette.