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Belamcanda chinensis 'Freckle Face'

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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
 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.

Origin: Not Native to North America

Characteristics:



Height:
  18-24 Inches
Spread:
  8-12 Inches
Flower Color:
  Gold/Orange Shades
Foliage Color:
  Green shades
Hardiness Zone:
4,5,6,7,8,9,10
Find Your Zone
Sun or Shade?:
  Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
  Low water needs
  Average water needs
Want to see wings?:
  Attracts butterflies
How fast should it grow?:
  Medium
When should it bloom?:
  Late summer
Looking for seasonal interest?:
  Attractive Seed Heads
How's your soil?:
  Average Soil
  Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
  Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
  Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
  Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
  Prairie
  Cottage
  Eclectic

Attributes:

Border plants
Cut flower or foliage
Dried flower or seed heads

Grower Note:

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.

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

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.


Companions:

Common/Botanical Name
Zones  
Helenium 'Sahin's Early Flowerer'
Common Name: Sneezeweed
3,4,5,6,7,8
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Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida
Common Name: Black-Eyed Susan
4,5,6,7,8,9,10
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Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'
Common Name: Grass-Ornamental
5,6,7,8,9
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Monarda didyma 'Purple Rooster'
Common Name: Bee Balm
4,5,6,7,8,9
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Gaillardia 'Tokajer'
Common Name: Blanket Flower
3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
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While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.