Calla Lily Zantedeschia 'Captain Melrose' (PBR) (Captain Series)
ABOUT
Zantedeschia 'Captain Melrose' (PBR) (Captain Series), commonly known as calla lily, is a striking perennial prized for its elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers. The blooms are a distinctive feature, notable for their charming bicolor pattern. The combination of colors in the flowers showcases a beautiful gradient—usually starting with a rich, deep pink at the edges, gently blending into creamy hues towards the center. These flowers gracefully arch over the foliage, each looking like a delicate painter's brushstroke. The plant's foliage is equally attractive and provides a lush backdrop for the stunning flowers. The leaves are broad and arrow-shaped, presenting a deep green color with a glossy surface that exhibits a waxy texture. The leaves often sport lighter spots or flecks, adding to the visual interest of the entire plant. The calla lily's overall form is one of grace and sophistication, making it a popular choice for ornamental displays and as a cut flower for arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Calla Lily, Arum Lily, Captain Melrose Calla Lily
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Captain Melrose'
ToxicityTo humans
The Zantedeschia 'Captain Melrose' is commonly known as calla lily. It is toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. Symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, difficulty swallowing and swelling of the throat can occur, potentially leading to breathing difficulties.
To pets
The calla lily is toxic to pets as well. Ingestion can result in symptoms such as oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration, difficulty breathing, and other serious complications, particularly if left untreated. It is important to prevent pets from accessing any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8-10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Zantedeschia 'Captain Melrose' is relatively easy to cultivate in various soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
- Long Blooming Period: It typically has a longer blooming season, which can last from late spring to early autumn under the right conditions.
- Attractive Flowers: This plant produces striking trumpet-shaped flowers with warm, pinkish hues that can add beauty to any garden or floral arrangement.
- Compact Size: With a compact growth habit, it is suitable for small gardens, patios, or even as an indoor potted plant.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or regions with water restrictions.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is not favored by deer, which helps to prevent damage in areas where deer browsing can be a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Attraction: Zantedeschia 'Captain Melrose' can serve as a captivating subject or backdrop for photographers, particularly those looking to capture the natural beauty of flowers in garden settings.
- Event Decoration: The striking appearance of the Calla Lily 'Captain Melrose' makes it an ideal choice for decorating venues during special events such as weddings or parties.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not edible, the flowers can be used as an ornamental garnish to enhance the visual presentation of dishes in high-end culinary settings.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique form and color of the Calla Lily 'Captain Melrose' can provide inspiration for artists and be used as a reference in paintings and illustrations.
- Fashion Design: The elegant shape and hues of the Calla Lily 'Captain Melrose' can influence fashion designers in creating botanical-themed prints and patterns for clothing and accessories.
- Education and Research: Botanical gardens and horticultural programs may use this plant to teach students about plant hybridization and ornamental plant cultivation techniques.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of Zantedeschia 'Captain Melrose' can be used as biodegradable confetti for eco-conscious celebrations, reducing the environmental impact of traditional confetti.
- Jewelry Making: The Calla Lily 'Captain Melrose' can inspire jewelry designers to create floral-themed pieces, with the flower's shape translated into pendants, earrings, and brooches.
- Craft Projects: Calla Lily 'Captain Melrose' can be incorporated into various craft projects, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or pressed flower arrangements.
- Mindfulness Practice: The plant's serene beauty can aid in creating a tranquil environment that facilitates mindfulness and meditation practices.
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 Captain Melrose, commonly known as Calla Lily, is often associated with beauty due to its elegant and sculptural bloom shape.
- Femininity: With its soft curves and refined appearance, the Calla Lily is considered a symbol of femininity and grace.
- Purity: The Calla Lily's pristine appearance often symbolizes purity and innocence, making it a popular choice for wedding bouquets.
- Rebirth: As a perennial plant that emerges year after year, the Calla Lily symbolizes rebirth and resurrection, tied to its blooming cycle.
- Overcoming challenges: Growing through water and mud to bloom, the Calla Lily can symbolize triumph over adversity and difficult circumstances.
- Marriage: Because of its use in weddings and pure appearance, the Calla Lily has come to represent enduring love and commitment in the context of marriage.
- Divine Faith: The Calla Lily is sometimes associated with faith and spirituality, as its trumpet-like flowers can signify a calling to enlightenment or higher truths.
WaterCalla Lilies should be watered deeply and consistently to keep the soil moist, particularly during their growing season in spring and summer. Generally, watering once a week with about 0.5 to 1 gallon of water per plant should suffice. However, it's important to adjust frequency based on weather conditions; less water may be needed during rainy periods or cooler weather. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has good drainage. In winter, reduce watering to prevent the soil from becoming too soggy as the plant's growth slows down.
LightCalla Lilies prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade. The best spot for them would be in a room with large windows or a sunroom where they receive filtered sunlight. Direct afternoon sun can scorch their leaves, so if only a sunny location is available, consider diffusing the light with sheer curtains.
TemperatureCalla Lilies thrive in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to frost or temperatures below this. Ideally, these plants should be protected from extreme heat and cold, with the ideal range providing the most favorable conditions for growth.
PruningCalla Lilies should be pruned to remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to promote healthy growth and appearance. Pruning is also necessary to prevent disease and to encourage more blooms. The best time to prune is after the blooms have faded, usually in late summer or early fall. Cut back the flower stems to the base of the plant, and trim away any yellow leaves as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCalla lily 'Captain Melrose' thrives in a soil mix that is rich, porous, and well-draining, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A good mix would be two parts peat moss to one part perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage and moisture retention.
RepottingCalla lily 'Captain Melrose' should be repotted every two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. The best time to repot is after the blooming period or during the spring.
Humidity & MistingCalla lily 'Captain Melrose' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, around 60-70%. Avoid placing the plant in an environment with dry air as it could hinder growth and flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place calla lily 'Captain Melrose' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant 'Captain Melrose' in part-shade, moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Zantedeschia 'Captain Melrose' (PBR) (Captain Series), commonly known as the Calla Lily, begins its life cycle as a rhizome, a bulb-like underground stem, which is planted in well-draining soil. During the germination stage, the rhizome sprouts roots and a shoot that pushes through the soil surface. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops long, lance-shaped leaves and a sturdy stem. The reproductive stage follows, where the plant produces its distinctive spathe and spadix, the spathe being a large, flaring trumpet-shaped bract that surrounds the true flowers located on the spadix. After pollination, the spadix may develop seeds, but commercial propagation is often vegetative via division of rhizomes. Finally, as the plant matures, the foliage yellows and dies back, entering a dormancy period before repeating the cycle when conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Zantedeschia 'Captain Melrose', commonly known as Calla Lily, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this plant. Propagation is ideally done in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins. To propagate by division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each section has at least one growth eye or bud. These sections can then be replanted in pots filled with a well-draining soil mix, placed about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) deep. It is important to maintain moderate moisture levels without waterlogging the soil, and to provide warm temperatures to encourage growth. After a few weeks, new growth should emerge, indicating that the division has been successful.
