Daylily Hemerocallis 'Shark Attack'
ABOUT
Hemerocallis 'Shark Attack', widely known as the Daylily, is recognized for its vibrant and showy flowers. This cultivar has large blossoms that have a distinctly ruffled edge, giving them a frilly appearance that could evoke the image of a "shark attack" on the flower's edge. Displaying a deep and rich color palette, the Daylily 'Shark Attack' flowers feature a blend of warm and enticing tones. The base color of the petals is usually a saturated red or burgundy which can be so deep that it is nearly black in appearance. Each petal often has a gradation or eyezone of color transitioning to a slightly lighter hue near the center, which serves as a vivid contrast to the darker edges. The throat of the Daylily 'Shark Attack' flower is typically a lighter shade, such as yellow or green, creating a striking focal point. These color variations draw attention to the flower's interesting color dynamics and enhance its visual appeal. The Daylily 'Shark Attack' also has a form that contributes to its allure. Its petals can be somewhat wavy or curly, which complements the ruffled edges and adds to the overall lushness and vibrancy of the bloom. It's worth noting that this perennial produces multiple flowers on each stem, ensuring an abundant floral display during its blooming period. The blooms of the Daylily 'Shark Attack' sit atop strong, erect stems that emerge from a clump of long, slender, arching leaves. The foliage is typically a bright, fresh green color, which creates a perfect backdrop for the dramatic flowers and adds to the plant's lush look. The leaves are strappy in nature, often resembling blades of grass in shape but much broader. They grow in a fountain-like manner, which adds texture and movement to the garden setting.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Hemerocallidaceae.
Synonyms
Daylily.
Common names
Hemerocallis 'Shark Attack'
- Toxicity
To humans
The Hemerocallis 'Shark Attack', commonly known as daylily, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. In fact, some parts of daylilies are edible and are occasionally used in culinary dishes. However, it's important to note that not all lilies are safe to consume and some people may have mild allergic reactions or digestive upset if they consume certain plants that they are not used to or that are mistaken for edible varieties.
To pets
Daylilies are toxic to cats and can cause serious health issues. If a cat ingests any part of a daylily, it can lead to symptoms of poisoning which might include vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure, or even death if not treated promptly. Immediate veterinary attention is required if a cat has consumed any part of a daylily. Dogs are not as sensitive to daylilies, but ingestion can still cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some cases.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
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: They adapt well to a wide range of soil conditions and climates.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, only needing occasional watering and fertilization.
- Attractive blooms: Produces large, showy flowers that can be a focal point in any garden.
- Long blooming period: Flowers from early to mid-summer, adding prolonged color to gardens.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, they can withstand periods of low water availability.
- Pest resistance: Generally resistant to most pests and diseases, which reduces the need for chemical treatments.
- Propagation: Can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to create more plants for use in other areas or to share with friends.
- Variety of colors: Comes in various colors, offering a range of options for garden design.
- Attracts wildlife: Flowers can attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life and movement to the garden.
- Perennial lifespan: Can live for many years, providing lasting beauty with little need to replant annually.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- The Hemerocallis 'Shark Attack', also known as Daylily, can be used as a natural dye source for textiles, providing hues ranging from yellow to orange depending on the mordant used.
- Daylily blooms are often used in floral arrangements, especially as they have a unique ability where each flower only lasts for one day, encouraging the use of fresh blossoms.
- The tough foliage of the Daylily can be used as a natural mulch or composting material that decomposes slowly, enriching the soil with nutrients.
- Daylily is sometimes planted in overflow areas and near rain gardens for their ability to tolerate and even thrive in wet conditions, helping manage excess water.
- An edging plant for garden paths, as the dense foliage can create a neat border that helps define walkways and discourage weeds.
- The plant can be potted and used for temporary table decorations at events. Once the event is over, the plant can be moved back into the garden.
- Daylily can act as a ground cover to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes due to its extensive root system.
- Used in interplanting strategies, where Daylilies are grown among vegetables to confuse pests and reduce the need for pesticides.
- Daylily's fibrous roots can be involved in phytoremediation efforts to clean up soil that has been contaminated with heavy metals or other pollutants.
- Daylilies are often used in botanical illustrations and photography due to their diverse and vibrant colors, which can aid in educational materials about plant diversity.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Daylily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Daylily is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Daylily: Transience - The botanical name Hemerocallis comes from the Greek words "hemera" (day) and "kallos" (beauty), indicating the flower's brief lifespan of only one day, symbolizing the fleeting nature of beauty and life itself.
- Daylily: Motherhood - In Chinese culture, daylilies are a symbol of motherhood and reproduction because of their ability to produce numerous offspring (flowers and seeds).
- Daylily: Forgiveness - The daylily's renewal of flowers each day represents the idea of forgiveness and forgetting past wrongs, providing a fresh start.
- Daylily: Filial Piety - Confucian values emphasize filial piety, and daylilies are sometimes associated with this virtue, symbolizing the respect and care for one's parents and ancestors.
- Water
Daylilies, like the Hemerocallis 'Shark Attack', should be watered deeply to encourage root development; this means watering sufficiently so that water reaches deep into the soil, about 8 to 10 inches down. They don't need frequent watering and enjoy about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or manual watering. During the growing season in spring and summer, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry, you may increase watering to twice a week. Be cautious not to overwater, as standing water or soggy soil can lead to root rot. In general, providing about a gallon of water per plant per week should suffice, adjusting as needed based on weather conditions and soil drainage.
- Light
Daylilies like the Hemerocallis 'Shark Attack' thrive best in full sunlight, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can prevent scorching, but too much shade can lead to poor flowering. Choose a spot in your garden that receives ample sun throughout the day to ensure your daylilies bloom to their full potential.
- Temperature
Daylilies, including the Hemerocallis 'Shark Attack', prefer moderate temperatures and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. They can survive temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy in the winter and can handle summer heat as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, daylilies prefer a temperature range from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and flowering.
- Pruning
Daylilies, like the Hemerocallis 'Shark Attack', should be pruned to remove dead or faded flowers and to promote reblooming. This process, often referred to as deadheading, should be done throughout the blooming season. After flowering has finished for the season, cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall or early winter to clean up the plant and prepare it for next year's growth. Pruning not only encourages a tidy appearance but also redirects the plant's energy towards more robust growth for the following season.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Daylilies like 'Shark Attack' thrive in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. A good mix would consist of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand for drainage. The soil pH ideal for daylilies is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
- Repotting
Daylilies, including 'Shark Attack', rarely need repotting since they are perennial plants that are typically grown in the ground. Instead of repotting, they can be divided every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor.
- Humidity & Misting
Daylilies such as 'Shark Attack' are tolerant of a range of humidity conditions and do not require specific humidity levels, but they perform best in outdoor environments with natural air circulation.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Grow 'Shark Attack' Daylily in bright light, keep soil slightly moist.
Outdoor
Place 'Shark Attack' Daylily in sun/partial shade, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Daylily 'Shark Attack' begins with seed germination, where the seeds require a period of warmth followed by a cold stratification to break dormancy. After germination, the seedlings develop into young plants with strap-like foliage, and given appropriate conditions, they establish a strong root system. As they mature, daylilies enter a vegetative stage where they grow and multiply, forming robust clumps. Once mature enough, usually within a few years, they initiate flowering, producing large, often bicolored blooms that typically last just one day; however, each scape has multiple buds ensuring a prolonged flowering period through the summer. After flowering, seeds may develop in pods, and if left to naturalize, these seeds can fall to the ground and potentially start a new cycle. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy in the fall or winter, depending on the climate, where it conserves energy to begin the cycle anew in the spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
The Hemerocallis 'Shark Attack', commonly known as a daylily, is usually propagated through division, which is most effectively done in either spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of daylily plants, ensuring you capture a generous amount of roots. Wash away the soil to better see the crowns and roots. Using a sharp knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the root system. Trim the foliage to about half its height to reduce moisture loss and replant the new divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This simple method will allow the plant to recover quickly and continue blooming in subsequent seasons.