Tricyrtis

The Asian toad lily. Shade loving plants with an almost orchid like quality to the flowers. With a few exceptions the flowers are intricately spotted and add an element of the exotic to the late autumn display when very few woodland flowers are showing. All seem to look their best in a cool, humus rich soil. Part to full shade and a generous mulching will help keep the foliage from drying out and spoiling the autumn display. We "Chelsea chop" (reduce the growth by a third in early summer) the taller forms to produce shorter, sturdier plants.

While toad-lilies have nectar-filled swellings at the base of their tepals, clearly designed to draw insects in, we have few observations of this actually happening apart from an occasional visit from a bee or a hoverfly. Just enjoy the remarkable flowers for what they are!