Leopard flower

Iris domestica, formerly known as Belamcanda chinensis and commonly called leopard flower, is a unique and attractive architectural perennial. It produces striking, iris-like flowers with six vibrant orange petals, heavily spotted with dark red, giving them a leopard-like appearance. These charming blooms appear in late summer on tall, gracefully arching stems, typically reaching a height of 60-90cm. The sword-shaped, fan-like foliage is characteristic of irises, providing a strong vertical accent through the growing season. Leopard flower thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. It is excellent for borders, prairie-style plantings, and cutting gardens, where its distinct flowers can be admired. Following the flowers, clusters of black, bead-like seeds develop, resembling blackberries, adding further autumn interest to the plant. This hardy perennial is relatively low-maintenance and offers a touch of exotic flair to the garden.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.