Toad lily time

Time for a floral break from the pond.

This year's Tricyrtis (toad lilies) are blooming almost two weeks earlier than last year, according to the dates on last year's photos. Our current warm temperatures mean I am definitely not going to have to worry that frost will get them before they flower.

Tricyrtis 'Empress'

Tricyrtis formosana 'Autumn Glow'

Tricyrtis formosana. I've been growing this plant more than 20 years. A great beauty and a great performer.

My older clumps of Tricyrtis 'formosana' in the shade are almost 3 feett tall. This one, in more sun, is just under 5 feet high.

Tricyrtis hirta 'Lightning Strike' is worth growing for the foliage alone.

Tricyrtis hirta 'Miyazaki' is a low, arching variety whose flowers are more substantial and almost a bit felty looking. The flowers are very similar to 'Lightning Strike.'

Tricyrtis macrantha may be the drama queen of all my Toad Lilies

The stems are loaded with buds along their entire length.

I am out in the garden multiple times a day watching this plant open its first flowers.

The big thrill this year is that the rabbits have not touched this plant. Thus I am able to enjoy its beautiful cascading form without caging.

Comments

[Kris P]

Beautiful plants with incredible flowers and of course impossible to grow in my climate. *SIGH*

[Linda Brazill]

KRIS P. — And all I do is drool over your Agaves and Mangaves and . . .

[Beth@PlantPostings]

Beautiful, beautiful! I tried to grow some years ago, but the rabbits ate them and I gave up. Hmmmm...maybe I should try again with some caging. LOL.