Daylily Hemerocallis 'Ruby Spider'
ABOUT
The 'Ruby Spider' daylily is known for its striking flowers which have a vibrant ruby-red color. Each bloom has large, rounded petals that spread out elegantly from the center, creating a spider-like form which is how it gets its 'Spider' name. In the throat of the flower, a lighter yellow to greenish-yellow hue contrasts sharply with the vivid red, highlighting the bloom's dramatic coloration and adding depth to its appearance. Often, the petals have a slightly crinkled or ruffled texture, contributing to their luxurious look. Daylilies typically have a clump-forming habit, with long, arching, blade-like leaves that are lush and green, forming a dense mound of foliage from which the flower scapes emerge. The foliage provides a lush backdrop for the showy flowers which can add a tropical flair to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asphodelaceae
Synonyms
Daylily, Ruby Spider Daylily
Common names
Hemerocallis 'Ruby Spider'
ToxicityTo humans
The daylily, of which 'Ruby Spider' is a cultivar, is generally considered non-toxic to humans and is even edible in certain parts, with the flowers being consumed in some cultures. However, some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to them, and in such cases, ingestion could lead to mild stomach upset. There are no significant toxic compounds known in daylilies that would cause serious harm or poisoning to humans.
To pets
The daylily is known to be toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney damage if ingested. While dogs are not as sensitive as cats, they may still experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume daylilies. In cats, symptoms of daylily poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if a pet ingests any part of a daylily.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3 feet 34 inches (100 cm)
Spread
2 feet 24 inches (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Daylilies are known for their hardiness and low maintenance, making them perfect for gardeners of all levels.
- Attracts Pollinators: The large, vibrant blooms of 'Ruby Spider' daylily attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, daylilies can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Long Blooming Period: 'Ruby Spider' has a lengthy blooming season, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended time.
- Pest Resistance: Daylilies are generally resistant to many pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical interventions.
- Landscape Versatility: The 'Ruby Spider' daylily can be used in a variety of landscape settings including borders, beds, and containers.
- Soil Adaptability: Daylilies are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, though they prefer well-draining soil.
- Propagation Ease: They can be easily propagated by dividing the clumps every few years, helping gardeners to expand their garden or share with others.
- Seasonal Interest: Their strappy foliage provides texture and greenery even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Variety of Uses: Apart from decorative gardens, daylilies can also be used in edible landscaping as some parts of the flowers are edible.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hemerocallis 'Ruby Spider', commonly known as daylily, can be used as a natural dye source. The petals can be crushed to extract pigments for coloring fabrics or art materials.
- Edible landscaping: Daylilies can be integrated into edible landscaping designs as both an ornamental and a source of edible flowers.
- Photography: The striking colors and shapes of daylilies make them popular subjects for nature and macro photography.
- Floral arrangements: The distinctive spider-like petals of 'Ruby Spider' daylily blooms can add dramatic flair to fresh and dried floral arrangements.
- Erosion control: The dense root system of daylilies can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes or banks.
- Sensory gardens: Daylilies, including the 'Ruby Spider', can be used in sensory gardens as they are colorful and have interesting textures to touch.
- Water gardens: While not an aquatic plant, daylilies can be planted around water features to provide color and beauty to pond edges and streamsides.
- Culinary teaching: Daylily flowers can be used in cooking classes to teach about edible flowers and how to prepare them in dishes.
- Companion planting: Daylilies can be planted among vegetables and other flowers as they are hardy and may help to repel certain pests.
- Crafts: The dried flower stalks of daylilies can be used in making homemade wreaths and other craft items.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daylily 'Ruby Spider' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daylily 'Ruby Spider' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Grace: The 'Ruby Spider' Daylily, with its striking appearance, symbolizes beauty and grace. The large red blossoms with yellow stripes are eye-catching and represent an elegant allure.
- Longevity: Daylilies are known for their individual flowers blooming for just a day. However, a single plant produces many buds, which leads to a long flowering period. This represents the concept of fleeting beauty and the ability to endure or represent longevity in a broader sense.
- Adaptability: Due to the plant's ease of growth and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, it symbolizes adaptability and resilience.
- Motherhood: In Chinese culture, daylilies are associated with motherhood due to their abundant and recurring blooming nature, symbolizing nurturing and fertility.
- Renewal: The blooming of each new flower in the place of one that has passed can represent the idea of renewal and the cycle of life.
WaterDaylilies, such as the 'Ruby Spider', prefer to be kept evenly moist, especially during their active growing season in the spring and summer. Water once a week by soaking the soil thoroughly with approximately 1 inch of water which is approximately 0.6 gallons per square foot. During periods of high heat or dryness, you may need to water twice a week. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Decrease the amount of watering as the plant goes dormant in the fall and winter to prevent root rot.
LightDaylilies like 'Ruby Spider' thrive best in full sunlight to partial shade. They should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal bloom performance. An ideal spot would be in a garden area that gets unobstructed morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch.
Temperature'Ruby Spider' Daylilies are hardy plants that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but perform best when the daytime temperature is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy and can handle heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, though prolonged extreme temperatures may cause stress.
PruningPruning 'Ruby Spider' Daylilies involves removing spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming and tidying up the plant. It's best to prune them right after they finish blooming. Pruning can be done throughout the blooming season, usually from early summer to fall, as daylilies can have multiple bloom periods.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe daylily 'Ruby Spider' thrives best in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a pH of 6 to 6.5. A mixture of loamy garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite to enhance drainage makes an ideal soil environment for this plant.
RepottingDaylilies, including 'Ruby Spider', usually do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. However, if necessary due to overcrowding, they can be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaylilies, such as 'Ruby Spider', are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and do not require any special humidity considerations, growing well in the typical outdoor humidity found in their hardiness zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good airflow, and pot with drainage for indoor daylilies.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part-shade, ensure well-draining soil, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the daylily 'Ruby Spider' starts as a seed or a division from a mature plant. It first emerges as a small shoot surrounded by slender, elongated leaves, forming a foliage clump. As the plant matures, it develops a strong root system and multiplies through the formation of additional clumps. In early to mid-summer, it produces tall scapes that bear large, vibrant red flowers with a yellow throat, each blossom lasting just one day. After flowering, seed pods may develop if pollination occurs, which will eventually dry and release seeds for reproduction. In late fall or early winter, the plant's foliage dies back with the onset of colder temperatures, entering dormancy before regenerating in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method for propagating the Hemerocallis 'Ruby Spider', commonly known as the Daylily, is through division. This plant can be propagated through division in late summer to early fall, once it has finished blooming. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of daylilies, making sure to keep a good portion of the roots intact. Then, gently pull apart the clump into smaller sections, each with at least 2-3 fans of leaves. Replant these divisions promptly, at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow enough space for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well, and maintain consistent moisture until they are established. This method allows the gardener to generate new plants that will bloom in the following season while rejuvenating the original plant by reducing overcrowding.
