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Iris domestica (blackberry lily) flower
Iris domestica (blackberry lily) in bloom
Iris domestica (blackberry lily) foliage
Iris domestica (blackberry lily) bloom and buds
Iris domestica (blackberry lily) single flower

blackberry lily

Iris domestica*

Regular price
$8.99
Regular price
Sale price
$8.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.

ships spring 2025

PLEASE KNOW: Plants shipped in early spring are likely to arrive dormant.

*formerly known as Belamcanda chinensis

Blackberry Lilly or Leopard Lilly is a not a lily at all, but a member of the iris family. It has traditional flat, sword-like iris foliage, but the flat, rounded flowers are quite different. We love it for its golden-orange freckled petals. Once flowering is done, brownish seed capsules form; in fall, seed capsules explode revealing shiny black seed clusters. Seed clusters remain through winter.

Easy to grow in full sun in average garden soil. This plant does like moisture in summer, but too much moisture in winter can be fatal. Be sure to plant in a well-drained area.

Fun Fact: Thomas Jefferson planted this plant at Monticello in 1807 and documented it in his garden book, Notes on the State of Virginia. It was then known as Chinese Ixia.

Warning: May cause minor vomiting or stomach upset if ingested. Sap or juice may cause dermatitis.

Zones: 5 to 10
Family: Iridaceae
Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 24 to 36 in.
Spread: 9 to 24 in.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Conditions: Average, moist but well-drained
Bloom Time: July to August
Native Range: eastern Russia, China and Japan

Special Characteristics
  • Deer-resistant
  • Rabbit resistant
image credits

Ali McEnhill, The Old Dairy Nursery

Iris domestica (blackberry lily) flower
Iris domestica (blackberry lily) in bloom
Iris domestica (blackberry lily) foliage
Iris domestica (blackberry lily) bloom and buds
Iris domestica (blackberry lily) single flower

Ordering information

Preorders

You may place your order anytime to reserve plants for spring 2025 shipment. If you place multiple orders, we will combine plants into one box (or as many as needed) and any extra shipping charges will be refunded when we ship.

We will begin shipping plants as soon as plants begin to emerge from dormancy in spring. Woodies will likely begin shipping in April. Perennials will likely begin shipping in May. If ordering multiple varieties, we will hold until all plants are ready to ship together. If you would like to receive plants sooner please reach out.

We will check in with you a week before shipping to make sure you receive your plants at a time that is convenient for you.

Shipping

Live plants ship in spring and fall only. Plants may ship dormant, depending on variety and season. Shipping costs are most reasonable when bundling like size plants.

  • 4-inch: 1-6 plants ship for $15.00 / 7-13 plants ship for $18.00 / 14-30 plants ship for $40.00
  • 1-gal: 1-2 plants ship for $18.00 / 3-4 plants ship for $25.00 / 5-6 plants ship for $40.00
  • trees & shrubs: $27.00-$40.00 each, height dependent
  • seeds: $6.75 or free with orders over $15.00

We regret that we cannot ship internationally or to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, or WA.

Read more about our shipping policies here.

Nursery pick up

Plants can be collected from the nursery Monday through Sunday from 10am-4pm in Spring, Summer, and Fall. We prefer 24 hour notice to get your order together and will email you when ready for collection.

If you place a SPRING 2025 PREORDER, we will contact you in spring when your plants are ready for collection. Woodies will likely become available for collection in April. Perennials will likely become available in May. If ordering multiple varieties, we will hold until all plants are ready to be collected together.

Plant Sizes

We most commonly use the following pot sizes for perennials:

  • 4-inch pot: 3.5" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D
  • 2-quart pot: 6" H x 5.25" W x 5.25" D
  • 1-gallon pot: 6.87" H x 8" Dia (this is a true one gallon pot, not the smaller 'trade' one gallon pot used by many nurseries)

Check out our illustrated pot size guide here.

Representative trees & shrubs are photographed in their pots and posted on each plant page.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at The Old Dairy. We grow all of our plants outdoors without the use of chemicals, fertilizers, carbon fuels, or peat.

Many of our perennials are grown in the ground and dug upon order (this is especially true for larger sizes). This practice allows us to grow stronger, healthier plants using native soil, and ultimately reduces our impact on the environment.

Our open-pollinated seeds are collected from plants in our mother beds, which have never been treated with chemicals or sprays of any kind.

Read all about our sustainable practices here.

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Iris domestica (blackberry lily) foliageIris domestica (blackberry lily) foliage

view this plant in our garden

Iris domestica* | Koi Pond 2024

seedling image

Iris domestica*

We are slowly creating a seedling image library to help make weeding easier.
Iris domestica (blackberry lily) foliageIris domestica (blackberry lily) foliage
garden location coming soongarden location coming soon