Tricyrtis hirta 'Alba' (Toad Lily) — Perennial

Overview

Tricyrtis hirta 'Alba' is a perennial in the genus Tricyrtis, part of the Liliaceae family. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Tricyrtis hirta 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Japan.

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

Tricyrtis hirta 'Alba' is a perennial member of the Liliaceae native to Japan and is grown for its late-season flowers, which appear from August to October. Plants reach about 0.8 m, forming a perennial clump through the growing season. Position the plant in a site that receives full sun and can supply consistently moist but well-drained sandy or loamy soil; avoid waterlogged ground. The H7 rating indicates the plant is fully hardy in the UK, so it tolerates typical winter conditions across the country without the need for winter protection in most gardens. Use Tricyrtis hirta 'Alba' where a late-flowering perennial is wanted at mid-border height or to extend the flowering sequence in mixed herbaceous beds. Its 0.8 m stature makes it suitable for planting behind lower perennials or towards the middle of a border. Expect blooms to emerge in late summer and continue into autumn, sitting above the foliage between August and October.