We proudly research, grow, and write about our plants by hand. Descriptions are based on our experience as well as information gathered from reputable sources: books, periodicals, and select websites. Should you have questions beyond what is listed please email or call.

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Iris domestica (blackberry lily) in bloom

Iris domestica (blackberry lily) foliage

Iris domestica (blackberry lily) bloom and buds

Iris domestica (blackberry lily) single flower

Close up of blue-black seeds of Iris domestic against a blurred green background.

Image of blue-black seedheads of Iris domestic with Cuphea vicossimo against a blurred green background.

Iris domestica | blackberry lily

Regular price: $8.99
Regular price
Sale price: $8.99

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Grown from seed in living soil without the use of pesticides, chemicals, or carbon fuels.

Available FALL 2026. Sign up for the waitlist to be notified when available for purchase.

*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

4" pot

Special Characteristics

Deer-resistant
Rabbit resistant

image credits

@ The Old Dairy Nursery

Ordering information

Preorders

You may place your order anytime to reserve plants for fall 2026 shipping. 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.

We will resume shipping as soon as temperatures cool in our location and yours. This can range from the beginning of September for northern locations to the end of October for hot locations (Texas).

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.

Nursery pick up

We will email you to schedule a day and time to collect your plants when they are ready in spring. Generally, plants can be collected from the nursery Monday through Sunday from 10am-4pm in Spring, Summer, and Fall.

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.