Daylily Hemerocallis 'Calligraphy'
ABOUT
The 'Calligraphy' daylily is a stunning perennial that boasts exquisite flowers with a unique form. Each bloom presents three large outer petals and three smaller inner petals, all of which display a rich, usually warm color. The petals often feature a darker eye or halo near the center, creating a striking contrast against the main petal color. The throat of the flower typically shows a lighter shade or a different hue, adding complexity to the flower's appearance. The flowers emerge from tall, sturdy stems, called scapes, that rise gracefully above a clump of arching, strap-like foliage. The leaves are long and narrow, with a deep green color that provides a lush backdrop for the display of blooms. During the blooming period, the daylily will produce several flower buds on each scape, which open successively, ensuring a prolonged and spectacular show of color. 'Calligraphy' daylilies are known for their distinctive ruffled edges along the petals, which can appear to be delicately curled or wavy, adding to the ornamental appeal of the plant. The textural qualities of the blooms convey a sense of elegance and movement. Each individual flower typically lasts for just one day, hence the name "daylily,” but new buds continue to open over the flowering period, which can last several weeks.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daylily
Common names
Hemerocallis 'Calligraphy'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Hemerocallis 'Calligraphy' is commonly known as a Daylily. Daylilies are not considered toxic to humans and are actually known to have edible parts, with some cultures using the flowers in their cuisine. However, it's important to note that not every person might tolerate daylilies well, and in some rare cases, individuals can have an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal discomfort after eating them. This can include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always recommended to exercise caution and make sure you are not sensitive to a particular plant before consuming it.
To pets
Daylilies are extremely toxic to cats, but not typically to dogs or other pets. For cats, even a small amount of any part of the plant, including the water from a vase containing cut daylilies, can be dangerous. Symptoms of daylily poisoning in cats can occur quickly and can include vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure, and in severe cases, death. If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a daylily plant, it is critical to seek veterinary assistance immediately as prompt treatment is essential for the best outcome.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: The daylily 'Calligraphy' is known for its hardiness and adaptability, making it easy to cultivate in a variety of garden settings.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, daylilies are quite tolerant of drought, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Long Blooming: Daylilies have a lengthy blooming period, offering colorful flowers throughout the summer.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms of daylilies attract butterflies and bees, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Versatile: Daylilies can be used in a range of landscape applications, from borders and ground covers to container gardens.
- Maintenance-Free: Generally, daylilies require very little maintenance once they are established in the garden.
- Propagation: Daylilies can be easily propagated by division, which allows gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Soil Adaptability: Daylilies are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, though they prefer well-drained soils.
- Rapid Growth: They establish and spread quickly in the garden, thus providing a fast fill-in for empty spaces.
- Variety of Colors: The 'Calligraphy' cultivar, like many daylilies, offers a beautiful range of colors, adding visual interest to any garden space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The daylily 'Calligraphy' can be used as a natural dye. The petals, especially when collected from more intensely colored varieties, can produce dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- In some cultures, the shoots and tubers of young daylily plants are used as a food source, added to soups or stir-fry dishes for their flavor and nutritional value.
- The fibrous roots of the daylily can be woven into small crafts or ropes, an application that is more of historical interest than practical use today.
- Daylily flowers may be used in the creation of floral arrangements, providing a splash of color that typically lasts for just a day.
- Gardeners often use daylilies like 'Calligraphy' to prevent soil erosion in sloped areas of their gardens because of their dense root systems.
- They serve as companion plants in vegetable gardens, potentially deterring certain pests with their vibrant flowers.
- The plant's spent flower stalks can serve as small natural stakes or supports for other plants or garden structures.
- Daylilies can be planted in rain gardens due to their tolerance for varied moisture conditions and contribution to controlling runoff.
- The dried seed pods of the daylily can be used in dried floral arrangements or for other decorative purposes around the home.
- They can play a role in educational settings as a tool to teach about plant life cycles and pollination, given their easily observable flowering and seed-setting processes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daylily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daylily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The Hemerocallis, commonly known as the Daylily, is often associated with beauty due to its vibrant colors and elegant shape.
- Transience: Daylilies typically bloom for just one day, symbolizing the fleeting nature of beauty and life itself.
- Motherhood: In Chinese culture, daylilies are a symbol of motherhood and fertility because they can produce a multitude of offspring (new plants).
- Rebirth: Their ability to bloom every day for a period of time represents renewal and the continuous cycle of life.
- Forgetfulness: In the language of flowers, daylilies can sometimes denote forgotten or lost memories due to their short bloom time.
- Survival: Daylilies are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing resilience and adaptability.
WaterDaylilies, which is the common name for Hemerocallis 'Calligraphy', prefer to be watered deeply about once a week, depending on weather conditions. During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering may need to be more frequent, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Provide about one inch of water each time, which typically translates to roughly 0.623 gallons per square foot every week, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to encourage deep root growth. Be mindful not to overwater, as daylilies do not like to remain in soggy soil. It's best to water early in the morning so the foliage has time to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightDaylilies thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to perform their best. However, in very hot climates, they can benefit from light afternoon shade to protect them from the intensity of the late-day sun. An ideal spot for growing Hemerocallis 'Calligraphy' would be a location that receives morning sunlight and some partial shade in the afternoon to maintain vibrant blooms and healthy foliage.
TemperatureDaylilies are quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of temperatures. Hemerocallis 'Calligraphy' can generally survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and can thrive in areas where the temperatures can reach up to 90°F. The ideal growing temperatures for daylilies are between 50°F and 75°F, which promotes healthy growth and flowering. Therefore, it's important to plant them in an area that avoids the extremes of heat or cold within that range.
PruningDaylilies should be deadheaded regularly to remove spent blooms and encourage further flowering. Hemerocallis 'Calligraphy' also benefits from the removal of yellow or dead foliage to promote a tidy appearance and good plant health. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed, generally every few days during peak blooming. The best time for a more thorough cleaning and cutting back is after the plant has finished blooming for the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Daylily 'Calligraphy' prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The ideal soil mix should contain a balance of loamy garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite to improve drainage. Regular amendments with organic matter can help maintain soil fertility.
RepottingDaylilies, including 'Calligraphy', typically do not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. It's advisable to divide and repot them every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and flower production.
Humidity & MistingDaylilies 'Calligraphy' are adaptable and do not require specific humidity levels to thrive; they are generally tolerant of the humidity levels found in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and room for growth.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part-shade, enrich soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Hemerocallis 'Calligraphy' is Daylily. The life cycle begins with germination from seeds, though many gardeners plant daylilies from existing tuberous roots. Seedlings develop into young plants with strap-like leaves, growing increasingly larger clumps each year. Through spring and early to mid-summer, daylilies produce sturdy stalks that bear clusters of colorful, trumpet-like flowers, each bloom typically lasting one day, hence the name. After flowering, the plant sets seeds that can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow if conditions are right. In winter, the foliage dies back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy, with the roots surviving underground to regenerate the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Hemerocallis 'Calligraphy', commonly known as the Daylily, is often propagated in late summer to early fall. The most popular method for propagating Daylilies is by division. To achieve this, one should carefully dig around the plant, ensuring to avoid damaging the root system. Once the plant is lifted, the clumps should be gently separated into smaller sections, making sure each division has several shoots and a good portion of roots attached. These divisions can then be replanted immediately in well-prepared garden soil, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 centimeters), and watered thoroughly to establish them. The new divisions will become established in their new location, ready for growth in the following season.
