Samurai Toad Lily
Tricyrtis formosana 'Samurai'
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Plant Profile & Growing Essentials
Cold hardy, Deer-resistant, Flowering, Attracts pollinators, and Container Friendly
Specifications
Specifications
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Botanical Name
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Height
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Width
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Growing Zones
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Growth RateModerate
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Flower Color
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Leaf Color
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Pollinator FriendlyYes
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Bloom PeriodLate Summer, Early Fall, Late Fall
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Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT
Planting & Care Instructions
Planting & Care Instructions
Samurai Toad Lily: Speckled Shade-Loving Fall Bloomer
Looking for a late-season bloomer that thrives in the dappled shade? Meet the dazzling Samurai Toad Lily (Tricyrtis formosana 'Samurai'), a shade garden gem from Japan known for its orchid-like speckled flowers and striking variegated foliage. Blooming from late summer through fall, this perennial brings unusual elegance just when most flowers have called it quits!
The small but intricately patterned orchid-shaped flowers, often lavender to violet with deep purple spots, appear in clusters at the leaf axils and stem tips. In autumn, it may develop interesting seed capsules, but it's the late bloom that steals the show!
Compact in size and deer-resistant, Samurai also offers golden-edged leaves that provide a bright accent even before the flowers open. This low-growing beauty stays around 12–18 inches tall and slowly spreads into tidy 6-8-inch clumps. The upright, arching stems are clothed in long, pointed leaves with yellow margins that brighten up shady borders.
Key Features
- Variegated foliage with golden margins
- Orchid-like flowers in lavender/violet with purple spots
- Flowers late summer until fall
- Grows just 12–18 inches tall and 6-8 inches wide
- Deer-resistant and shade-tolerant
- Native to Japan and adapted to Zones 6–8
- Long blooming and easy to grow in woodland gardens
Landscaping Uses
The Samurai Toad Lily is a compact, clump-forming perennial ideal for shaded garden spots where you want a pop of unusual color and texture!
As a member of the Liliaceae family, it shares some characteristics with Lilies, though it's distinctly its own. In Japan, it's long been cherished for its unique beauty and ability to bloom in the shadowy corners of the garden. A beloved symbol of hidden strength and rare beauty, the Toad Lily proves Ma Nature's subtle magic is always worth the wait!
- Border edges in shade gardens
- Pretty underplanting for shrubs and trees
- Pollinator, Shade, Cut Flower, Woodland, and Asian-style gardens
- Container thrillers in part-shade patios, porches, and mixed planters
- Fantastic in mixed perennial beds with other shade garden plants
Care and Maintenance
This herbaceous perennial dies back in the fall but comes back stronger each year. It's low maintenance, loves moist shade, and tolerates humidity well. Native to moist woodland areas of East Asia, the Samurai Toad Lily is well-adapted to USDA Zones 6–8, preferring cool, shady environments.
- Planting Time: Spring or early fall
- Sun Needs: Partial to full shade (avoid hot afternoon sun)
- Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil; tolerates clay if amended
- Moisture Needs: Consistently moist; mulch helps retain soil moisture
- Mulch: Apply a 3–4 inch layer of bark mulch or arborist chips; compost beneficial
- Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in early spring with balanced fertilizer or compost
- Pruning Info: No major pruning needed; deadhead for tidiness if desired
- Division Info: Divide every 3–4 years in spring to refresh vigor or spread
- Special Needs/Perks:
- Deer resistant
- Shade tolerant
- Pest and disease-resistant
A Hidden Gem for Shade Lovers
The Samurai Toad Lily is a fall-blooming surprise that turns shade into a showplace. Between the golden-edged foliage and intricate late blooms, it's an under-the-radar perennial that deserves the spotlight in your garden. Perfect for shady retreats and woodland pathways.
Buy now and Nature Hills will ship at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toad Lily invasive?
No, Samurai Toad Lily is a slow spreader and stays in well-behaved clumps. It's not considered invasive.
Does Toad Lily need a lot of water?
It prefers consistently moist soil, especially in dry climates. Mulch helps retain moisture.
Will Toad Lilies grow in full shade?
Yes, they thrive in partial to full shade, though they flower best with dappled light.
Are Toad Lilies deer resistant?
Yes, most deer tend to leave Toad Lilies alone, making them great for woodland gardens.
Can Samurai Toad Lily be grown in containers?
Absolutely! It's compact enough for shaded pots and adds a tropical look to patios.
Do Toad Lilies attract pollinators?
Yes, bees and even the occasional hummingbird will visit the late-season blooms!
