blackberry bush lilies are name for their berry - comparable seed pod , but it ’s their fiery bloom that make them a favorite among humbled - maintenance perennial .
amazingly , theblackberry lily(also have sex as leopard lily because of its patched flower ) is not a lily at all . After inquiry into its deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing in 2005 , this plant was reclassified fromBelamcanda chinensistoIris domestica . The perennial bears blade - like leafage ( similar to aniris ) and showy six - petal prime in scarlet - speckled dark glasses of orange from mid to late summertime . The bloom are short - dwell — each typically survive only a day — but , when properly care for , the plant will stay to create bloom for several hebdomad . After the flowers fade , glistening blackberry bush - pattern seed pods appear ( hence the vulgar name ) .
Blackberry lily ( particularly the flowers and Chuck Berry - similar seed pods ) are consider toxic to humans , cats , Canis familiaris , and buck . When establish , place them away from area where animals may graze or children may play .
Credit:Joshua McCullough/Getty Images
Where to Plant Blackberry Lily
Plant blackberry lilies along walkways andcoastal gardenborders . Or , place them at the edge of acottage gardenwhere they can draw in butterflies , bee , and other pollinators . Truthfully , blackberry lily grow almost anywhere ( in hardiness zones 5 - 10 ) with well - draining soil and lots of Lord’s Day . The perennial , which are aboriginal to Japan , China , and Eastern Russia , prefer deep , loamy soil , but will prosper in almost any grunge conditions . When plant in poor stain or partial shade , however , they may grow shorter .
It ’s also worth noting that blackberry lilies are rhizomatous perennials that self - source and spread easy via belowground stem . This is specially true in the eastern regions of North America where blackberry lilies have run cultivation and become naturalized . To curtail their spread , consider planting them in a container or raised bed .
Joshua McCullough / Getty Images
Credit:Joshua McCullough/Getty Images
How and When to Plant Blackberry Lily
To establish blackberry bush lily seedlings and bare solution plants , wait until springiness ( after the risk of frost has authorise ) and dig a hole twice the size of the plant ’s root ball . Place a mound of soil in the bottom of the hole and carefully circularise the theme over the mound . Cover the roots with soil , pack the dirt down as you exercise . Water soundly . If you are planting more than one blackberry bush lily , place them 6 to 10 inches apart .
If mature your blackberry lilies from come , come out them indoors in recent wintertime 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost . you could also seed the seed directly into the ground in early spring , but be patient . Germination may take several weeks .
Blackberry Lily Care Tips
Blackberry lilies ( which are technically flag and not lily ) are down - maintenance , drought - insubordinate perennial that will grow in almost any soil — but keep an eye on them . The summertime bloomers can easily circularize into big colonies if not comprise or deal .
Light
For the best peak production and overall plant life health , blackberry lilies should be planted in full sun with exposure to at least 6 hour of sun each day .
Soil and Water
Blackberry lily are n’t choosy about grime precondition or soil pH , but their emergence may be stunted in poor soil . They will , however , flourish inwell - drained soilas long as it is consistently moist , but not smashed . That ’s because , since blackberry bush lily have lento crawl rootstock , they turn tail a higher risk of train rot in soggy soils .
blackberry bush lilies are relatively drouth - tolerant and may not require superfluous lacrimation — especially if you live in a region with even rainfall . During the height of summertime , plan to water your plants ( about 1/2 in ) just once or doubly per week and less often ( or not at all ) in the winter months .
Temperature and Humidity
Blackberry lily are considered stout inUSDA zone 5 through 10(and from time to time geographical zone 4 ) . Their idealistic temperature range is from 65˚F to 75˚F. When the thermometer climbs above 80 stage , your blackberry bush lilies may wilt and show augury of stress . In temperature below 50 degrees , blackberry lilies will in all likelihood go sleeping .
Blackberry lilies are also kind of eminent humidity levels ( ideally between 40 % and 60 % ) , but should not require additional atmospheric humidity if the soil is kept consistently moist .
Fertilizer
Blackberry lily do not take auxiliary fertiliser in most soil . In fact , adding fertilizer may lead to overfertilization , which can cause yellowing , crispy or curling parting , and brown spots .
Pruning
blackberry bush lilies do not necessitate pruning , but it ’s knowing to slay the seed pod as they form if you care to prevent ego - seeding . you could also extend the blooming season by deadheading expend peak as they fade .
Potting and Repotting
Blackberry lilies also make splendid container plant — especially if you bid to curtail their distribute use . In the spring ( when temperatures are above freezing ) . take a container with well drainage and fill it partially with a well - enfeeble potting admixture . Spread the antecedent over the dirt and append more potting mix , pack it down to secure the plant . Ideally , your plant should sit 1/2 to 1 inch below the lip of the container . Water thoroughly and cover to irrigate on a regular basis as your blackberry bush lily need root . If rise from seed , found your semen just 1/2 inch late in the disposed container . Keep the soil evenly moist and sprouting should commence in a few weeks . Keep your container - grow blackberry lily in a sunny spot and move it to a protected location if temperature dip below 50˚.
Since blackberry lilies are rhizomatous perennial that readily self - germ , they may occasionally outgrow their pot . Plan to repot or divide yours every 2 to 3 long time . The best time to do this is in the spring or other fall when the plant is no longer bloom . When you are ready , cautiously dig up the entire root organization . Inspect the roots for signs of disease or iris borer ( flabby , often foul - smelling rhizomes ) and separate the root thumping with a acute tongue . Replant the intact blackberry lily in a larger container or place the healthy , single out theme system in separate pots . Water well and place in the sun .
Pests and Problems
Overall , blackberry lilies are low - maintenance plants with few pestis or disease problems . Do watch out for the iris borer , a caterpillar that can eat enough rhizome and pass over out a settlement of plants . If you see aplant that appear to be declining , ensure for small incoming holes near its radix . Dig up and demolish any works exhibiting this trait .
Blackberry lilies are also prone to steady down rot when overwatered or kept in soggy soil — especially in stale weather .
How to Propagate Blackberry Lily
The loose way to propagate blackberry bush lilies is to go away the seed pods on the stalk . When left to their own devices , blackberry lily will promptly self - seed into big clump . If you wish to collect the seeds for later planting , collect them when the seedpod have dry and opened . Store the seeds in a cool teetotal place until you are ready to implant next class . In the spring , to increase your odds of germination , stratify the seed in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 weeks before plant .
you could alsodivide blackberry lily clumpsevery few years to further vigorous new growth . Simply dig up your plant in the spring or early fall ( after flowering ) , scrutinise the antecedent for issues ( like rot or iris borers ) , and cut the root system into equal sections . Replant the divided section in new locations or separate containers .
Types of Blackberry Lily
Iris domestica ‘Hello Yellow’
' Hello Yellow ' is an sluttish - to - grow gnome blackberry bush lily cultivar that features unsoiled fortunate yellow bloom above clumps of blade - like foliage . It tends to grow just 12 to 18 inches tall and blossom throughout the summertime in zones 5 through 10 .
Iris domestica ‘Freckle Face’
As its name implies . the ' Freckle Face ' cultivar is known for its spotted bloom ( which are brilliant orange with an copiousness of red speckles ) . ' Freckle Face ' tends to rise about 18 to 24 inches tall and blooms more prolifically than other blackberry lily . It is also said to be notably resistant to pest and diseases .
Iris domestica × norrisii ‘Candy Lily’
This cultivar is a hybrid of the blackberry bush lily and the vesper iris ( Iris dichotoma ) . They tend to get about 24 to 36 inch magniloquent and characteristic pink , purple , red , or yellow blossom that twist into candy cane - like shapes as they blow over . Those blooms then give way to berry - like seed pods that are indicative of their lineage .
Blackberry Lily Companion Plants
Blanket Flower
Blanket flowersare marvellously cheerful , long - blooming plant life for hot , sunny gardens . They produce single or double daisy efflorescence through most of the summer and well into fall . The blooms — light brick - cherry-red ray flowers tipped with yellow — are a perfect sexual union with the vibrant blackberry lily . Blanket flowers stand light-colored hoarfrost and are rarely run through by deer . Some mintage tend to be short - lived , especially if the soil is not well - drained . Deadhead the flowers to keep them blooming consistently through the summer and into capitulation .
Spurge
There arehundreds of unlike spurges — and most are evaluate by gardeners because they ’re drought - resistive and almost always ignored by cervid and rabbits . spurge are surefire plectrum for tot color to the garden . Many also turn gorgeous colors in the fall , enlivening the declination garden .
Globe Thistle
ball thistleis one of the most elegantly biased plants around . It has bombastic , fantastical balls of steel - blue bloom that arrive in summer solstice . This alone would be reason enough to institute them alongside the bright orange blackberry lily . However , the big coarse , gray - gullible foliage of the globe thistle are even lovelier . If you may bear to separate them from the leaf , ball thistle also wee a great slice flower , endure for weeks in the vase . And , like the seed pods of the blackberry bush lily , it dry out well . Earth thistle is unbothered by most pest or disease . If it care its conditions , it will reseed fairly pronto . If you want to preclude this , deadhead efflorescence shortly after they melt .
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes . Deer tend to leave blackberry bush lilies alone because the bitter taste and problematical foliagemake them unsuitable . The same can be said for cony and other nibble beast .
The flowers of blackberry bush lily plants are often too short - lived to be used in cut flower arrangement . The berry - similar pods , however , persist on the stem well into winter and are prized in both fresh and dried floral organisation .
Like many perennials , blackberry lily do not postulate extra care to survive the winter in zones where they are hardy ( zona 5 through 10 ) . If you want to grow blackberry lilies in zone 4 ( or are expecting unseasonably cold-blooded conditions for your region ) , add a bed of mulch to insulate your plant from the chill . Container - rise blackberry lilies can be moved to an unheated , protected placement ( like a garage or shed ) .
Credit: Denny Schrock
Blackberry Lily , Belamcanda chinensis or Iris domestica . Wisconsin Horticulture- University of Wisconsin - Madison .
Iris domestica . North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - North Carolina State University .
Iris . ASPCA Toxic and Non - Toxic Plants .
Credit: Greg Ryan
Credit: Cynthia Haynes
