Last week our Leopard Lilies (Belancandra chinesis) were in full bloom. The 90 degree heat has pushed them along so fast that we didn’t get too much time to enjoy them.
Leopard Lilies are also known as “Blackberry Lilies”. The mature seed cluster is a spittin’ image of a blackberry, hence the name.
The flowers are kind of small so they would not be very effective planted in large drifts to be seen from a distance. Rather, the plant is best enjoyed near a side walk or door where you can see them up close as you pass by.
I planted ours from seed about four years ago. Only 2 or 3 seedling were big enough to plant at that time. They flowered the following year and every year since. They have also multiplied to the point were I can now divide the “fans” just like an iris. Maybe I’ll post an article this fall on that subject when it’s time to divide perennials.
Looking at the photo you can see the seed pods along with the “curly-cue” left behind after the flower has faded. Later the seed pods will form the “blackberry” (check back here later on in the season and I will have a photo of that too).
The Leopard Lily has so much more going for it than just the attractive flowers, making it one of my most favourite plants.
Bob