Overshadowed by more popular autumn blooming plants like mums and asters and passed over because of its name, the toadlily plant (Tricyrtis hirta) sometimes gets lost in the fall shuffle. However, this hardy perennial deserves a place in the fall garden.

Toadlily is an attractive plant from its earliest emergence of green leaves in spring until its bloom time in October. Its delicate, succulent looking blooms are a welcome bonus at the end of the gardening season.

And its relatively carefree nature is forgiving of all but the most lax of gardeners.

The toadlily belongs to the lily family and is one of a dozen species of Asian herbs found in the Himalayas, China and Japan. It grows to 3 feet tall and features gracefully arching stems from its base. Some forms have an erect appearance.

Lance-shaped leaves, soft to the touch by virtue of a fine coat of hairs, grow along the entire length of the stems. Most toadlily leaves are pale green to dark green in color, although the leaves of the variegated form have a narrow band of yellow on the outer edge.

As wonderful as the foliage is, the flowering habit is what makes this plant so unique. Typically, the blooms grow at each leaf axil, presenting a spray of flowers along the length of the stem. Toadlily flowers are star-shaped, open bell-shaped or funnel-shaped. Each flower, though small, is intricate with six stamens and three y-shaped styles.

Flower colors may be white, yellow, pink or purple. Many flowers have delicate splashes of contrasting color on the petals red on yellow blooms, white on purple colored flowers, or pink/purple on white blooms.

It is said that English gardeners burdened the plant with its name because of these spots of color on the flower, remotely akin to those on a toad.

A woodland plant, the toadlily thrives in moist, shady locations with a slightly acid soil and deep humus. Toadlily is hardy to zone 4, although some prefer a little warmer climate. Actually, it’s not the cold winter but the hot summer that stresses the plant.

Toad lilies come in various colors and have a distinct protruding bud with three tentacles. The plants thrive in a mild and damp environment.

I find that the hardest part of growing the plant in Kansas is keeping it well watered through the heat of July and August. If the rhizomatous roots dry out, the blooms will be sacrificed and the leaves at the base of the plant will wither.

Of course, a layer of mulch helps protect the plant from loss of moisture during summer. A heavier mulch layer is recommended for winter when the cold weather does not provide an adequate blanket of snow for protection.

Once established, the toadlily clump enlarges and blooms more heavily.

Generally, the toadlily does not like to be disturbed, so divide the expanding colony only when the plant has become overcrowded. Propagation of the plant can be done by taking divisions in early spring while the plant is still dormant or by sowing seeds in a container- either indoors or in a cold frame. Seed grown plants are best sheltered in a greenhouse during their first winter.

Toadlilies are unique because their blooms grow at each leaf axil, presenting a spray of flowers along the length of the stem.

Place the plant near a shady path so visitors can inspect the unusual bloom and delight in the artful presentation along the leaf axils. The plant is a wonderful addition to the woodland garden when accompanied by impatiens, pulmonaria, ajuga or small-sized hostas. Toadlily can be used as a specimen to be enjoyed at a distance if the interest in the plant’s graceful overall shape is preferred over the flowers.

Oh sure, I suppose, gardeners will always make room for the usual fall bloomers of mums and asters. I am casting my vote for toadlilies, too.

Carol Boncella is education coordinator at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and home and garden writer for the Journal-World.