It’s nice to know that not all late summer- and fall-blooming perennials are DYC’s (Damn Yellow Composites).

Their brassy gold faces are cheering at first, but become monotonous.  In shady gardens at that time of year, the lily family is offering up some splendidly eccentric blooms in the form of toad lilies.

‘Miyazaki’ toad lily (Tricyrtis hirta ‘Miyazaki’) opens its fantastically speckled blooms beginning the week of September 13 until the end of October.  Originating as rocket-shaped buds, they burst open to reveal six white petals (correctly called “tepals”), surrounding an elaborate reproductive structure somewhat reminiscent of the complex anatomy of a passionflower.  The whole bloom is plastered in purple freckles—even the sex parts are spotted!  ‘Miyazaki’ lies flatter than other toad lilies, its blossoms upward-facing and on display, backed by neat rows of pointed, light green leaves which clasp the stems.  It arches to 24 inches tall.