Tricyrtis maculata Hot on Sale

Tricyrtis maculata
This Chinese species is virtually unknown in the commercial trade, but has drawn more than its share of attention in our display garden. Although I say unknown, the name is plenty known…only the plant sold as this at nurseries is a purple-flowered Tricyrtis formosana x hirta hybrid. The real Tricyrtis maculata produces 4′ tall sturdy stems that emerge jet black, adorned with huge 8″ long x 4″ wide leaves that emerge green, but are well sprinkled with large black spots (i.e. maculate). As the leaf spots fade in the heat of summer, the upper half of the stalk produces several floral clusters of upright-facing, cream to light green, heavily-spotted flowers in July and August (NC). How did this name get so corrupted in the trade…doesn’t anybody actually research to verify their plants are named correctly?