Tricyrtis Seiryu
(aka: Tricyrtis formosana ‘Seiryu’) Tricyrtis ‘Seiryu’ is the correct name for the plant sold as Tricyrtis ‘Hototogisu’…which is nothing more than the Japanese common name for tricyrtis. Tricyrtis ‘Seiryu’ is almost certainly a hybrid of two Taiwanense toad lilies, Tricyrtis formosana and Tricyrtis lasiocarpa. The 2′ tall stalks of Tricyrtis ‘Seiryu’ are topped with openly branched, terminal flower clusters from late August until October (NC). Each orchid-like flower is white with tiny burgundy spots at the base, morphing to lavender blue on the flower tips and highlighted by a lavender propeller-like central structure that holds the sex parts. This easy-to-grow toad lily hybrid is slowly rhizomatous and in good woodland soil will make a wonderful patch to 3′ wide in 2 years.
