The ‘Captain Brunello’ Calla Lily (Zantedeschia ‘Captain Brunello’) offers striking beauty to any garden space, known for its vibrant, warm hues and elegant form. This plant brings an exotic flair, making it a popular choice for garden beds, containers, or as a sophisticated cut flower. This guide covers its unique characteristics, planting, care, and overwintering to ensure a thriving display.
Unique Characteristics of Captain Brunello Calla Lily
The ‘Captain Brunello’ Calla Lily stands out with its distinctive apricot-peach to orange coloration. Its chalice-shaped blooms, approximately 5 to 7.5 cm in diameter, have a beautiful fluted form. These flowers emerge from late spring through mid-summer, providing a long season of interest that can extend for 6 to 12 weeks.
The plant reaches 10 to 18 inches (25-45 cm) tall, sometimes up to 20 inches (50 cm). Its lush, sword-like foliage, often dark green and speckled with white, adds visual appeal, making ‘Captain Brunello’ a captivating addition to diverse garden designs.
Planting Captain Brunello Calla Lily
‘Captain Brunello’ Calla Lilies, grown from rhizomes, should be planted in spring after all danger of frost has passed. These plants thrive in full sun to partial sun, with partial shade preferable in hotter climates to protect them from intense afternoon exposure.
They prefer organically rich, moist, but well-drained soil. Heavy clay soils can be challenging, while sandy soils may require additional organic matter. When planting the rhizomes, place them about 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm) deep with the “eyes” or growing tips facing upwards.
Space individual rhizomes 16 to 18 inches (40-45 cm) apart in garden beds. If planting in containers, three rhizomes can be placed in a 12-inch (30 cm) pot. After planting, thoroughly water the area to settle the soil around the rhizomes.
Essential Care for Captain Brunello Calla Lily
‘Captain Brunello’ Calla Lilies prefer moist, but not soggy, soil. Water when the soil surface begins to feel slightly dry, avoiding overwatering to prevent rhizome rot. The plant prefers temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-27°C).
Apply a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer in spring and fall. Too much nitrogen can promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Regular deadheading of spent blooms encourages the plant to produce more flowers. Remove any old or faded foliage to maintain a tidy appearance.
Overwintering and Common Issues
In USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10, ‘Captain Brunello’ Calla Lilies can remain in the ground during winter. In colder climates (Zones 3-7), their rhizomes must be dug up and stored indoors to prevent frost damage. Lift rhizomes after foliage yellows and dies back, usually after the first frost.
After digging, brush off excess soil, avoiding washing to prevent rot. Allow the rhizomes to dry and cure in a warm, dry place for four to seven days; this hardens their outer skin. Store the dried rhizomes in a cool, dry, dark location, ideally between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10-15°C). Placing them in a vented cardboard box or paper bag with peat moss or vermiculite to maintain humidity and prevent mold. Ensure rhizomes do not touch to prevent rot.
Pests like aphids or spider mites can be managed with horticultural sprays. Root rot, often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, is prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding soggy conditions. If ‘Captain Brunello’ is not blooming, check for sufficient sunlight, as dense shade reduces flower production. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers.