Calla Lily, Pig Lily, White Arum, Trumpet Lily, Florist's Calla, Garden Calla, Arum Lily
The Calla Lily, scientifically named Zantedeschia, is an admired tuberous perennial known for its striking beauty and elegance. Despite its common name, the Calla Lily is not a true lily but belongs to the Araceae family, commonly known as the Arum family. This diverse family includes popular plants like caladium (angel wing) and monstera (Swiss cheese plant). Native to southern Africa, the Calla Lily has become a symbol of grace and sophistication in gardens and floral arrangements worldwide.
Calla Lilies are a top choice among tropical flowers for enthusiasts and gardeners.
Plant Type and Habit: Calla Lilies are perennial plants that grow from rhizomes, which are underground storage organs. They exhibit a clump-forming habit, producing multiple stems from a single rhizome. A single Calla Lily bulb can yield up to six flowers in its flowering season.
Size: Calla lilies can vary widely depending on the species and cultivar. Generally, they range from 1 to 3 feet (30-90 cm) in height. The width or spread of the plant can be about 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm), depending on the number of rhizomes and growing conditions. The spathes typically measure 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, though some varieties may have larger or smaller blooms.
Flowers: Calla Lily flowers are one of their most distinctive features. They are available in a wide range of colors, including classic white, vibrant pink, sunny yellow, deep purple, and even black. Each flower is a curved, funnel-shaped bract that provides an elegant display. The central spadix, which houses the tiny true flowers, often contrasts with the color of the spathe, adding to the visual appeal.
Bloom Time: Calla Lilies are known for their extended blooming period. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, they can bloom from late spring through to fall. Their long-lasting flowers make them popular for garden displays and floral arrangements.
Foliage: The foliage of Calla Lilies is as attractive as their flowers. The leaves are large, arrow-shaped, and glossy, contributing to the plant’s lush appearance. They can be deep green or variegated with white or cream-colored spots. The foliage often complements the flowers, providing a striking contrast that enhances the overall visual appeal of the plant.
Hardiness: Calla Lilies are generally hardy in USDA zones 8-10. They thrive in environments with moist, well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. In colder climates, where temperatures can drop below freezing, Calla Lilies can be grown as annuals. Alternatively, their rhizomes can be lifted and stored over winter to protect them from freezing temperatures. Proper storage involves keeping the rhizomes in a cool, dry place until spring.
Uses: Calla Lilies are ideal for borders, containers, and water gardens due to their elegant appearance. They also serve as excellent cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements, valued for their extended vase life and sophisticated look.
Cultivation: Calla Lilies are easy to grow. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, with full sun being more suitable in cooler summer regions and partial shade preferred in hotter areas. They favor organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Learn how to grow and care for calla lilies with success.
Invasiveness: Calla Lily is generally not considered invasive in most parts of the world. However, there are exceptions. For example, Zantedeschia aethiopica, commonly known as the White Calla Lily, is considered invasive in certain regions, including parts of California, Australia, and New Zealand.
Toxicity: Calla Lilies are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and discomfort. It is advisable to keep this plant away from pets and young children.
| Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
4 - 10 |
| Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Zantedeschia |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
| Depth | 4" (10cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil, Wet Soil |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Zantedeschia aethiopica: Also known as the White Calla Lily or Arum Lily, this species features large, pure white flowers with a distinct, broad spathe and a prominent yellow spadix. It’s a classic and elegant choice often used in formal settings and weddings. Ideal for garden beds, containers, and as cut flowers.
Zantedeschia rehmannii: Known as the Pink Calla Lily, this species produces striking pink flowers with a slightly ruffled edge. The blooms are smaller and more delicate than those of Zantedeschia aethiopica. They are suitable for garden borders, containers and as a focal point in floral arrangements. Their vibrant colors add a unique touch to gardens and bouquets.
Zantedeschia elliotiana: Commonly known as the Yellow Calla Lily, this species produces bright yellow flowers with a classic Calla lily shape. It is known for its vibrant, eye-catching color and elegant appearance. Ideal for brightening up garden beds and bouquets with a cheerful burst of color.
Zantedeschia albomaculata: This species, commonly known as the Spotted Calla Lily, features flowers with white or cream-colored spathes adorned with distinctive maroon or purple spots. The foliage is also often spotted or variegated. Adds an exotic touch to gardens and can be used in cut flower arrangements.
For vibrant and resilient garden displays, Zantedeschia ‘Captain Series’ is ideal. This series includes varieties like ‘Captain Romance’ and ‘Captain Safari’, known for their striking, long-lasting flowers and strong growth. They perform well in garden beds and borders, providing a dramatic focal point with their bold colors and elegant form. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and add a sophisticated touch to garden landscapes.
For ponds and water gardens, consider Zantedeschia ‘Green Goddess’ or Zantedeschia ‘Pink Mist’. ‘Green Goddess‘ showcases creamy white spathes that transition to vibrant green toward the center, strikingly contrasting with its lush green foliage. ‘Pink Mist‘ features pure white flowers with delicate pastel pink centers, offering a subtle yet elegant appearance. Both varieties thrive in the moist, humid conditions typical of water gardens, adding a sophisticated touch to these aquatic settings. As marginal aquatics, they can be planted in water up to 12 inches deep (30 cm).
For container gardening, Zantedeschia ‘Crystal Blush’ and Zantedeschia ‘Cameo’ are perfect. ‘Crystal Blush‘ offers elegant, pure white flowers that blend to soft pink, making it a stunning choice for pots and planters. ‘Cameo‘ features peach to salmon-orange blooms with a dark brown eye, adding vibrant color to any container arrangement. Both varieties do well in containers and can be moved to suit changing conditions.
For houseplants, consider Zantedeschia ‘Picasso’ and Zantedeschia ‘Odessa’. ‘Picasso‘ boasts striking dark purple flowers with creamy edges, offering a dramatic, sophisticated look that brightens any indoor space. ‘Odessa‘ features deep, almost black-purple flowers that provide a bold, elegant contrast against its dark green foliage. Both varieties are well-suited for indoor environments, adding a touch of luxury and visual interest to your home. Ensure they receive bright, indirect light, consistent moisture, and a comfortable indoor temperature for optimal growth.
For stunning cut flower arrangements, Zantedeschia ‘Vermeer’ and Zantedeschia ‘Garnet Glow’ are exceptional choices. ‘Vermeer‘ captivates with its rich purple flowers and creamy rims, creating a striking and elegant presence in any bouquet. ‘Garnet Glow‘ impresses with its vibrant hot pink blooms, transitioning to ivory green at the base, offering a bold and eye-catching addition to floral displays. Both varieties boast long-lasting blooms and are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and color to your arrangements.
Calla Lily flowers are a popular choice in many types of gardens due to their striking, unusual flowers and attractive, arrow-shaped foliage. Here are some ideas for designing a garden with them:
Focal Point: With their dramatic, sculptural flowers, Calla Lilies can be an excellent focal point in a garden. Use them in the center of a circular bed, or plant them in large groups in a border to draw the eye.
Container Planting: Calla Lilies are excellent plants for container gardens. They add height and an exotic touch to a collection of potted plants. Use them as the ‘thriller’ in the classic ‘thriller, filler, spiller’ container design.
Waterside Planting: As Calla Lilies enjoy moist soil, they are a great choice for planting near a pond or in a bog garden. This will also help to accentuate their lush, tropical look.
Mixed Borders: Combine them with plants that complement their bold flowers and elegant foliage. Consider partnering them with low-growing, bushy plants like geraniums or tall, slender plants like irises. You could pair them with plants with contrasting foliage, like ferns or hostas, for a more dramatic look.
Cut Flower Garden: If you enjoy having fresh flowers in your home, consider planting a section of your garden with Calla Lilies. They make excellent cut flowers, and their blooms last a long time in a vase.
Tropical-Themed Gardens: Calla Lilies fits perfectly in a tropical-themed garden, with other bold and lush plants such as cannas, bananas, and elephant ears.
Remember that Zantedeschia comes in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and deep purple, so you can choose the one that best suits your garden’s color scheme.
Calla Lily plants are versatile and can be paired with various companion plants. Here are some suggestions:
Hosta: The broad, lush foliage of hostas can provide a nice contrast to the elegant flowers and slender leaves of Zantedeschia. Hostas also prefer similar conditions of shade to part shade.
Fern: Ferns can provide a nice textural contrast with the smoother, more sculptural look of Zantedeschia. They also appreciate the same moist conditions.
Iris: Irises can complement the Zantedeschia with their similar sword-like foliage and striking blooms. Their preference for moist soil also makes them good companions.
Astilbe: The feathery plumes of astilbe flowers contrast Zantedeschia’s sleek, streamlined blooms.
Grasses: Ornamental grasses can offer a textural contrast, and their swaying habit can add movement to a planting scheme with Zantedeschia.
Heuchera: With their colorful foliage, heucheras can complement the bold flowers of Zantedeschia and extend interest in the garden when the lilies are not in bloom.
Water-loving plants: Since Zantedeschia enjoy moist conditions, they pair well with other moisture-loving plants like marsh marigolds, Louisiana irises, and primroses.
As always, when selecting companion plants, consider their light, soil, and water needs to ensure they are compatible.
Planting: Calla lilies can be grown from rhizomes, which should be planted in well-drained soil. Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. For outdoor planting, wait until all danger of frost has passed. Plant the rhizomes 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) deep and spaced about 12 inches (30 cm) apart. In containers, use a high-quality potting mix and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so adjust the frequency according to the season and environmental conditions.
Fertilizing: Feed calla lilies every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. This encourages robust growth and abundant flowering.
Temperature and Light: Calla lilies prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). They thrive in bright, indirect light indoors, and in sun to partial shade outdoors. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light may reduce blooming.
Dormancy: After blooming, calla lilies need a period of dormancy. Allow the foliage to die back naturally, then stop watering. For indoor plants, keep them in a cool, dark place at around 50°F (10°C). For outdoor plants in colder climates, lift the rhizomes before frost and store them in a cool, dry place.
Calla Lilies, while relatively easy to grow, can encounter a few common problems, pests, and diseases. Being aware of these issues and knowing how to address them can help ensure your Calla Lilies stay healthy and vibrant.
Good Cultural Practices: The best way to prevent issues is by providing ideal growing conditions. This includes appropriate sunlight, watering, and soil conditions.
Regular Inspection: Regularly checking your Calla Lilies for signs of pests or diseases is crucial. Early detection often leads to more successful management.
Cleanliness: Keeping the area around your Calla Lilies clean and free of debris can help minimize the risk of disease.
Proper Overwintering: In colder zones, properly lifting and storing the rhizomes in a cool, dry place over winter can prevent frost damage and loss.
| Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
4 - 10 |
| Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Zantedeschia |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
| Depth | 4" (10cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil, Wet Soil |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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