Perennial plants, those that come back year after year without replanting, are a wonderful way to add color and variety in the landscape without having to replant each year. Choosing the right perennial plant can be difficult though, especially considering the wide variety of plants to choose from. Over the next few weeks, we'll take a look at several perennials that grow very well in eastern Nebraska and would make excellent additions to any perennial garden.

Blackberry lily is a member of the Iris family. The plant gets its common name from the pear-shaped, green seed pod which opens in fall to reveal a cluster of shiny, black seeds resembling blackberries lined up inside the seed pod like kernels of corn. The seed heads can be cut and dried, making an unusual addition to dried flower arrangements. Blackberry lily has stoloniferous, clump forming roots from which produce tall, slim, sword-like leaves resembling those of gladiolus. Two commonly grown species of blackberry lily include Belamcanda chinensis and B. flava.

The flowers of B. chinensis consist of clusters of orange flowers sprinkled with gaudy maroon spots, resulting in the common name Leopard Flower. B. chinensis grows to a height of 18-36". A popular cultivar of B. flava called 'Hello Yellow' has clear, yellow flowers. 'Hello Yellow' is a dwarf cultivar that only reaches 18" in height. Both species bloom in summer and are hardy in Zones 5-10.

Blackberry lily requires full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. Considered a tender bulb, the plants may be overwintered in protected locations or dug up in the fall and stored in a cool, dry place during the winter. Iris borer can be a problem, but removing dead or dying leaves may help to keep the damage under control.

A related plant commonly called Candylily or Orchid Iris, Pardancanda sp., has very similar flowers that are produced from summer through frost. Flower color includes blue, red, yellow, purple and orange with height ranging from 15"-36". This plant also requires full sun and well drained soil, and can be very useful in areas where heat and drought are a problem. Candylily makes a nice cut flower and is hardy in Zones 5-10.