Blackberry Lily (Belamcanda chinensis)
(aka Leopard Flower)
Hardy to Zone 4
Bloom Time - June through August
Color - Orange or yellow with red/brown spots
Foliage - Narrow sword like blades (similar to iris)
Size - 1-3 ft.
Exposure - Full sun or partial shade
Culture - This short-lived perennial has dried seed capsules that split to reveal clusters of black seeds which resemble blackberries. The plant is actually a member of the iris family. It grows wild along roadsides and in rocky woods. In the garden, the vivid orange blooms look good next to delicate foliage plants like Russian sage, baby's breath or yarrow. It grows well in average soil and full sun or partial shade. The vibrant color of the blooms will be prolonged if given afternoon shade. You can expect the plant to self sow or collect the seeds and distribute them in the fall. Native to China and Japan where the dried rhizomes are used medicinally.
I would certainly give that room in my garden; wonderful photo.
ReplyDeleteZoë
I have some growing by a Russian Sage plant. I didn't know it was widely known as a good place for them. It happened quite by accident here no doubt. I have never heard them called leopard plants either. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! I love orange in the garden.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful lily!
ReplyDeleteReminds me of a delicate orchid for some reason...
I had a picture of this lily on my blog a few weeks ago. I didn't know what it was. Tina from In the Garden blog, told me it was a Blackberry Lily. Sometimes my neighbor plants things in my garden to surprise me. He is away on vacation for a few weeks, so I have not been ablr to ask him if it was him. Thank you for posting the info on it.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe your blackberry Lily is already blooming. Mine do not even have a hint that a bloom is coming. Isn't is strange how things can flower in one area weeks before one farther south?
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
Phillip, it's one of my favorite plants...I love how the little flower curls up after blooming! I have it in yellow and orange... ut haven't seen the yellow yet...I will look for it now!
ReplyDeletegail
Thanks all! Skeeter, it does look like an orchid, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteGail, I've never seen the yellow in person. They sell it here - http://www.lazyssfarm.com/Plants/Perennials/B%20files/B_images/belamcanda_hello_yellow.htm
I've ordered from this nursery and they have nice, healthy plants.
It is a show stopper. I think these would look good at the back of my shed. We get strong morning sun there but shade in the afternoon. I might give a try. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteNow how wierd, I just took a pic of mine yestersay, to post later this week! They are pretty aren't they?
ReplyDeleteIt looks a bit like toad lilies doesn't it? I tried it once but had no luck. Urrr. Sure is pretty.
ReplyDelete