Blackberry Lily Seed (Belamcanda Chinensis ) PERENNIAL FLOWERS.

Iris domestica (syn. Belamcanda chinensis) — Blackberry Lily, Leopard Flower — is a hardy herbaceous perennial in the Iris family that delivers two seasons of ornamental interest. In summer, 2-inch freckled orange blossoms spotted with red create a bold, eye-catching display on plants growing to 24 inches tall. After blooming, shiny jet-black seed clusters emerge — resembling ripe blackberries — which give this plant its common name and make outstanding cut flowers, dried arrangements, and fall decor. Drought-tolerant once established; performs well in drier, hotter climates. Excellent cut and dried flower. USDA Zones 5–9.

Plant Highlights

• Freckled 2-inch orange flowers spotted with red — vivid, bold mid-summer bloom
• Shiny black ornamental seed clusters after bloom — resemble blackberries; excellent for fall arrangements
• Member of the Iris family; hardy perennial to Zone 5; drought tolerant once established
• Great cut flower; dries beautifully; ornamental seed pods add fall and winter interest
• Blooms summer through fall; typically flowers in year 2 from seed (year 1 possible with early sowing)
• USDA Zones 5–9 | Height: 24 inches | Spacing: 24 inches

Sowing Guide

Direct sow: Sow 1/4 inch deep in the garden in spring after all frost danger has passed.

Indoor start: Start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant after frost danger when two true leaves have developed.

Flowering: Plants typically flower in year 2 from seed. Early indoor sowing may produce blooms in year 1.

Existing plants: Tubers from mature Blackberry Lily plants transplant easily.

Care Guide

Light: Full sun required for best flowering.

Soil: Well-drained; pH 5.8–7.2. Tolerates drier, hotter conditions once established.

Water: Moderate — drought tolerant once established. Avoid waterlogged soils.

Cut flower: Cut stems in bloom; seed clusters can also be harvested in fall for dried arrangements.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Blackberry Lily, Leopard Flower
• Botanical name: Iris domestica (syn. Belamcanda chinensis ‘Freckle Face’)
• Family: Iridaceae (Iris family)
• Type: Hardy herbaceous perennial
• Bloom: 2-inch freckled orange flowers with red spots; summer through fall
• Ornamental: Shiny black seed clusters after bloom — excellent for drying
• Height: 24 inches | Spacing: 24 inches
• USDA Zones: 5–9
• Light: Full sun | Soil: Well-drained; pH 5.8–7.2 | Drought tolerant: Yes
• Sowing: 1/4 inch deep at 70°F | Germ: 28–56 days | Rate: 1–2 seeds per plant
• Flowers: Year 2 typically; year 1 possible with early start