When planted properly and in the right spot, Blackberry Lilies (Belamcanda) are exceptionally easy to grow in landscape and garden beds.
 
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know regarding planting daylilies...


Cultural Preferences
Soil 

Blackberry Lilies grow in a wide range of soils and soil conditions, except for constantly soggy or wet soils. They prefer and perform best in a well-drained moist soil of average fertility. When growing in containers use a good potting soil, potting mix, or combination of thereof.

Testing Soil Drainage
If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant your Blackberry Lilies, it's well worth taking the time to test the drainage before planting. To test soil drainage, dig a hole 12" wide by 12" deep. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. In well-drained soil the water level will go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour. A faster rate, such as in loose, sandy soil, may signal potentially dry site conditions and possibly a need to add organic matter to help retain moisture. A slower rate indicates poor draining soil and is a caution you need to improve drainage, plant in a raised mound or bed, or look for plants that are more tolerant of wet or boggy conditions.


Soil pH

Blackberry Lilies grow well in a wide range of pH from 6.0 to 8.0 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.   

Testing Soil pH 
Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. If you're unsure about the pH of your soil, and whether or not it's suitable for growing Blackberry Lilies, it's a good idea to test the soil pH in the planting area. You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.



Light Needs

Blackberry Lilies will take all the sun you can give them but will also tolerate some shade or filtered sun. At least 4 hours of direct sunlight is recommended for best performance.


Step-By-Step Planting Instructions

Step 1
Start by digging your planting hole at least two to three times as wide and a little deeper than the root ball. The wider the hole the better. Place native soil removed from planting hole around the perimeter of the hole, in a wheel barrow, or on a tarp.

Step 2
Depending on the type, fertility and porosity of the soil in the planting area, it may be beneficial to amend the native soil. When planting in heavy clay or poor soils mix in organic matter such as composted manure or a good planting mix at a 50/50 ratio with the soil. When planting in a sandy, quick-draining soil amending with top soil, organic compost, or peat moss will help to retain moisture and supply vital plant nutrients. When planting in a fertile, loamy, well-drained moist soil there is no need to amend soil.

Step 3
To remove your plant from the container it was growing in try to gently lift and remove it from its container. If the root ball is stuck in the container squeeze the sides of the container to try to loosen the root ball. If that doesn't work cut the container away. After having removed the plant from the container, use your fingers to gently loosen some feeder roots around the surface of the root ball. 

Step 4
Set your Blackberry Lily in the planting hole so that the top edge of the root ball is at or slightly above ground level to allow for settling. It may be necessary to place some of your backfill soil mixture in the bottom of the hole to achieve proper planting height.


Step 5
After setting your plant in the planting hole , use one hand to hold the plant straight while using your other hand to begin backfilling the soil mixture around the root ball, tamping as you go to remove air pockets. When you have filled the hole to the halfway point you can soak the soil. Then continue backfilling to the top edge of the root ball. To avoid suffocating your plant, avoid placing any soil on top of the root ball.

Step 6
After planting deeply water the root ball and surrounding soil. For an extra boost, you can also water with a solution of Root Stimulator, which stimulates early root formation and stronger root development, promoting greener, more vigorous plants.

Step 7
Apply a 1" layer of aged, shredded wood mulch or bark or a 1-2" layer of pine straw around your newly planted Blackberry Lilies. Avoid the use of freshly chipped or shredded wood for mulch until it has cured in a pile for at least 6 months, a year is better. 


Container Planting Instructions

Blackberry Lilies are great for adding a grassy texture and bright flower color to mixed container garden plantings.

When growing in pots Blackberry Lilies appreciate a moist but well-drained soil. As with so many other plants, constantly soggy soil can and often will cause root rot or other harmful or deadly plant diseases. Therefore, plant in a container or pot that has a drainage hole(s) and use a quality potting soil or potting mix, or a 50/50 combination thereof for planting. 

Make sure to choose a container with drainage holes at the bottom and one that is large enough to allow for 2 to 3 years of growth before shifting up to a larger size container. This might mean your planting pot would be 4 inches or more in width than the root ball of your plant. 

Container color will matter as well. Not only will you want to pick a color of container that goes well with the flower and foliage color of your Blackberry Lily, you'll also want to pick a container that matches the style of your home or other structures and other plants in the surrounding environment. 

Many nursery & garden centers offer a wide variety of containers to choose from. Before heading out to buy a container take pictures of your home and the surrounding environment. Doing so will help you to choose just the right color and style.


Step 1
Before filling your container with the soil mix we recommend lining the bottom with shade cloth or a porous landscape fabric. This will keep the drain holes from becoming stopped up with soil. 

Step 2
To remove your Blackberry Lily plant from the container it was growing in try to gently lift and remove it from its container. If the root ball is stuck in the container squeeze the sides of the container to try to loosen the root ball. If that doesn't work cut the container away. After having removed the plant from the container, use your fingers to gently loosen some feeder roots around the surface of the root ball. 

Step 3
Pour a small amount of your soil mixture in the bottom of the container. Set your plant in the container and make necessary adjustments by adding or removing some soil so that the top edge of the root ball will sit 1/2 to 1" below the rim of the container.


Step 4
Backfill with your potting soil around root ball, tamping as you go, until the level of potting soil is even with the top edge of root ball.

Step 5
Water thoroughly until water starts to drain from the holes in the bottom of the container. Add more potting mix if settling occurs during watering.

Step 6 (Optional)
Apply a 1/2" layer of wood chips or sphagnum moss to soil surface to help conserve moisture.


How To Care For Blackberry Lilies

Fertilizing Blackberry Lilies

Thouhg they are light feeders that can get most of the nutrients they need from soil and rainwater, Blackberry Lilies will benefit from fertilization. Feed in early spring with a flower fertilizer or a natural organic plant food.

Soil pH

Blackberry Lilies grow well in a wide range of pH from 6.0 to 8.0 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.   

Testing Soil pH 
Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. If you're unsure about the pH of your soil, and whether or not it's suitable for growing Blackberry Lilies, it's a good idea to test the soil pH in the planting area. You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.



Watering Blackberry Lily Plants

Blackberry Lilies prefer a moist but well-drained soil. When established they can tolerate dry periods. As with many other perennial plants they do not like constantly soggy or wet soil, which can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.

After Planting 
Immediately after planting deep soak the soil in the planting area to a depth of at least 6 inches. An application of Root Stimulator will provide an extra boost to stimulate early root formation and stronger root development, which reduces transplant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants.

During the First Active Growth Season
In average garden soil you should not have to water your newly planted Blackberry Lily plants every day. More often than not, this causes soggy soil conditions that can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. In the absence of sufficient rainfall, water only as needed to keep the rootball and surrounding soil damp to moist. Keep in mind that deep soaking less frequently is much better than splashing just a little water on the plants every day. Plants planted during the winter dormant season, when not actively growing and evaporation is much slower, will require much less water. So, be extra careful not to overwater during winter!

Thereafter
When established, Blackberry Lilies are fairly drought tolerant. During prolonged periods of summer drought plants will appreciate occasional deep soakings. If you see foliage wilting or discoloring check soil moisture and give plants a good deep soaking if necessary.

Watering Blackberry Lily Plants In Containers
Blackberry Lilies growing in containers will require closer attention to soil moisture. Check soil moisture regularly and provide water if the top inch or two of the soil is somewhat dry to dry. During cooler months Blackberry Lilies growing in containers will not require as much water.

Important Tip:  When watering with an automated irrigation system it's best to set your timer to water during the early morning hours and not in the late evening or at night, which can lead to the onset of fungus and other foliage diseases. During the first few weeks after planting, check soil moisture often and adjust irrigation time if necessary to keep the soil moist, not wet.


Pruning Blackberry Lilies

Blackberry Lilies don't require much if any pruning. That said, damaged or broken leaves or flower stems can be removed at any time during the season. If spent flowers are left on the plant interesting seedpods that look just like blackberries will form to provide winter interest in the garden. These flower stems can be cut for use in dried flower arrangements. All dead growth can be cut back at any time during winter before new growth begins to emerge in early spring.

Hope this information was helpful. Don;t hesitate to contact us if you need more details or have any questions.

Plant Long & Prosper!