Overview
Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera is a perennial in the genus Tricyrtis, part of the Liliaceae family. Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and borders. It is native to Taiwan.
About
Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera is a perennial in the lily family that produces late-summer flowers from August to October. It favours shaded, sheltered positions and performs best in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Originating from Taiwan, it is suited to north- and east-facing sites in gardens. Plant where soil remains consistently damp without waterlogging.
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 perennial member of the Liliaceae, Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera comes from Taiwan and flowers from August to October, providing blooms late in the season. Position it in partial shade to full shade on a north- or east-facing aspect where it will be protected from strong exposure; an open, sheltered spot beneath taller shrubs or under deciduous trees often suits its needs. Soil should be moist, well-drained and rich in humus with an acidic to neutral pH. Give priority to keeping the root zone cool and consistently damp rather than baked or dry; sheltered conditions help reduce stress from wind and drying. The plant carries the UK hardiness rating H5, meaning it is considered hardy for typical garden conditions in Britain. Use Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera in shade gardens, woodland schemes and mixed borders where late-summer flowering is desired. Its timing makes it useful for extending the season after many summer perennials have finished. Expect the spotted blooms to appear on slender stems between August and October, offering late-season blossom beneath the canopy.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tricyrtis
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- shade garden, woodland garden, borders
- Native to
- Taiwan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered, shady positions with moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid direct hot sun.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged stems after flowering.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera?
Prefers sheltered, shady positions with moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid direct hot sun.
Where is the best place to plant Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera?
Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera need?
Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, well-drained and humus-rich. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera?
Remove dead or damaged stems after flowering.
Is Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera hardy in the UK?
Tricyrtis formosana var. stolonifera 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 var. stolonifera?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
