When the rest of the garden is starting to go dormant, jewel-like toad lilies are just starting to shine. Learn how to grow these exotic, yet deceptively easy to care for, fall-blooming perennials with biologist and garden enthusiast Lindsay Miller. The origins of the common name “toad lily” is under much speculation. It is likely a reference to this plant’s spotty petals, which resemble the patterns found on toads. Or perhaps it pertains to the three warty nectaries at the base of the flower (nectaries are special tissues that produce nectar). Toad lilies also appreciate plenty of moisture, much like toads and frogs, so maybe that’s it. In any case, the beauty of this plant far surpasses its rather unglamorous name. Toad lilies are little hidden jewels in the garden. Unassuming clumps of gently arching stems bearing simple green foliage fill the garden from spring through fall. Come autumn, as all the other woodland perennials seem to be closing up shop for the season, ornately speckled, orchid-like flowers burst open. Don’t be fooled by the delicate, exotic blooms of this plant. They’re hardy to USDA zones 4 or 5, depending on the variety, and require little coddling or maintenance. These flowers are relatively new to the North American gardening scene, having only been introduced in the 1990s. Their hardiness, exceptionally beautiful flowers, and ability to grow happily in mostly shade should elevate this plant’s status to “must have.” Read on and learn how to grow and care for this remarkable little plant. Overview What Is It? Toad lilies are a group of herbaceous perennials with exotic, jewel-like flowers that open late in the season. There are 16-20 species of Tricyrtis spp., however, just two are readily available for home gardeners. Even before the flowers appear in the fall, the foliage of this perennial provides lovely cover in the shade garden. Stems are upright or elegantly arching. Narrow leaves that resemble those of a small hosta or Solomon’s seal emerge on alternating sides of the stem. Leaves are usually solid medium green. However, some varieties like ‘Variegata’ or ‘Samurai’ have yellow or cream-colored striping. The star-shaped flowers resemble orchids, with six tepals (the botanical term for when a flower has similar inner petals and outer sepals) that unfurl in late summer or early fall. Most often, the tepals are white with purple or dark burgundy splotches, although there is some variation in the coloring depending on the species or cultivar. Toad lilies continue to flower vigorously until the first hard frost, a time when not much else is in bloom. As a fall-blooming perennial, toad lilies are a valuable source of food for pollinators. Bees and hummingbirds easily access the nectar found deep inside the tubular toad lily flowers. Native Area These exotic flowers are native to Asia, from the Philippines north to China, Taiwan, and Japan, and east towards the Himalayas. They primarily grow along shady streambanks, ravines, and woodland edges, where the tree canopy gives way to thickets and open grass areas. Planting Toad lilies thrive in shady beds and borders, where they receive a bit of protection from direct, all-day sun. The fine details and intricate patterns of the flowers are incredibly unique and best observed up close, so place toad lilies along walkways or towards the front of a border, where they can be easily admired. Toad lilies pair beautifully with other shade-loving perennials like ferns, lungwort, coralbells, astilbe, and Siberian bugloss. Most of these plants bloom in the spring through early summer, leaving a gap later in the season that this fall-flowering species fills beautifully. A backdrop of shade-tolerant evergreens, like rhododendrons or a yew, provides a lovely contrast to the pale blooms of the toad lily. You can grow it in containers, provided the pot has plenty of drainage. Note that toad lilies spread slowly via creeping rhizomes and will need regular repotting if it outgrows its container.

‘Jeana’ is the total package when it comes to perennials. This native cultivar has highly ornamental blooms that support pollinators and flowers for months. Superior disease resistance makes it a standout among more finicky varieties in the species. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores a new one to love among old garden favorites, ‘Jeana’ garden phlox. Garden phlox brightens the border with a profusion of domed clusters with starry blooms. In cultivation since the 1600s, the historic perennials are a beloved staple and form a showy backdrop among other summertime blooms and grasses. Most species are North American natives, particularly to the eastern United States, including Phlox paniculata. Phlox, from the Greek for “flame,” boasts an eye-catching floral display. ‘Jeana’ tall garden phlox is an award-winning cultivar that boasts months of blooming and superior cold hardiness. Trusses of lightly fragrant lavender-pink blooms are a magnet for butterflies and moths (their obligate pollinators), as well as hummingbirds. ‘Jeana’ brims with ecological and ornamental value; it’s just the multifaceted, hardworking, lovely perennial we need in our collections. What is ‘Jeana’ Garden Phlox? Phlox paniculata is the most popular of all the Phlox species. Tall garden phlox, or flowering phlox, has bundles of showy flowers atop upright stems. From pale pink to crimson, color-rich selections abound. Whether old-fashioned pass-along plants or newer cultivars, P. paniculata earns its spot in the border. The exceptionally sturdy and floriferous ‘Jeana’ selection is the 2024 Perennial Plant of the Year. The Perennial Plant Association awards those that grow across various climates, need little additional maintenance, and have good pest and disease resistance and landscape value. Taking top place in Mt. Cuba Center’s three-year phlox trials, ‘Jeana’ shows exceptional powdery mildew resistance, a long flowering time with a spectacular display, and a big pollinator draw. Of all the varieties in the trial, ‘Jeana’ attracted the most butterflies, and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, in particular. They also attract hummingbirds with their tubular, nectar-rich blooms. ‘Jeana’ has a tall, sturdy habit that supports the big show of deep lavender-pink florets. Domed clusters top stiff stems that reach five feet tall. While each floret is smaller than other varieties, the number per bunch and extended flowering more than make up for their size. In addition to its ornament, ‘Jeana’ offers ecological value. The nectar-rich blossoms are a favorite among butterflies and other pollinators. As a native cultivar from a wildly growing selection, it’s a strong performer in optimal growing conditions. ‘Jeana’ is the backbone of borders, cottage gardens, pollinator themes, and naturalistic arrangements. Pair it with other natives and their cultivars like amsonia, monarda, switchgrass, Joe Pye weed, salvia, and hardy geranium. These are a match for pollinator support and a long season of visual interest. Characteristics The clump-forming perennial spreads up to four feet and has tall, five-foot stems. Showy trusses of pips (individual flowers) are smaller than other varieties at half an inch, but the six-inch flowerheads last into early fall. The floral show hits peak bloom in mid to late July and extends into October. ‘Jeana’ produces few seeds and won’t reseed in the landscape like older garden phlox varieties. The lack of seed production means a long-lasting floral display, with less energy directed to seed production and more into continual flowering. With excellent disease resistance to powdery mildew, ‘Jeana’s’ bright green, elliptical, and pointed leaves remain attractive all season. Native Area Phlox paniculata is native to the United States from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic and southward. It grows naturally along stream banks, riparian areas, and in moist low woodlands and meadows. ‘Jeana’ is a selection of a native wild phlox. Gardener Jeana Prewitt discovered it growing wildly in a large colony along the Harpeth River near Nashville, Tennessee. While others in the group showed powdery mildew, this strong selection was mildew-free. Planting Fall and spring are the best times to plant the perennials. If there is adequate moisture for strong root systems to develop, plant them at any time in areas with mild summers. Avoid planting phlox in stressful conditions, such as high heat, drought, or freezing soil. The cool, moist conditions of spring and fall present the least stress on new plantings. They’ll be able to develop roots before hot summers or cold winters, respectively. Good air circulation is essential for garden phlox and sets the foundation for health. Allow proper spacing at two to three feet apart to plan for the mature spread. At planting, dig a hole two to three times as deep and wide as the size of the root ball. Loosen any tightly wound, pot-bound roots so they can grow outward. Position crowns an inch-and-a-half below the soil surface. Water deeply after planting to settle the roots and soil.

Big, beautiful, and bountiful, 'Benary's Giant' zinnias are the gold standard for these low-maintenance plants. Cut flower gardener Melissa Strauss talks about growing these fabulous, mighty bloomers in your garden this season. As a cut flower gardener, zinnias are one of my favorite summer annuals to grow in the cutting garden and anywhere else. These big, bold, bright blooms are so cheerful and prolific that if you take good care of them, they will continue to bloom right up until the first frost kills them off. Zinnias aren’t just great as ornamentals. They are also a wonderful food source for all kinds of pollinators. There are few spots in the yard where I see as many butterflies as I do in my zinnia patches. Every year, I plant more, and now these beauties pop up all over the place, where I sow them, as well as where they sow themselves. Here’s how to add an extra unique blend of zinnias to your garden with ‘Benary’s Giant’ seeds! What Is ‘Benary’s Giant’ Zinnia? ‘Benary’s Giant’ zinnias are all the things that are wonderful about the Zinnia genus. Long, strong stems, big, bold, colorful flowers, and an excellent cut-and-come-again habit. As a cut flower gardener, these are at the top of my list for long-lasting and beautiful summer bouquets. I’m not the only one who feels this way about them, as the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers awarded them as their first-ever Cut Flower of the Year in 1999. Characteristics Zinnias are wonderful, sturdy, long-flowering annuals that cheer up the garden and the dining room table, too! Their slender but stiff stems make them great for cutting. Be careful when you snip, though; those stems are hollow and crush easily. The stems and leaves are slightly fuzzy, giving them a sandpaper texture. ‘Benary’s Giant’ zinnias are some of the most magnificent around, primarily because of their large, bold blooms. These flowers are extra large, at up to six inches in diameter. They’re also densely petaled and come in a wide variety of shades. You’ll love how well these hold up outdoors. They tolerate wind and rain better than most, and they stay beautiful throughout the hot months. Like all zinnias, these are pollinator magnets; bumblebees and butterflies are especially huge fans. Native Area Zinnias are native to a wide range that spans from the Midwestern United States to South America. You’ll find the greatest diversity of the plants in Mexico where they occur mainly in dry grasslands and scrub areas. They’re cultivated all over the world and naturalized in several countries. Zinnia elegans, the species that holds the ‘Benarys Giant’ cultivar, is native to Mexico, Central, and South America. Planting Zinnias are fast growers that tolerate heat well. They take about two months to grow from seed to bloom, and you can succession sow them beginning around March in warm climates. You can continue to sow seeds well into the summer months, and have tons of these blooming in the fall.