Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Give Tricyrtis hirta a space in a shady part of your garden and it will reward you with the most intricate and exotic looking late-summer flowers. The flowers are most intriguing to look at, not only for their purple speckled markings but also because of their formation. Interestingly, parts of the blooms are in threes, hence the name, Tricyrtis. There are three petals, three spurs at the base of each petal, three sepals and three forked styles and which appear from above to hover above the flower like an umbrella. If you feel the urge to gaze at these flowers for a while, you’re not alone!
Areas in the shelter of trees and shrubs are perfect for Tricyrtis hirta, commonly known as Japanese toad lily or Japanese orchid lily. They like shade and dappled shade, but the soil must be reliably damp and rich, so avoid planting directly under tress where the soil is compacted and very dry. Tricyrtis hirta syn. Tricyrtis japonica is a perennial plant—when it's happy in its position, it will establish gradually to form a larger clump which grows back and flowers every year from late summer into autumn.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Tricyrtis hirta
- Flower colour
- Purple, white
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Clump-forming
Upright - Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Acid, any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Free draining - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Loam-based compost
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Borders
Ground cover
Cottage gardens
Exotic gardens - Sunlight
-
Partial shade
Dappled shade
Full shade - Toxicity
- Toxic if eaten
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Great for shade
Perennial
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
-20%
Paeonia 'Lemon Chiffon'
Regular price
£52.00
Sale price
£65.00
-20%
Allium azureum
Regular price
£3.12
Sale price
£3.90
-20%
Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Regular price
£3.92
Sale price
£4.90
-20%
Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
Regular price
£4.96
Sale price
£6.20
-20%
Tulip 'Queen of Night'
Regular price
£5.52
Sale price
£6.90
-30%
Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
Regular price
£5.25
Sale price
£7.50
Tricyrtis hirta reviews
[rating] out of 5 stars Verified buyerProduct review textProduct reviewer![]()
![]()
![]()
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
Better by nature
From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
