Belamcanda chinensis
(Iris domestica)
Blackberry Lily
You have seen this orange beauty growing in the Perennial Border at the Arboretum. Spotted orange flowers bloom in summer. Instead of simply dropping when the flower has finished, the petals twist together as the seed pod develops below them. When fall comes, the pods dry and open to reveal shiny black seeds that look like blackberries. Fun science fact: Although it was thought to be related to lilies for a long time (based on the flower), its DNA has revealed that it's more closely related to irises.
Perennial
Full sun
2-3' tall, 1-2' wide
Blooms July to August but seed pods add interest into autumn
Zones 5-10
1-quart container