Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga) Iris domestica
Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga) (Iris domestica) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to China, Japan, Korea, India and the Russian Far East. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -26 °C (-15 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -26 °C (-15 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China, Japan, Korea, India and the Russian Far East |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇮🇳 India, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: rhizomes, leaves
Iris rhizomes contain irritant compounds (listed by the ASPCA): vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga)
- How far apart should I plant Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga)?
- It tolerates about -26 °C (-15 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga) flower?
- From about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Iris rhizomes contain irritant compounds (listed by the ASPCA): vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed.
- What grows well with Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Blackberry lily (leopard lily, shaga). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
Notes and assumptions
- Fans of iris leaves and orange flowers spotted red, each lasting a day; capsules split to show clusters of shiny black seeds like blackberries. Long known as Belamcanda chinensis.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bearded iris Iris germanica
- Japanese iris Iris ensata
- Siberian iris Iris sibirica
- Dutch crocus Crocus vernus
- Gladiolus Gladiolus x hortulanus
- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- African iris Dietes grandiflora