Description
BLACKBERRY LILY (Belamcanda chinensis), also known as She Gan and Leopard Lily, produces rhizomes that are an important Chinese medicine, and has been shown to be antifungal and antiviral. Thomas Jefferson grew them at Monticello and naturalized descendants still bloom there. It is also a beautiful decorative growing up to 4' high with deep orange 2" flowers with red "freckles.: Blooms in early summer, followed by ornamental clusters of black seeds which look just like blackberries (hence its common name). The young leaves can be eaten. Hardy perennial to Zone 5. 10 Seeds.
Growing tips: To start the Belamcanda Chinensis seed, sow them directly in the garden about 1/4 inch deep in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Germinates in 2-12 weeks in warm temps. Or you can start indoors 4 - 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant after danger of frost when two true leaves have appeared. Flowers first year if started early enough.