In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Belamcanda plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
Belamcanda plants are hardy perennials.
They are often known by their common names of Blackberry lily or Leopard flower. Varieties include Belamcanda chinensis, Belamcanda flabellata and Belamcanda freckle face.
Following genetical analysis, Belamcanda has now been classified as an Iris, and scientifically renamed to Iris domestica; many gardeners still use their more familiar name..
They flower in the summer with brightly colored sword like freckly orange flowers; many have been bred to have yellow, pink and purple varieties.
Plants of the Belamcanda genus tend to be about 45 to 90 cm in height.
It is best to sow Belamcanda seeds outdoors in the early spring or autumn, lightly cover the seeds following sowing.
If using Belamcanda root stocks then these should be planted at a depth of 5 to 8 cm.
If you plan to start the growing of blackberry lily seeds indoors then sow about eight weeks before planned transplanting outdoors.
The seeds should first be placed in moist soil and placed in a plastic bag, refrigerated for one week before shifting to the light.
Belamcanda chinensis (leopard Flower) photograph by Jeffery Coffman.
Growth of Belamcanda should then continue at a temperature of 19 to 29 degrees Celsius.
The seedlings should be planted outdoors in early spring before the last frost or in early autumn.
They should be planted in either a sunny or lightly shaded area of the garden in a moist well drained soil with a pH of 5 to 7 with a spacing of about 15 to 20 cm.
Blackberry Lilies are easy to look after: water in dry spells and cut back the plant to the ground in the autumn.
The Belamcanda genus is small, with only one recognized species.
Yes, Belamcanda chinensis or Blackberry Lily is known for its bright flowers and can make a great addition to gardens.
Belamcanda chinensis (Blackberry Lily) is the species most commonly grown in gardens.
No, Belamcanda flowers are not particularly fragrant, but are visually attractive.
Belamcanda prefers full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Belamcanda is not currently considered invasive in the USA.
Remove Belamcanda by digging around the base of the plant, loosening the soil, and lifting the plant out.
The Belamcanda genus, also known as blackberry lily or leopard lily, is part of the Iridaceae family. This Asian native is famous for its vibrant, spotted flowers and seed pods that split open to reveal black seeds resembling blackberries.
Belamcanda thrives in well-drained soil under full sun to partial shade. They are usually planted in the spring as bulbs or seedlings. Regular watering is needed, particularly in dry periods, but avoid water-logging. The soil should also be enriched with organic matter to encourage optimal growth.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Belamcanda plants. You may also enjoy the following Iris growing guides: How to grow Iris plants and Japanese Iris.