Surprisingly, the blackberry lily (also known as leopard lily because of its spotted flowers) is not a lily at all. After research into its DNA sequencing in 2005, this plant was reclassified from Belamcanda chinensis to Iris domestica. The perennial bears sword-like foliage (similar to an iris) and showy six-petal blossoms in red-speckled shades of orange from mid to late summer. The blooms are short-lived—each typically lasting only a day—but, when properly cared for, the plant will continue to produce flowers for several weeks. After the flowers fade, shiny blackberry-shape seed pods appear (hence the common name).
Blackberry lilies (particularly the flowers and berry-like seed pods) are considered toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses. When planting, place them away from areas where animals may graze or children may play.
Blackberry Lily Overview
Where to Plant Blackberry Lily
Plant blackberry lilies along walkways and coastal garden borders. Or, place them at the edge of a cottage garden where they can draw in butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Truthfully, blackberry lilies grow almost anywhere (in hardiness zones 5-10) with well-draining soil and lots of sun. The perennials, which are native to Japan, China, and Eastern Russia, prefer rich, loamy soil, but will thrive in almost any soil conditions. When planted in poor soil or partial shade, however, they may grow shorter.
It’s also worth noting that blackberry lilies are rhizomatous perennials that self-seed and spread easily via underground stems. This is particularly true in the eastern regions of North America where blackberry lilies have escaped cultivation and become naturalized. To curtail their spread, consider planting them in a container or raised bed.
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How and When to Plant Blackberry Lily
To plant blackberry lily seedlings and bare root plants, wait until spring (after the danger of frost has passed) 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 spread the roots over the mound. Cover the roots with soil, tamping the dirt down as you work. Water thoroughly. If you are planting more than one blackberry lily, place them 6 to 10 inches apart.
If growing your blackberry lilies from seed, start them indoors in late winter 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost. You can also sow the seeds directly into the ground in early spring, but be patient. Germination may take several weeks.
Blackberry Lily Care Tips
Blackberry lilies (which are technically irises and not lilies) are low-maintenance, drought-resistant perennials that will grow in almost any soil—but keep an eye on them. The summer bloomers can easily spread into large colonies if not contained or managed.
Light
For the best flower production and overall plant health, blackberry lilies should be planted in full sun with exposure to at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
Soil and Water
Blackberry lilies aren’t choosy about soil conditions or soil pH, but their growth may be stunted in poor soil. They will, however, thrive in well-drained soil as long as it is consistently moist, but not wet. That’s because, since blackberry lilies have slowly creeping rhizomes, they run a higher risk of developing rot in soggy soils.
Blackberry lilies are relatively drought-tolerant and may not require extra watering—especially if you live in a region with regular rainfall. During the height of summer, plan to water your plants (about 1/2 inch) just once or twice per week and less often (or not at all) in the winter months.
Temperature and Humidity
Blackberry lilies are considered hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10 (and occasionally zone 4). Their ideal temperature range is from 65˚F to 75˚F. When the thermometer climbs above 80 degrees, your blackberry lilies may wilt and show signs of stress. In temperatures below 50 degrees, blackberry lilies will likely go dormant.
Blackberry lilies are also tolerant of high humidity levels (ideally between 40% and 60%), but should not require additional atmospheric humidity if the soil is kept consistently moist.
Fertilizer
Blackberry lilies do not require supplemental fertilizer in most soils. In fact, adding fertilizer may lead to overfertilization, which can cause yellowing, crispy or curling leaves, and brown spots.
Pruning
Blackberry lilies do not require pruning, but it's wise to remove the seed pods as they form if you wish to prevent self-seeding. You can also prolong the blooming season by deadheading spent blooms as they fade.
Potting and Repotting
Blackberry lilies also make excellent container plants—especially if you wish to curtail their spreading habit. In the spring (when temperatures are above freezing). choose a container with good drainage and fill it partially with a well-draining potting mix. Spread the roots over the soil and add more potting mix, tamping it down to secure the plant. Ideally, your plant should sit 1/2 to 1 inch below the rim of the container. Water thoroughly and continue to water regularly as your blackberry lily takes root. If growing from seed, plant your seeds just 1/2 inch deep in the prepared container. Keep the soil evenly moist and germination should begin in a few weeks. Keep your container-grown blackberry lily in a sunny spot and move it to a protected location if temperatures dip below 50˚.
Since blackberry lilies are rhizomatous perennials that readily self-seed, they may occasionally outgrow their pot. Plan to repot or divide yours every 2 to 3 years. The best time to do this is in the spring or early fall when the plant is no longer flowering. When you are ready, carefully dig up the entire root system. Inspect the roots for signs of disease or iris borers (soft, often foul-smelling rhizomes) and separate the root clumps with a sharp knife. Replant the entire blackberry lily in a larger container or place the healthy, separated root systems in separate pots. Water well and place in the sun.
Pests and Problems
Overall, blackberry lilies are low-maintenance plants with few pest or disease problems. Do watch out for the iris borer, a caterpillar that can eat enough rhizomes and wipe out a colony of plants. If you see a plant that appears to be declining, check for small entrance holes near its base. Dig up and destroy any plants exhibiting this trait.
Blackberry lilies are also prone to root rot when overwatered or kept in soggy soil—especially in cold weather.
How to Propagate Blackberry Lily
The easiest way to propagate blackberry lilies is to leave the seed pods on the stalk. When left to their own devices, blackberry lilies will readily self-seed into large clusters. If you wish to collect the seeds for later planting, collect them when the pods have dried and opened. Store the seeds in a cool dry place until you are ready to plant next year. In the spring, to increase your odds of germination, stratify the seeds in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 weeks before planting.
You can also divide blackberry lily clumps every few years to encourage vigorous new growth. Simply dig up your plant in the spring or early fall (after flowering), inspect the roots for issues (like rot or iris borers), and cut the root system into equal sections. Replant the divided sections in new locations or separate containers.
Types of Blackberry Lily
Iris domestica ‘Hello Yellow’
'Hello Yellow' is an easy-to-grow dwarf blackberry lily cultivar that features unspotted golden yellow flowers above clumps of sword-like foliage. It tends to grow just 12 to 18 inches tall and blooms throughout the summer in zones 5 through 10.
Iris domestica 'Freckle Face'
As its name implies. the 'Freckle Face' cultivar is known for its spotted flowers (which are brilliant orange with an abundance of red speckles). 'Freckle Face' tends to grow about 18 to 24 inches tall and blooms more prolifically than other blackberry lilies. It is also said to be notably resistant to pests and diseases.
Iris domestica × norrisii ‘Candy Lily’
This cultivar is a hybrid of the blackberry lily and the vesper iris (Iris dichotoma). They tend to get about 24 to 36 inches tall and feature pink, purple, red, or yellow flowers that twist into candy cane-like shapes as they fade. Those blooms then give way to berry-like seed pods that are indicative of their lineage.
Blackberry Lily Companion Plants
Blanket Flower
Blanket flowers are wonderfully cheerful, long-blooming plants for hot, sunny gardens. They produce single or double daisy flowers through most of the summer and well into fall. The blooms—light brick-red ray flowers tipped with yellow—are a perfect pairing with the vibrant blackberry lily. Blanket flowers tolerate light frost and are seldom eaten by deer. Some species 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 fall.
Spurge
There are hundreds of different spurges—and most are valued by gardeners because they're drought-resistant and almost always ignored by deer and rabbits. Spurges are surefire picks for adding color to the garden. Many also turn gorgeous colors in the fall, enlivening the fall garden.
Globe Thistle
Globe thistle is one of the most elegantly colored plants around. It has large, fantastical balls of steel-blue flowers that arrive in midsummer. This alone would be reason enough to plant them alongside the brilliant orange blackberry lily. However, the large coarse, grayish-green leaves of the globe thistle are even lovelier. If you can bear to separate them from the foliage, globe thistle also makes a great cut flower, lasting for weeks in the vase. And, like the seed pods of the blackberry lily, it dries well. Globe thistle is unbothered by most pests or diseases. If it likes its conditions, it will reseed fairly readily. If you want to prevent this, deadhead flowers shortly after they fade.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are blackberry lilies deer-resistant?Yes. Deer tend to leave blackberry lilies alone because the bitter taste and tough foliage make them undesirable. The same can be said for rabbits and other nibbling animals.
Yes. Deer tend to leave blackberry lilies alone because the bitter taste and tough foliage make them undesirable. The same can be said for rabbits and other nibbling animals.
- Can blackberry lilies be used in arrangements or dried?The flowers of blackberry lily plants are often too short-lived to be used in cut flower arrangements. The berry-like pods, however, remain on the stalks well into winter and are prized in both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
The flowers of blackberry lily plants are often too short-lived to be used in cut flower arrangements. The berry-like pods, however, remain on the stalks well into winter and are prized in both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
- Do I need to provide my blackberry lilies overwinter care?Like many perennials, blackberry lilies do not require extra care to survive the winter in zones where they are hardy (zones 5 through 10). If you want to grow blackberry lilies in zone 4 (or are expecting unseasonably cold weather for your region), add a layer of mulch to insulate your plants from the chill. Container-grown blackberry lilies can be moved to an unheated, protected location (like a garage or shed).
Like many perennials, blackberry lilies do not require extra care to survive the winter in zones where they are hardy (zones 5 through 10). If you want to grow blackberry lilies in zone 4 (or are expecting unseasonably cold weather for your region), add a layer of mulch to insulate your plants from the chill. Container-grown blackberry lilies can be moved to an unheated, protected location (like a garage or shed).