Monday, July 5, 2010

Mellow Yellow

This is a new plant for me this year.  It's called Belamcanda Chinensis--the more common name is Blackberry Lily.  It's supposed to bloom for several weeks in the summer.  Plant height is 18-24", it likes full sun, is perennial to zone 5, and its leaves are fan shaped--very similar to gladiolus.  I have noticed that the blooms open in the middle of the day but by evening have closed up.  Belamcanda doesn't just come in this very mellow color, it can also be found in shades of orange and some of the blooms are spotted.

Belamcanda grows from rhizomes, however, I found mine when they were already in the early foliage stage.  I planted them in mid-May and the first bud appeared mid-June. 

In my Google search, I came across an acupunture website that said the rhizome, when boiled in water to make a sort of tea, was effective in treating throat-related ailments such as general pain and swelling and laryngitis.  I think I'll stick with the over-the-counter Chloraseptic.

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2 comments:

  1. SwimrayJuly 16, 2010 at 10:15 AM

    The photos look like freesia. Where did you get your plant?

    ReplyDelete
  2. MiriamJuly 17, 2010 at 8:42 AM

    Dear Swimray:

    Thanks for writing in. Yes, the Belamcanda does look freesia-like. I got this plant at Merrifield Garden Center in Northern Virginia. Since it's hardy to zone 5, I fully expect it to return next year. I'll remember to report back. --Miriam

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