Toad Lily Companion Plants: Growing Beautiful Flowers Together

Oleh Anonymous September 12, 2023 Post a Comment

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Are you looking for a way to add some color and texture to your garden? Have you considered planting toad lilies and their companions? Toad lilies are beautiful, shade-loving flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. They are hardy, easy to grow, and come in a variety of colors and sizes. When combined with the right companion plants, they can create a stunning display in your garden. In this article, we'll explore the best toad lily companion plants and how to grow them together.

Toad Lilies

Toad lilies (Tricyrtis spp.) are native to Asia and belong to the lily family. They are sometimes called "frog flowers" because their spotted petals resemble a toad's skin. Toad lilies prefer partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are deer-resistant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Some popular varieties include:

Tricyrtis hirta: This is the most commonly grown species. It has purple or white flowers with dark purple spots.
Tricyrtis formosana: This species has larger flowers than T. hirta and blooms earlier in the season.
Tricyrtis macropoda: This species has yellow flowers with maroon spots and grows taller than T. hirta.

Companion Plants for Toad Lilies

Toad lilies look great when planted with other shade-loving perennials that have contrasting foliage or flower colors. Here are some of the best companion plants for toad lilies:

1. Hostas

Hostas (Hosta spp.) are a classic shade plant that come in a range of colors and sizes. They have large, textured leaves that provide a nice contrast to the delicate flowers of toad lilies. Some good hosta varieties to pair with toad lilies include 'Blue Angel', 'Sum and Substance', and 'August Moon'.

2. Heucheras

Heucheras (Heuchera spp.), also known as coral bells, are another great choice for toad lily companions. They have colorful foliage in shades of green, purple, and silver, and produce small spikes of flowers in the summer. Some good heuchera varieties to grow with toad lilies include 'Purple Palace', 'Plum Pudding', and 'Lime Rickey'.

3. Astilbes

Astilbes (Astilbe spp.) are fern-like perennials that bloom in mid-summer with fluffy plumes of pink, white, or red flowers. They prefer moist soil and partial shade, which makes them an ideal companion for toad lilies. Some good astilbe varieties to pair with toad lilies include 'Deutschland', 'Fanal', and 'Bridal Veil'.

4. Ferns

Ferns (Polystichum spp., Dryopteris spp.) are a classic shade plant that add texture and movement to a garden. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the delicate fronds of maidenhair ferns to the bold, upright fronds of ostrich ferns. Ferns make great companions for toad lilies because they have similar growing requirements and look great together. Some good fern varieties to pair with toad lilies include Japanese painted ferns, maidenhair ferns, and ostrich ferns.

5. Hellebores

Hellebores (Helleborus spp.) are a winter-blooming perennial that have evergreen foliage and produce beautiful flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and green. They prefer partial to full shade and moist soil, which makes them an ideal companion for toad lilies. Some good hellebore varieties to grow with toad lilies include 'Winter's Song', 'Pink Frost', and 'Ivory Prince'.

How to Plant Toad Lilies and Their Companions

When planting toad lilies and their companions, it's important to choose a site that gets partial to full shade and has well-drained soil. Toad lilies prefer moist soil, so be sure to water them regularly during dry periods. Here are some tips for planting toad lilies and their companions:

Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Plant the toad lilies first, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
Add the companion plants around the toad lilies, spacing them according to their mature size.
Water the plants thoroughly after planting, and mulch around them to help retain moisture.
Fertilize the plants in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

Caring for Toad Lilies and Their Companions

Toad lilies and their companions are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do require some care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for these plants:

Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize the plants in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Cut back the foliage of the toad lilies after they go dormant in the fall.
Divide the plants every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding.

Toad lilies and their companions are a beautiful addition to any garden. By planting them together, you can create a stunning display of color and texture that will last from late summer through early fall. Remember to choose shade-loving plants with similar growing requirements and to water and fertilize them regularly. With a little care, your toad lily companions will thrive and provide years of enjoyment.

FAQs

1. Can toad lilies grow in full sun?

No, toad lilies prefer partial to full shade and will not tolerate full sun.

2. Do toad lilies attract bees?

Toad lilies do not attract bees, but they do attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

3. How often should I water my toad lilies?

Toad lilies prefer moist soil, so water them regularly during dry periods.

4. When should I fertilize my toad lilies?

Fertilize your toad lilies in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

5. How do I divide my toad lilies?

To divide your toad lilies, dig up the clumps in the fall after they have gone dormant. Separate the clumps into smaller sections and replant them in well-drained soil.

Great! First, let's with some background information about toad lilies. Toad lilies are a type of perennial plant that are native to Japan, China, and the Himalayas. They are known for their unique, orchid-like flowers that bloom in the fall when most other plants have stopped blooming.

Now, let's talk about some companion plants that can be grown alongside toad lilies. One great option is hostas. Hostas have similar growing requirements as toad lilies, and their large leaves make a nice contrast to the smaller toad lily blooms.

Another great companion plant for toad lilies is astilbe. Astilbe is a shade-loving perennial that produces plumes of fluffy, pink or white flowers in the summer. The delicate-looking blooms of astilbe provide a nice counterpoint to the showy flowers of toad lilies.

If you're looking for something more colorful, you might consider planting toad lilies alongside autumn ferns. Autumn ferns have beautiful coppery-red fronds that turn green as they mature. Their vibrant color provides a nice contrast to the muted colors of toad lilies.

Finally, if you're looking for something a little more unusual, you might consider planting toad lilies alongside corydalis. Corydalis are small, delicate-looking plants that produce clusters of tubular flowers in a range of colors, including pink, blue, and yellow. They thrive in shady areas, making them an ideal companion for toad lilies.

So those are just a few ideas for companion plants to grow alongside toad lilies. With their unique blooms and interesting foliage, toad lilies are sure to make a great addition to any garden! Hello there! How can I assist you today?