Calla Lily 'Captain Brunello' Zantedeschia 'Captain Brunello' (PBR) (Captain Series)
ABOUT
Zantedeschia 'Captain Brunello', commonly known as calla lily, is a striking plant known for its distinctive flowers. The bloom comprises a funnel-shaped spathe, which is usually a deep, rich orange color that can vary in intensity across individual flowers. The spathe gracefully wraps around a central, finger-like spadix that stands prominently at the center. The leaves of the calla lily are typically arrow-shaped, glossy, and a lush green hue, sometimes showcasing speckled or mottled patterns. The foliage provides a complementary backdrop to the vibrant flowers, making the colors pop even more. The overall visual effect of the calla lily is one of elegance and simplicity, with bold, yet refined features that make it popular both in gardens and as a cut flower for arrangements. The plant emanates an air of sophistication and is often associated with occasions that call for a touch of elegance. As part of the Captain Series, 'Captain Brunello' is cultivated for its exceptional color and form, making it a sumptuous choice for gardeners and floral designers alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Captain Brunello Calla Lily, Captain Brunello Arum Lily
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Captain Brunello' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The Zantedeschia 'Captain Brunello', commonly known as Calla Lily, is considered toxic to humans. If ingested, the plant can cause irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract due to calcium oxalate crystals, which can lead to symptoms such as a burning sensation, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, nausea and vomiting. It is crucial to handle these plants with care and ensure they are not consumed.
To pets
The Zantedeschia 'Captain Brunello', commonly referred to as Calla Lily, is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingesting any part of the plant can result in severe symptoms due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. These symptoms may include oral irritation, drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and a decrease in appetite. If a pet consumes parts of a Calla Lily, prompt veterinary attention is recommended to manage the toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: The Captain Calla Lily is known for being low maintenance and easy to grow, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Eye-catching Blooms: It produces vibrant orange flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden or floral arrangement.
- Versatile Planting: This plant can be grown both in the ground and in containers, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilisation.
- Long Blooming Period: The Captain Calla Lily offers a long flowering season, providing aesthetic value throughout the warmer months.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it tolerates periods of drought, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Attracts Pollinators: While not its primary benefit, the plant can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The striking appearance of the Calla Lily 'Captain Brunello' can be used as an elegant backdrop or focal point in still life photography.
- Eco-printing Material: Leaves and flowers can provide interesting shapes and colors for eco-printing on fabrics or paper.
- Fashion Inspiration: The unique shape and color of the Calla Lily 'Captain Brunello' could inspire design elements in fashion such as patterns for textiles or accessories.
- Artistic Muse: The plant's beautiful form can inspire artists and be used as a subject in paintings, drawings, and other art forms.
- Culinary Garnish: Though not edible, a clean Calla Lily 'Captain Brunello' flower can be used temporarily to embellish plates for upscale dining presentations.
- Ice Sculptures Mold: The Calla Lily 'Captain Brunello' can be frozen into ice to create stunning and elaborate natural sculptures for events or decoration.
- Theme Parties Decoration: The flowers can be used to enhance the theme of elegant events, parties or wedding decorations.
- Candle Making: The petal shapes of the Calla Lily 'Captain Brunello' can inspire candle molds for decorative home fragrances.
- Education: Plants like the Calla Lily 'Captain Brunello' can be used in botanical studies to educate on plant morphology and hybridization processes.
- Jewelry Making: The silhouette of Calla Lily 'Captain Brunello' can be cast in metal or carved into other materials to make unique pieces of jewelry.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Calla Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Calla Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The Zantedeschia, commonly known as Calla Lily, possesses a refined beauty due to its elegant and sculptural flower form, often associated with that concept.
- Purity: Its white variety, in particular, symbolizes purity, which is why it is often used in religious ceremonies and weddings.
- Resurrection and Rebirth: Because of its trumpet-shaped blooms that appear to herald their own unfurling, the Calla Lily is associated with resurrection and rebirth, especially in Christian Easter traditions.
- Marital Bliss: Due to its use in wedding ceremonies, the Calla Lily is also seen as a symbol of marital bliss and enduring devotion.
- Overcoming Challenges: The plant's ability to bloom from a bulb in murky waters is often likened to overcoming challenges, suggesting triumph amidst adversity.
WaterCalla lilies should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be about once a week, depending on the climate and indoor conditions. Avoid waterlogging as these plants do not like standing water. During their growing and blooming season, roughly from spring to fall, watering might be more frequent. When watering, aim for consistent moisture but not saturation, roughly equivalent to 1 gallon of water per plant every week or two during active growth, adjusting as necessary for your environment and pot size. In winter, reduce watering to allow the plant to rest.
LightCalla lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. They favor a spot that receives plenty of light but is shielded from the harsh midday sun, such as behind a sheer curtain near a south-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it’s best to provide diffused light for the healthiest growth. Keeping them in this ideal light condition will encourage vigorous growth and flowering.
TemperatureCalla lilies prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50°F, but they should not be exposed to temperatures below this as it can cause damage to the plant. It's important to protect the plant from extreme temperature changes and drafts, keeping it in a stable environment.
PruningPruning calla lilies involves removing spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and more blooms. Prune as needed during the growing season, typically after a bloom has faded, to maintain the plant's appearance and health. The best time for a major pruning is in the fall when the plant is entering dormancy; this is the time to cut back the foliage to the soil level if it has died back naturally.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCalla Lily 'Captain Brunello' thrives in well-draining, rich, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix containing peat, perlite, and compost is ideal to retain moisture and provide essential nutrients.
RepottingCalla Lily 'Captain Brunello' typically needs repotting every two to three years or when it becomes pot-bound. It's best to repot in spring, at the onset of the growing season.
Humidity & MistingCalla Lily 'Captain Brunello' prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60-70%. Avoid placing in dry, drafty areas to maintain optimum humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Calla Lily 'Captain Brunello' begins its life cycle when the rhizome (bulbous plant stem) is planted in well-draining soil, either in early spring for regions with mild climates or indoors in colder regions. It moves into a growth stage, developing strong, singular stems and arrow-shaped leaves, followed by the distinctive flowers which can bloom from late spring to early fall, given adequate water and partial sunlight. Once the flowering stage concludes, it enters a dormancy period in the late fall to winter, during which the foliage dies back and the rhizome conserves energy. To perpetuate its life cycle, the Calla Lily can reproduce both sexually through seed production after the flowers are pollinated and asexually through division of its rhizomes. New rhizomes can be separated from the parent plant at the end of the dormancy stage or the beginning of the next growth cycle, ensuring the propagation of new plants. After a period of dormancy, the cycle begins anew with renewed growth in the following spring, completing the annual cycle of the Calla Lily 'Captain Brunello'.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Zantedeschia 'Captain Brunello', commonly known as Calla Lily, is often propagated by dividing its rhizomes, which is the most popular method. This process should ideally take place when the plant is dormant, usually in late summer to autumn. The rhizomes are carefully dug up and the clumps are divided by hand or with a knife to separate the rhizomes, making sure each division has at least one or two growing points. These divisions are then planted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 4 inches (10 cm), spaced approximately 12 inches (30 cm) apart, and watered in well. This allows the newly planted rhizomes to establish roots before the growing season and bloom the following spring or summer.
