Blackberry Lily
Belamcanda chinensis 'Yunnan Form'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
All parts are poisonous if ingested, especially the rhizomes.
The Story
Plant Bio
Iris domestica, formerly Belamcanda chinensis, is a rhizomatous perennial commonly called blackberry lily. It features iris-like, sword-shaped leaves and lily-like, orange flowers with red spots. After flowering, the seed capsules split open to reveal clusters of black seeds that resemble blackberries, providing fall and winter interest. The 'Yunnan Form' is a seed strain from the Yunnan province of China, noted for being a particularly vigorous and floriferous form of the species.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in spring
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
- Place in full sun for optimal flowering
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with balanced fertilizer
- Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Pro Tip
Ensure soil drains well to prevent bulb rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Divide clumps every few years
- Fertilize annually in spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Overwater to avoid bulb rot ❌
- Skip dividing to prevent overcrowding
- Use heavy clay soil without amendments ❌
- Neglect winter protection in colder zones
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blackberry Lily questions
What zones can Blackberry Lily grow in?
Blackberry Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Blackberry Lily deer resistant?
Yes — Blackberry Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blackberry Lily bloom?
Blackberry Lily typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blackberry Lily need full sun?
Blackberry Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Blackberry Lily drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blackberry Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Blackberry Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
