Re: [SG] Need help/ now Tricyrtis or ToadLilies

Hello Kemberly
        Most of the gardening literature and many of the nursery catalogs are
behind on information as to hardiness rating on this genus. Everyone seems
to keep repeating information from a previous source rather than have some
experience to relay to the gardener.
        Almost all of the Tricyrtis out there on the market is hardy into Zone 5.
What you have to keep an eye on is the period of bloom. Northern gardeners
need to be aware since many of these beauties are late bloomers and frost
sensitive. Too late a period and the blooms get killed off. You can find
species and hybrids with bloom periods from June through October.
        Some of my favorites are:
T. Golden Gleam for the foliage. T. h. Miazaka for the wonderful graceful
arching stems and heavy bloom, T. dilantum for the pink blooms, T.
variegata for the foliage and bloom with stiffly upright relative short
stems. Favorite of all is T. nana. little cutie with only 4 inches in
height and foliage about 4 to 6 inches long. Leaves are a shiny
yellow-green with brown and green spots. Blooms are a clear yellow and as
they age get brown spots. Good grower and forms clumps with heavy blooms.
        Still collecting Tricyrtis for the garden and there are many more that I
have not had long enough to really comment on. Need at least 3 years
experience for performance evaluations.
        Wonder with native Gentians, painted Fern (as noted above) and the Autumn
Fern.
        Gene Bush     Southern Indiana    Zone 6a     Munchkin Nursery
          around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com     http://www.munchkinnursery.com
> From: Kemberly McLain <Mclainakag@AOL.COM>

> Subject: Re: [SG] Need help
> Date: Monday, May 31, 1999 7:38 PM
>
> Jennifer-
>
> One of my favorite shade plants is the Tricyrtis - Toad Lily.  Tricyrtis
> formosana 'Amethystina' is my absolute favorite and begins blooming late
> spring into July.  It has an almost tri-color orchid like
bloom....amethyst
> blue w/white throat, touched by yellow and speckled red.  Also known as
the
> summer toad lily.  My plants grow to about 30-36" tall and have a bid of
> speckling on the leaves.  Note:  looks great with the japanese painted
fern
> planted next to it.
>
> Another is the Trcyrtis formasana for the fall---if you can find it they
have
> alba, most commonly seen is the purple.  The flowers are not as showy as
the
> 'Amethystina' but it is a nice addition to the fall garden.  This one
does
> not get as near as tall either (at least in my hot climate)
>
> Everything I've read about these guys say they are hardy for zones 6-9.
Good
> luck and I hope your gardens turns out beautiful.
>
> Kemberly McLain
> Katy, Texas  Zone 9
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