Leopard lily (Iris domestica ‘Hello Yellow’)

Features and Characteristics

Iris domestica, commonly called blackberry lily or leopard lily, is an erect, rhizomatous perennial which typically grows 2-3′ tall. Lily-like, deep orange flowers (to 2″ across), heavily spotted with red dots, have 6 petal-like perianth segments. Flowers appear in early to-mid summer in sprays above the foliage on wiry, naked stems typically rising to 3′ (less frequently to 4′) tall. Sword-shaped, iris-like, medium green leaves (to 10″ long) are in flattened fans. Flowers give way to pear-shaped seed pods which split open when ripe (late summer), with each pod revealing a blackberry-like seed cluster, hence the common name of blackberry lily. The seed heads are persistent and can provide winter interest. Spotting on the flowers gives rise to the additional common name of leopard lily. Formerly known as Belamcanda chinensis.

Genus named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow.

Specific epithet means frequently used as a house plant or domesticated.

‘Hello Yellow’ is a dwarf cultivar that produces foliage to only 10” tall with flower spikes to 18-20” tall. Lily-like, unspotted, butter yellow flowers.