Hardy Exotic · H5 · to −15°C

Toad Lily

Tricyrtis 'Gilt Edge'

Regular price £8.99
/
Regular price £8.99
/
In stock · available for next working day dispatch
Tricyrtis 'Gilt Edge' Plants - Outdoor GROW TROPICALS
Tricyrtis 'Gilt Edge' 9cm / 0.5L Plants - Outdoor GROW TROPICALS
Hardy Exotic · H5 · to −15°C

Toad Lily

Tricyrtis 'Gilt Edge'

Regular price £8.99
/
Regular price £8.99
/
In stock · available for next working day dispatch
Tricyrtis 'Gilt Edge'

Tricyrtis 'Gilt Edge'

9cm / 0.5L

£8.99

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
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Seasonal by nature: what to expect

  • Grown outdoors, the way nature intended. Weather-tested and hardened in real UK conditions, so they thrive in your garden. A few marks on the older leaves are normal, the sign of a tough, real plant rather than a flaw.
  • It follows the seasons. Depending on when you order, your plant may arrive cut back, dormant or leafless. That's healthy: dormancy is the ideal time to plant.
  • Posted, not posed. Big leafy plants like bananas and gingers may be trimmed or gently folded to travel safely. It does the plant no harm, and it powers away again in spring.

Not sure what to expect from yours? Dormant, cut-back or weather-marked plants are all perfectly healthy and normal. Read what to expect through the seasons

Carbon-neutral shipping on all orders
HardinessHardy Exotic (H5)
PositionPartial shade, Full shade
SoilClay, Loam, Sand
FloweringAug-Oct

The Tricyrtis 'Gilt Edge', one of the most sought-after toad lilies, is a choice woodland perennial that saves its best show for the end of the season. Arching stems are lined with broad leaves boldly margined in creamy gold, and from late summer into autumn they carry sprays of exotic, orchid-like star flowers in white and soft purple, freckled all over with deep purple spots. It is a jewel for a shady exotic border and a real talking point when much of the garden is winding down.

Fully hardy in the UK (rated RHS H5, hardy to around -15C once established), 'Gilt Edge' is a deciduous perennial that dies back for winter and reshoots reliably each spring. It thrives in the cool, moist, humus-rich shade of a woodland setting, so it pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas and other shade lovers in our hardy exotics range. For a guide to how seasonal plants like this behave through the year, see our what to expect notes.

How and where to grow

  • Position: partial to full shade, ideally cool and sheltered such as a north or east-facing border. Perfect for a spot in deep or dappled shade.
  • Soil: moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid to neutral soil. Add leaf mould or compost and keep it cool and damp, never baked dry.
  • Size: a compact, clump-forming habit reaching around 45cm tall and wide, spreading slowly over time.
  • Hardiness: fully hardy across most of the UK. This woodland plant enjoys reliably moist but not stagnant ground.

Water regularly so the soil stays consistently moist through the first couple of summers, especially ahead of flowering, and mulch each spring to lock in that cool woodland moisture. Compact and well behaved, it is equally happy naturalising in a border or grown in pots and containers on a shaded patio, where the late flowers are a welcome magnet for bees and other late-season pollinators.

Every Tricyrtis 'Gilt Edge' we supply is nursery-grown and carefully selected for a healthy crown and strong roots, packed with care to arrive in top condition.

Hardiness & Frost

Fully hardy across most of the UK, rated RHS H5 and hardy to around -15C once established. This is a woodland shade perennial that loves cool, moist, humus-rich soil, so it should never be allowed to bake dry in summer. It dies back over winter and reshoots reliably in spring. The one thing to avoid is a cold, stagnant, waterlogged winter position, so pick a spot with steady moisture but no standing water sitting around the crown.

Sun & Aspect

Partial to full shade. A cool, bright or dappled shade position, such as a north or east-facing woodland border, is ideal. Avoid hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the gold-edged leaves and dry the soil out too quickly.

Soil

Moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid to neutral soil. Dig in plenty of leaf mould or garden compost before planting and mulch each spring to lock in moisture. Clay, loam or sand all work well as long as generous organic matter is added and the ground stays cool and damp.

Watering & Establishment

Keep the soil consistently moist through the first two growing seasons and never let it dry out, especially in the run up to flowering in late summer. Water deeply during dry spells rather than little and often, and keep the mulch topped up to hold moisture and keep the roots cool. Once established it forms a slowly spreading clump that largely looks after itself in a cool, shaded spot.

  • Yes. Tricyrtis 'Gilt Edge' is fully hardy across most of the UK, rated RHS H5 and hardy to around -15C once established. It is deciduous, so it dies back over winter and reshoots each spring. Browse more fully hardy plants in our hardy exotics collection.

  • Plant it in partial to full shade in cool, moist, humus-rich soil, such as a north or east-facing woodland border. It is a lovely choice for a shady exotic border and works well alongside ferns and hostas in deep or dappled shade.

  • It flowers from late summer into autumn, roughly August to October, carrying exotic, orchid-like white and purple star flowers heavily freckled with deep purple spots. This late display makes it especially valuable when many other perennials are fading.

  • Yes. Its compact, clump-forming habit suits a container on a cool, shaded patio. Use a humus-rich, moisture-retentive compost, keep it well watered and never let it dry out. See more ideas in our plants for pots and containers collection.

  • Yes. Tricyrtis 'Gilt Edge' is a hardy herbaceous perennial. It dies back to the ground over winter and reshoots reliably in spring, forming a slowly spreading clump. For more on how seasonal plants behave through the year, see our what to expect guide.

  • Its late-season flowers are a welcome source of nectar for bees and other pollinators at a time when little else is in bloom. Discover more wildlife-friendly planting in our plants for pollinators collection.

  • Your plant will arrive in its nursery grow pot — the plastic pot it's been growing in. We don't include a decorative pot as standard, and there's a good reason for that: it means you get to choose one that fits your space and style, rather than being stuck with something that doesn't suit your home.

    It also means you're not paying extra for a pot you might not want. The nursery pot is perfectly fine to keep your plant in for a while, just pop it inside a decorative cover pot or cache pot and you're good to go. When you're ready to repot (usually after a growing season or when roots start poking out the bottom), you can move it into something more permanent with fresh soil.

    If you're not sure what size cover pot to go for, check the pot selector tool listed above, you'll want a decorative pot that's a centimetre or two wider than that to give it a comfortable fit.
  • Every plant on our site includes the pot size (e.g. 12cm) and, where possible, an approximate height. That's the most reliable way to set your expectations, photos can sometimes make a plant look larger or smaller than it really is.

    If you're thinking "that sounds quite small for the price," here's something worth knowing: younger, smaller plants almost always adapt better to your home than larger ones. They adjust faster to your light and humidity, put out new growth more quickly, and tend to establish stronger root systems long-term. A plant that grows into your space will usually outperform one that was already big when it arrived.

    That said, every plant is an individual. The one you receive may vary slightly in height, shape, or fullness compared to the photo, that's the nature of living things, not a quality issue. We select healthy, well-established specimens, and if you ever feel your plant doesn't match what you were expecting, just get in touch and we'll take a look.
  • There's a big difference between a plant that's been sitting under on a retail shelf and one that's been looked after and cared for by people who specialise in exactly this.

    Our plants are grown in house or sourced from specialist nurseries, many of them varieties you simply won't find at your local garden centre or supermarket. Before anything leaves us, it's checked over by our horticultural team to make sure it's healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your home. We're not shifting volume off a pallet, we're choosing plants we'd want to keep ourselves.

    When you buy from a supermarket, you get a plant and a generic care label. When you buy from us, you get the knowledge that comes with it, detailed care guidance, a team you can actually contact if something isn't going right, and the confidence that what's arriving has been looked after properly from the moment it was grown to the moment it reaches your door.

    We're a specialist nursery first, not a retailer that happens to sell plants. That's the difference, and you'll see it the moment you open the box.
  • First things first, unbox it as soon as you can. Plants don't love being in dark boxes any more than you would, and the sooner yours is out and breathing, the better.

    Remove all the packaging carefully, give the soil a check with your finger, and water lightly if it feels dry. Then find it a spot with appropriate light, but avoid putting it straight into harsh direct sun or next to a radiator. Think of it like arriving somewhere new after a long journey: it needs a moment to adjust.

    It's completely normal for your plant to look a little tired or droopy after transit. This is called transit stress, and most plants bounce back within a week or two. You might see a yellow leaf or some drooping, don't panic, and resist the urge to overwater or start repotting straight away.

    Our advice for the first couple of weeks: leave it in its nursery pot, water it only when the top layer of soil feels dry, and let it acclimatise to your home's light, temperature, and humidity. Once it's settled in and showing signs of new growth, you can think about repotting or moving it to its permanent spot.

    Every plant we sell comes with a care guide on the product page so you'll know exactly what it needs going forward. And if anything doesn't look right, get in touch with our team, we're always happy to help.
  • Yes! and we go to serious lengths to make sure of it. Every plant is hand-packed by our team with protective wrapping and secure, custom-designed boxes to keep it stable and safe in transit. We've shipped hundreds of thousands of plants across the UK and our packaging methods have been refined over years to handle the bumps and jolts of delivery.

    During colder months, we monitor weather forecasts and offer heat packs where needed to protect against frost. In extreme conditions, we may hold your order for a day or two rather than risk sending it out, we'd rather you wait an extra day than receive a stressed plant.

    That said, plants are living things, and the occasional transit wobble can happen. If your plant arrives damaged or isn't in the condition you'd expect, just get in touch within 48 hours with a photo, and we'll make it right, whether that's a replacement or a full refund. No fuss.

    The short version: we treat every box like it's going to someone who really cares about what's inside, because it is.

All plants are covered by our 7-day live arrival guarantee. We pack every order in protective, sustainable packaging designed to keep your plants safe in transit. Whether grown in our own nursery or sourced from trusted partner growers, every plant is checked before it ships. On the rare occasion something isn't right on arrival, we'll make it good, provided the plant is still in its original nursery pot.

Find out more →

Plant Details

Hardiness, position, soil and size, at a glance.

Hardiness

Hardy Exotic

RHS H5 · hardy down to around −15°C

Hardy through a cold UK winter.

Size

0.45 m 0.45 m
Reaches full size in 2-5 years.

Position

SunPartial shadeFull shade
AspectNorth-facingEast-facing
ExposureSheltered

Growing conditions

SoilClayLoamSand
MoistureMoist but well-drained
pHAcidNeutral

Pruning

Herbaceous perennial

When to prune · Autumn, or better still, early spring

Deciduous toad lily. Cut the spent stems right down to the ground in late autumn or early spring as new growth appears.

Pruning groups explained →

Colour & scent

Botanical details

Family
Liliaceae
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
Native range
Taiwan
Potentially harmful
No reported toxicity to people or pets; toad lilies are generally considered non-toxic. As with any garden plant, discourage children and pets from eating it.

Flowering

In flower Aug-Oct

What Our Customers Say

“Arrived just like the photos - maybe even fuller. Healthy, well-acclimated, and straight into my collection with no issues.”

Emily P.

“Flawless leaves, stunning variegation, and clearly cared for by experts. It’s already a talking point in my home office.”

James R.

“Hard to find rare plants that are pet-safe. Ours arrived in perfect condition and looks amazing without any worry.”

Sophie L.

Packaged with Care

Packaged with Care

Every order is hand-packed in eco-friendly, protective packaging - refined through thousands of deliveries to ensure your plant arrives healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.

Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

Perfect for Gifting

Perfect for Gifting

From rare collector’s pieces to easy-care favourites, our plants arrive fully potted and ready to enjoy. Add a personalised note at checkout for a thoughtful finishing touch.

Delivered fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready.

Sustainability at Heart

Sustainability at Heart

All plants are ethically sourced from trusted growers, never wild-collected. Every order ships carbon-neutral in minimal-waste packaging.

Good for your home - and the planet.

See What's In the Box!

See behind the box with these awesome unboxing videos from some of our favourite Youtubers.

Unboxing video
Unboxing video
Unboxing video
Unboxing video