Belamcanda chinensis 'Freckle Face'

Belamcanda 'Freckle Face' Blackberry Lily

Common Name: Blackberry Lily

This unique perennial produces a profusion of two inch wide, brilliant orange blossoms with heavy red specking and shading on each of the six overlapping petals. They are produced atop mid-sized plants with green, sword-shaped foliage like that of a tall bearded iris.

In our growing fields, we have observed this plant having a resistance to Cercospora leaf spot, a disease nicknamed "fish eye" which it resembles. The foliage remains clean all season long here in Michigan.

Belamcanda blooms for weeks in late summer, and its season of interest is extended into fall with the interesting seed pods which develop. Tan, pear-shaped pods burst open to reveal clusters of black seeds resembling blackberries, hence the common name. They are persistant thru the winter and are attractive in fresh or dried flower arrangements.

Height:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Spread:

8.0-12.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Flower Color:

Orange Shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Summer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic Prairie

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Dried Flower

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Plant Belamcanda in full sun and well-drained soil. It especially detests soil that is wet in winter. This plant varies in height depending on the soil conditions. When grown in poor, dry soil, the height of the flower stalks will be about 24". However, if the soil is rich and moist, they can grow up to 48" tall and will require staking. A heavy layer of mulch is suggested for northern winters. For best results, divide in early spring.

Characteristics