Tricyrtis formosana 'Samurai' (Toad Lily) Unity Grown

Originally native to Taiwan, 'Samurai' is a compact cultivar of Trycyrtis formosana, also called toad lily, a highly ornamental perennial wildflower typically found in medium to wet fertile soils in part-shade areas. Although introduced to North America in the mid 1990s, Trycyrtis formosana does not show many invasive qualities, and only spreads by way of way rhizome rather slowly, and 'Samurai' adds a lot of ecological and aesthetic appeal to the garden while keeping weeds at bay.

The 'Samurai' cultivar is noted for its cream to golden-yellow variegated leaf margins as well as its more compact habit, growing to only 12-18" tall and wide as opposed to the straight species height of up to two or three feet. Small, lily-like flowers are produced in branched clusters at plant tips from late summer to early fall, and have to be seen to be believed: rich shades of cream white and golden orange-yellow on the interior contrast beautifully with pink and purple exterior petals covered in fine speckles. These showy flowers are not just for looks, and are also highly attractive to a number of pollinators, including native bees and hummingbirds, though young shoots and leaves are attractive to small mammals, like rabbits, who may damage less established plants. Although Trycyrtis formosana is not rabbit tolerant, it is deer resistant and capable of growing in deep shade, making it an excellent addition to woodland gardens and low-lying wet areas with dappled sunlight.