The Letter I.
I for Invincible, Irascible Iris?
Nope!
Perhaps an Iris Wannabe?
Nope!
Better than an Iris, that being my "Impartial" Impression.
:-)
Belamcanda chinensis!
Petite-ly beautiful, Belamcanda chinensis flowers are
around 1 1/2" in diameter. But look at those striking colors!
Blackberry Lily (common name)
Belamcanda chinensis is an interesting plant, growing best in sun or part sun.
In Spring, it begins growth much like an iris.
However, the foot-long or so leaves form along the two-foot long stems.
It's a member of the lily family, is hardy in zones 5 through 10, and a native of China.
However, the foot-long or so leaves form along the two-foot long stems.
It's a member of the lily family, is hardy in zones 5 through 10, and a native of China.
(This photo was taken in 2009. I first planted these in a Very shady spot.
Consequently, the plant didn't grow as sturdily as it should, but it did bloom nicely.
I left the clump here, but have begun others elsewhere - in sunnier locations!)
"Bella" as the flowers roll their petals tightly and not long afterwards,
the seed pods are formed.
"Bella" because
after the seed pods dry, they split open and little dark (inedible) "fruits" appear -
looking much like blackberries (hence the name). The seeds are contained within,
and may be harvested for propagation.
Again, they are "bella" as the Fall foliage turns strikingly golden in the sunlight.
(This was not a sunny morning.)





