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Iris domestica (Blackberry Lily)

Blackberry Lily, Belamcanda chinensis, Belamcanda chinensis 'Leopard Lily', Belamcanda chinensis var. curtata, Belamcanda flabellata

Iris domestica, Blackberry Lily, Belamcanda chinensis, Belamcanda chinensis 'Leopard Lily', Belamcanda chinensis var. curtata, Belamcanda flabellata, Orange Iris
Iris domestica, Blackberry Lily, Belamcanda chinensis, Belamcanda chinensis 'Leopard Lily', Belamcanda chinensis var. curtata, Belamcanda flabellata, Orange Iris

Iris domestica (Blackberry Lily) is an erect, rhizomatous perennial boasting showy sprays of 3-12 reddish-orange flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), with 6 flaring petals of equal size that are peppered with deep red spots. Blooming in mid to late summer, each flower usually lasts only a day, but the plant produces a succession of blooms over a period of several weeks. They are borne on slender, naked stems and rise above a fan of flat, sword-shaped, medium green leaves, 10 in. long (25 cm), which arise from underground rhizomes and remain attractive through the growing season. The blossoms are followed by persistent pear-shaped seed pods splitting to reveal several conspicuous, shiny black seeds arranged in clusters resembling large blackberries, hence the common name of Blackberry Lily. The seeds remain on the stalks for several months and offer good winter interest. Formerly known as Belamcanda chinensis, Blackberry Lily is suitable for perennial borders, containers, and for naturalizing in informal areas.

  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 10-24 in. wide (25-60 cm). Will self-seed if happy.
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Do not let the soil dry out in summer.
  • A welcomed addition to beds and borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, and cottage gardens where it will provide excellent color contrast. Great for containers too.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Deadhead to prolong blooming and prevent self-seeding.
  • Propagate by seed in a cold frame in spring. Divide in spring.
  • Native from the Himalayas to Russian Far East.

Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for irises like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris other species
Common names Iris, Blackberry Lily
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 10" - 2' (25cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Iris virginica var. shrevei (Southern Blue Flag)
Iris latifolia (English Iris)
Iris lactea (Milky Iris)
Iris chrysographes (Gold-Marked Iris)
Iris macrosiphon (Long Tubed Iris)
Iris hexagona (Dixie Iris)

Recommended Companion Plants

Salvia (Sage)
Hemerocallis (Daylilies)
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Echinops (Globe Thistle)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris)
Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris other species
Common names Iris, Blackberry Lily
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 10" - 2' (25cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Iris Species
Not sure which Iris Species to pick?
Compare Now

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