Tricyrtis 'Autumn Glow'

Tricyrtis 'Autumn Glow': Wide Gold Rims and Late Orchid-Like Blooms

'Autumn Glow' saves its big reveal for late summer, when speckled, orchid-like flowers pop out of the shade like a surprise guest. Gold-edged leaves keep things bright until then. THE SHADE GARDEN'S PLOT TWIST.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Tricyrtis formosana 'Autumn Glow'
• Common Name: Formosa Toad Lily
• Height: 60–66 cm (24–26 in)
• Spread: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
• Flowers: Orchid-like, reddish purple to blue-violet, with dark speckles
• Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall (August to September)
• Foliage: Glossy green leaves with very wide yellow margins, on upright to arching stems
• Features: Late-season flowers, colourful foliage, good for cutting

Where to Plant: The flowers are small and full of detail, so plant it where you'll walk by: along a shady path, near a bench, or at the front of a woodland bed. It also does well in a large container in the shade, and in the ground it slowly spreads into a small patch.

Companion Plants: Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' grows to 90 to 100 cm with pink plumes in July and August, just before the toad lilies open. Ligularia 'Othello' adds big leaves and orange daisies at 90 to 120 cm from July to September. Galium odoratum carpets the ground at 10 to 25 cm with white flowers in May and June. All three like full shade to partial sun and moist soil.

Plant Care: Plant in part shade to full shade, in rich, humus-heavy soil that stays evenly moist. Toad lilies sulk when they dry out, and the leaf edges can scorch in hot afternoon sun. A layer of shredded leaves or compost helps hold moisture. In zone 5 gardens, a sheltered spot and a winter mulch give extra insurance. Cut the stems back after frost or in early spring. Divide in spring if the patch outgrows its space. Watch for slugs in damp springs.

History: Tricyrtis formosana is native to Taiwan, once known as Formosa, which gives the species its name. 'Autumn Glow' is a Japanese selection whose yellow leaf margins are among the widest of any variegated toad lily.

Final Thoughts: Deer resistant, cut-flower worthy and happy in shade. Plant it near a path so people can get close. MAKE THEM LEAN IN.