Blackberry Lily (Iris domestica)
Pollinator Magnet with Bold Spotted Blooms and Shiny Seed Surprise
Blackberry Lily (Iris domestica, formerly Belamcanda chinensis) is a striking ornamental and medicinal plant known for its orange flowers speckled with red spots—followed by seedpods that burst open to reveal clusters of shiny black seeds resembling blackberries. Native to East Asia and long used in traditional Chinese medicine, Blackberry Lily brings both bold beauty and herbal utility to your garden.
This easy-to-grow perennial is heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and blooms abundantly in summer, attracting butterflies, bees, and admiration from all who pass by. Its roots have historically been used in herbal formulas for respiratory support, while the plant’s unusual seed display adds late-season interest and ornamental flair.
Why You'll Love It:
- Stunning orange-red spotted flowers followed by blackberry-like seedpods
- Loved by pollinators and garden designers alike
- Drought-tolerant, heat-loving, and easy to grow
- Roots used in traditional Chinese medicine
- Unique summer-to-fall garden interest for food forests and flower beds
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun for best flowering and seed production
- Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature
- Deadhead to encourage more blooms or leave pods for seed display
- Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor
- Harvest seeds in fall or let them self-sow naturally