Overview
Tricyrtis formosana is a perennial in the genus Tricyrtis, part of the Liliaceae family. Tricyrtis formosana grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and borders. It is native to Ryukyu Is. and Taiwan.
About
Tricyrtis formosana is a perennial in the lily family that flowers from August to October and brings late-summer to autumn colour to shaded spots. It prefers partial shade to full shade in a sheltered position and suits moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. In the UK it is classed H5 (hardy) and is commonly used in shade and woodland borders.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tricyrtis formosana
About the genus
Tricyrtis is a genus of Asian flowering plants in the lily family, with approximately 20 known species. The species are commonly known in English as toad lilies. The genus has a native range from the Himalayas to eastern Asia, including China, Japan, Philippines and Taiwan, and a few species are cultivated for their ornamental qualities in other parts of the world.
Wikipedia contributors, "Tricyrtis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tricyrtis
In the garden
A member of the Liliaceae, Tricyrtis formosana is native to the Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan and is valued for its autumn-flowering habit. Plants perform best out of direct sun on north- or east-facing sites where shelter from cold winds reduces winter stress. Give it moist, humus-rich soil that drains—conditions where the root run remains damp without waterlogging—and aim for neutral to slightly acidic pH. Siting matters: partial shade to full shade, in a sheltered spot, supports reliable flowering and prevents foliage scorch. The UK hardiness rating H5 indicates the species is hardy in most British gardens when planted into a protected planting hole or border. Use Tricyrtis formosana in shade gardens, woodland-style borders or the shadier reaches of mixed beds where it can provide colour later in the year. Flowers come into their own from August to October, extending interest into early autumn when many sun-loving perennials have finished.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tricyrtis
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Tricyrtis formosana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- shade garden, woodland garden, borders
- Native to
- Ryukyu Is., Taiwan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tricyrtis formosana
- Cultivation
- Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Protect from strong winds.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged stems after flowering to maintain appearance.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn, seed propagation possible but slow.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Tricyrtis formosana?
Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Protect from strong winds.
Where is the best place to plant Tricyrtis formosana?
Tricyrtis formosana prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Tricyrtis formosana need?
Tricyrtis formosana grows best in well-drained and humus-rich soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Tricyrtis formosana?
Remove dead or damaged stems after flowering to maintain appearance.
Is Tricyrtis formosana hardy in the UK?
Tricyrtis formosana has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Tricyrtis formosana?
Division in spring or autumn, seed propagation possible but slow.
