Blackberry Lily Iris domestica
ABOUT
Iris domestica, commonly known as Blackberry Lily, is a captivating perennial plant that bears a striking resemblance to true lilies in its foliage and growth habit, though it is actually part of the iris family. Its leaves are long, slender, and sword-like, resembling those of tall bearded irises, and they create an attractive, arching clump of greenery. One of the most distinctive features of Blackberry Lily is its stunning flowers. The flowers bloom in mid to late summer, presenting a vibrant display that commands attention. Each blossom is typically shaped like that of an iris—composed of six petals that generally open flat to reveal their beauty. The color of the petals is usually a striking orange or reddish-orange, often adorned with spots and speckles in a darker shade, giving it a leopard-like pattern. After the flowers are spent, Blackberry Lily produces seed clusters that resemble blackberries. These clusters emerge green and gradually darken to a shiny black as they mature, offering visual interest even after the blooming season is over. These blackberry-like seed pods are one of the reasons behind its common name and provide a unique textural element to the plant's appearance. Overall, Blackberry Lily adds a touch of the exotic to the garden with its ornamental features. The flowers, foliage, and seed pods all contribute to its decorative appeal, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes where a splash of vivid color and intriguing textures are desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae.
Synonyms
Blackberry Lily, Leopard Flower, Leopard Lily.
Common names
Belamcanda chinensis, Belamcanda flabellata, Belamcanda punctata, Gemmingia chinensis, Ixia chinensis, Morea chinensis, Pardanthus chinensis.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common name for Iris domestica is Blackberry Lily. The Blackberry Lily is not known for being particularly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it may cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. It is not typically associated with severe poisoning or serious health consequences when touched or ingested in small amounts. It's always a good practice to keep an eye on children and prevent them from eating any plant material.
To pets
The Blackberry Lily is not specifically listed as toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. While it is not generally considered to be a poisonous plant, ingestion can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset for some animals. To prevent any potential issues, it is advisable to discourage pets from eating any part of the plant. If you notice your pet consuming Blackberry Lily and showing symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, it's wise to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Iris domestica, commonly known as Blackberry Lily, is known for being relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and feeding.
- Drought Tolerant: Blackberry Lily is generally resistant to periods of drought, making it suitable for climates with irregular rainfall.
- Pest Resistance: The plant is known to have a level of resistance to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attractive Blooms: Blackberry Lily produces distinctive orange flowers with spots, which can add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Its flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in a garden setting.
- Easy Propagation: Blackberry Lily can easily be propagated by dividing the rhizomes or by seed, which can be beneficial for gardeners who wish to expand their plantings without additional cost.
- Soil Adaptability: This plant can thrive in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil conditions.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Iris domestica has been traditionally used in some cultures to reduce inflammation.
- Diuretic: The plant may have diuretic properties, promoting the excretion of urine.
- Expectorant: It is believed to help in the expulsion of phlegm from the airways.
- Hepatoprotective: There is some evidence to suggest that Iris domestica may offer protection for the liver.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains compounds that may act as antioxidants, helping to prevent cellular damage.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Blackberry lily seeds can be used in jewelry making due to their bead-like appearance after the seedpods split open.
- The fibrous leaves of the blackberry lily can be used in basket weaving and crafting as a natural binding material.
- Known for its decorative seed pods, blackberry lily can be integrated into floral arrangements and dried bouquets for an unusual textural element.
- Dried seed heads of the blackberry lily can be used in potpourri mixtures, contributing an unusual shape and an organic look.
- Artists and botanical illustrators may use the striking flowers and seedpods of the blackberry lily as subjects for drawing, painting, or photography.
- With their orange and red-spotted blossoms, blackberry lilies can be planted to provide a vivid color contrast in garden design.
- Blackberry lily roots, when dried and carved, can serve as an ingredient in homemade incense mixtures, offering a natural fragrance.
- The entire plant, because of its hardiness and adaptability, is used in soil erosion control efforts to stabilize banks and slopes.
- Insect enthusiasts might cultivate blackberry lilies to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to their gardens.
- The vibrant flowers of the blackberry lily are used as a natural dye source for fabrics and yarns, creating unique shades of yellow and orange.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blackberry Lily, which is another name for Iris domestica, is not commonly referenced in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blackberry Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and Renewal: The Iris domestica, commonly known as Blackberry Lily, symbolizes rebirth and renewal due to its ability to return each year with vibrant blooms after a period of dormancy.
- Purity: The delicate and intricate nature of its flowers often associates the Blackberry Lily with purity and innocence.
- Wisdom: In some cultural contexts, the Iris domestica conveys a message of wisdom, perhaps due to its age-old medicinal uses and perennial presence in gardens.
- Communication: The intricate patterns on the petals of the Blackberry Lily can be seen to symbolize the complexity of communication and the conveying of messages.
- Transition: As the Blackberry Lily transitions from flower to a seedpod that resembles a blackberry, it can represent change and the different stages of life.
WaterBlackberry Lily needs consistent watering to establish a deep root system, especially during its first growing season. Typically water the plant once a week with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water. The method of watering should ensure that the soil is moist but not soggy. During the hot summer months, you might need to water twice a week. It's important to reduce the frequency to every other week or less during winter when the plant is dormant.
LightBlackberry Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureBlackberry Lily can survive in a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10. The plant can tolerate temperatures down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature conditions for Blackberry Lily tend to be between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningBlackberry Lily requires minimal pruning, primarily to remove any brown or faded leaves and spent flower stalks to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning too often or at the wrong time can stress the plant and reduce blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlackberry Lily requires well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.1 to 7.0. The best mix consists of loamy or sandy soil amended with organic matter like compost or peat moss to improve drainage and fertility.
RepottingBlackberry Lily, typically grown outdoors, doesn't often require repotting. However, if grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot, ideally in the spring.
Humidity & MistingBlackberry Lily thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. There is no need for specific humidity adjustments as long as the plant is not in an arid environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light for the Blackberry Lily and good air circulation indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Blackberry Lily in full sun to partial shade with good drainage.
Hardiness zone
5-10 USDA
Life cycleIris domestica, commonly known as Blackberry Lily, starts its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in the soil with sufficient warmth and moisture, giving rise to a small seedling. The seedling grows into a vegetative plant with characteristic sword-like leaves and eventually develops a robust root system. As the plant matures, it produces tall flowering stalks during the summer, which bear unique, orange flowers with spotted petals. After pollination, typically by insects, these flowers produce seed capsules that resemble blackberries, hence the common name. The capsules burst open in the fall to release seeds for the next generation. In winter, the plant dies back to the ground, with the roots remaining dormant under soil until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Iris domestica, commonly known as Blackberry Lily or Leopard Flower, is often propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this plant. This process typically takes place in the fall, after the flowering period has ended and the plants have gone dormant. Dividing the rhizomes allows the plant to rejuvenate and increase in number. To propagate by division, gently lift the plant from the soil with a shovel or garden fork. Carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one growing point. Replant each division promptly, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches apart (30 to 45 centimeters), and at the same depth they were previously growing. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to establish them in their new locations.
![Montbretia [Bright Eyes]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5f4a483b6.png&w=640&q=75)
