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Blackberry Lily
Seed Packet

Blackberry Lily

Belamcanda chinensis
In the early 1800s blackberry lily was called Chinese Ixia, referring to its native land. Fan-shaped leaf blades hold sprays of bright red-speckled flowers, each lasting but a day, to be followed by many more during its summer bloom time. Then, in early fall, seed capsules split open from their papery enclosure to reveal glistening blackberry cones prized in dried arrangements. Grow in groups mid-border in moist but well-drained sites.
SKU #S023
$4.00
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Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
33
Lifecycle
Perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10
Mature Size
2-2.5' h x 15-18" w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Regular to rich, well-drained
Season
Summer
Color
Orange with red freckling
Features
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Heat or Drought Tolerant
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface sow and firm in.
Sprout Time:
20-50 days
Starting Indoors:
Ten-12 weeks before last frost, sow in pots, covering with humidity dome with to retain moisture while seeds germinate. Keep at 60-75°F. Water from bottom once germination has occurred, keeping lightly moist but not saturated. A pre-chill at 35-40°F for 1-2 months may increase germination.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow in early spring. Germination rates outdoors may vary depending on weather conditions—be patient.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After all danger of frost has passed.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Blackberry lily has strap-like foliage resembling iris leaves and bright orange speckled flowers. But the main attraction is yet to come. Once the flowers have faded, the thimbles of ripening seeds look remarkably similar to glistening blackberries and are perfect for wintertime bouquets. Avoid wet soils in winter for a longer-lived plant and divide it in spring every two to three years or allow seedlings to emerge from self-sowing to revitalize the bed. Space the plants 8" apart and provide support if the soil is rich.
Final Spacing:
8"
Water Requirements:
Low Water Use
Watering Details:
Drought tolerant once fully established; water during particularly dry spells.
Soil pH:
Acidic to slightly alkaline
Fertilizer:
Mix about 2" of compost into the soil before planting and topdress with about 1" every spring and mix in.
Diseases & Pests:
No serious insect or disease problems. Iris borers may damage leaves and cause rot of rhizomes. Dig and remove affected parts of rhizomes and remove spent foliage in late fall or very early spring.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest for decorative seed heads for dried arrangements.