Daylily Hemerocallis 'Carolina Cool Down'
ABOUT
The Hemerocallis 'Carolina Cool Down', commonly known as the Daylily, is recognized for its distinctive floral display. This variety typically features large blooms that exhibit a soft color palette. The flowers are often a lovely shade of cool lavender with a lighter, almost creamy watermark at the center, which artfully fades into the rest of the petal. The petals themselves may possess gracefully ruffled edges, adding to the plant's allure. At the throat of each flower, one can typically see a contrasting bright yellow or greenish hue, which forms a striking eyezone that captures attention and highlights the delicate flower shape. The stamens in the center usually contrast sharply with the rest of the bloom, presenting in a vibrant yellow that often complements the throat's coloring. The foliage of the Daylily ‘Carolina Cool Down’ is lush and grass-like, with long, slender leaves that tend to arch elegantly toward the ground. The leaves provide a verdant, textured backdrop for the floral display that emerges on singular, sturdy stems which stand straight and tall amid the foliage. The overall appearance of the plant is one of a clump-forming perennial that provides a cooling effect in the garden with its soft-toned flowers and dense greenery.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daylily
Common names
Hemerocallis 'Carolina Cool Down'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as Daylily, is not typically considered toxic to humans. In fact, certain parts of daylilies are edible and are sometimes used in culinary dishes. However, it's important to note that not all species and hybrids of daylilies are safe to eat, and mistaken identity with true lilies (Lilium species), which are toxic, can lead to unintentional ingestion of harmful parts. Eating true lilies can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, can lead to kidney failure or other serious health issues. Always confirm the edibility of specific Daylily cultivars before consumption and never consume plants unless you are certain they are safe.
To pets
The plant commonly known as Daylily is considered highly toxic to cats and can cause symptoms of poisoning. For cats, ingestion of this plant can result in severe kidney failure, which may manifest as vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased or decreased urination. It is important to seek immediate veterinary attention if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a Daylily. Other pets, such as dogs, are not commonly affected in the same way, but the consumption of non-food plants can cause gastrointestinal upset in some animals. Therefore, it's advisable to prevent all pets from ingesting ornamental plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2 feet 24 inches (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet 24 inches (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Hemerocallis 'Carolina Cool Down', commonly known as Daylily, is known for its forgiving nature and minimal maintenance requirements, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Daylilies have good drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest resistance: These plants have a natural resistance to many pests, which saves time and resources that might otherwise be spent on pest control.
- Adaptability: Daylilies can adapt to a variety of soil conditions, though they prefer well-drained soil, making them versatile additions to many garden settings.
- Long blooming period: The 'Carolina Cool Down' Daylily blooms for several weeks, typically in the early to mid-summer, adding prolonged color to the garden.
- Attractive to wildlife: Daylilies can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity and health of the garden ecosystem.
- Erosion control: With their robust root systems, Daylilies are effective at preventing soil erosion, particularly on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Propagates easily: Daylilies can be easily divided to produce more plants, allowing gardeners to expand their display or share with others.
- Variety of uses: Daylilies are versatile and can be used in borders, as groundcover, in containers, or naturalized in larger landscape areas.
- Seasonal interest: With attractive foliage and an array of flower colors, Daylilies add seasonal interest to gardens throughout the growing season.
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 'Carolina Cool Down' can be used in floral arrangements for its striking blooms, adding unique colors and textures to bouquets.
- It can serve as a natural pest deterrent in gardens, as certain pests may avoid the area around daylilies.
- The thick roots of daylilies can help to control erosion on sloped landscapes by stabilizing the soil.
- Daylily petals are sometimes used in art projects, especially for their vibrant colors in pressed flower crafts.
- Used as an edible garnish, daylilies can add visual appeal to culinary dishes with their bright, colorful flowers.
- The plant can be a teaching tool for botany or horticulture classes, demonstrating daylily hybridization and plant structure.
- Daylilies can be planted as a privacy screen because their dense foliage can obscure unwanted views.
- These flowers can be used in natural dyes for fabrics or papers, producing a variety of yellow to orange hues.
- Photographers may use the daylily's appealing blooms as subjects for botanical photography, capturing the beauty of gardens.
- Eco-friendly confetti can be made from dried daylily petals for celebrations, reducing the environmental impact of traditional confetti.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daylily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daylily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: The daylily, as Hemerocallis 'Carolina Cool Down' is commonly known, symbolizes endurance due to its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and its daily bloom cycle.
- Motherhood: In Chinese culture, daylilies carry a connotation of motherhood and maternal devotion because of the plant's prolific nature and nurturing aspect.
- Transience of Life: As each individual flower typically lasts for only one day, the daylily often represents the fleeting nature of life, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment.
- New Opportunities: The daylily's daily blooming cycle is also seen as a symbol of renewal and the constant possibility of new opportunities.
- Forgiveness: With its recurring blooms, the daylily suggests forgiveness and forgetting grudges, as each day brings a new beginning and fresh start.
WaterDaylilies, like the Hemerocallis 'Carolina Cool Down', need to be watered deeply about once a week, ensuring that the soil is well-saturated. During hotter, drier periods, they may require watering twice a week. Each watering session should provide the daylilies with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant, depending on the size and soil conditions. Overwatering should be avoided, especially in soils that don’t drain well. Adjust the watering frequency based on rainfall and temperature fluctuations; less water is needed during cool or rainy periods.
LightDaylilies, such as the Hemerocallis 'Carolina Cool Down', thrive in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for planting daylilies would provide them with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, they also perform well with some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect them from the intense heat of the late day sun.
TemperatureDaylilies, including the Hemerocallis 'Carolina Cool Down', can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grow best when the temperature is between 60°F and 90°F. They are hardy in temperatures as low as -20°F and can survive up to about 90°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside these ranges can stress the plant.
PruningPruning daylilies, including Hemerocallis 'Carolina Cool Down', is mainly about removing spent flower stalks and dead foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. After flowering, trim back the flower stalks to the base of the plant. Prune out any yellow or brown leaves throughout the growing season. The best time for a more thorough clean-up is early spring or immediately after the plant finishes flowering to prepare for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Daylily 'Carolina Cool Down' is well-draining soil enhanced with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Preferably, the soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil with added perlite or sand can improve drainage, which is vital for preventing root rot.
RepottingDaylilies, including 'Carolina Cool Down', typically do not require frequent repotting and are often planted directly in the ground. If grown in containers, they should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot.
Humidity & MistingDaylilies 'Carolina Cool Down' do not have specific humidity requirements and can tolerate a range of humidity levels. Regular outdoor humidity levels are generally adequate for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, ensuring adequate space and pot drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, amend soil, space 18-24 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleDaylilies (Hemerocallis 'Carolina Cool Down') start their life cycle as seeds or divisions that, when planted, quickly establish a root system and sprout foliage. During the first year, the plants focus on vegetative growth, developing long, strap-like leaves and forming a dense clump. As perennial plants, daylilies enter a period of dormancy in the winter months, with foliage dying back and the plants surviving on energy reserves in their underground structures. In subsequent years, after the last frost, they re-emerge from dormancy in the spring, producing new growth from the crowns. The mature plants reach the flowering stage in early to mid-summer, with the 'Carolina Cool Down' variety producing characteristic cooling, pale-colored blooms that typically last only a single day before wilting, but they are quickly replaced by new blooms in a continuous succession over several weeks. After the blooming period, the plant sets seed or can be divided, continuing its reproductive cycle and ensuring new plant growth the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: The Hemerocallis 'Carolina Cool Down', commonly known as the Daylily, is best propagated by division, which is the separation of the plant into smaller segments that can grow independently. This process is ideally performed after flowering, towards the end of summer or in the early fall, which allows the divisions to establish before the onset of winter. To propagate daylilies by division, carefully dig around the plant to lift the entire clump out of the ground. Using a sharp spade or knife, separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each division has at least a few leaves and a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously in well-draining soil, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish their root systems in their new locations.
