Calla lilies, with their stunning range of flower colors, are perfect for adding elegance to indoor decor, garden beds, and bouquets
The Calla Lily, a member of the genus Zantedeschia, is renowned for its elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush green foliage. 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 well-known plants like Caladium (Angel Wing) and Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant).
Native to Southern Africa, calla lilies are celebrated for their striking appearance and versatility, making them a popular choice for gardens, indoor decor, and bouquets.
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 borders, beds, and as a cut flower.
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 perfect for adding a splash of color 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.
White Calla Lilies are elegant flowers with smooth, trumpet-shaped blooms in pristine white. Ideal for formal events and arrangements, they symbolize purity and grace.
Calla Lily ‘Captain Ventura’: Renowned for its large, striking blooms, it features pure white chalice-shaped flowers on elegant, mid-green, arrow-shaped leaves with white spots. Blooming from summer to fall, this variety is a favorite among florists for its enduring beauty and sophisticated appearance.
Calla Lily ‘Crystal Blush’: A world favorite, this calla lily enchants with its pure white, trumpet-shaped flowers that gradually transition to soft pink as they mature. Set against elegant, mid-green, arrow-shaped leaves, these captivating blooms are on display for weeks from summer to fall, making them a stunning choice for any garden or bouquet.
Calla Lily ‘Green Goddess’: Beloved by florists for its striking color and enchanting fragrance, this cally lily dazzles with its large, creamy white trumpet-shaped flowers that transition to bright green at the edges. Set against elegant, bright green, arrow-shaped leaves, this variety remains a standout in gardens and patios from late spring to midsummer, offering weeks of captivating beauty.
| 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 | Houseplants, 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) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Clay |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Wet Soil |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Pink Calla Lily flowers are known for their elegant and vibrant hues, ranging from soft pastel pinks to deeper, more intense shades. These flowers, with their graceful trumpet shape, add a touch of sophistication and charm to any bouquet or garden setting.
Calla Lily ‘Captain Romance’ exudes romance and charm with its rich, deep pink trumpet-shaped flowers, softly transitioning to green at their base. Set atop elegant, mid-green leaves adorned with white spots, this captivating variety offers weeks of stunning display from summer to fall.
Calla Lily ‘Garnet Glow’: Renowned for its huge flowers and vibrant color, this calla lily captivates with its bold hot pink trumpet-shaped blooms, fading to ivory green at the base. Paired with elegant, dark green, arrow-shaped leaves flecked with white, this eye-catching variety remains a showstopper from summer through fall.
Calla Lily ‘Rubylite Rose’: Lush and exotic, it dazzles with its deep pink trumpet-shaped flowers, elegantly perched on dark green, arrow-shaped leaves speckled with white. Displaying its vibrant beauty from summer to fall, it’s also an excellent choice for striking cut flowers.
Purple Calla Lily flowers are celebrated for their stunning and rich shades of purple, ranging from deep, velvety plum to lighter lavender hues. These flowers’ unique color and graceful form make them a favorite for adding a touch of luxury and elegance.
Calla Lily ‘Picasso’ creates a striking impression in any garden or patio with its captivating dark purple trumpet-shaped flowers, edged with creamy rims. This eye-catching display is complemented by elegant, dark green, arrow-shaped leaves dotted with lighter freckles. Enjoy its vibrant beauty from summer through fall!
Calla Lily ‘Regal’ showcases large, velvety trumpet-shaped flowers in a stunning shade of purple that transitions to a rich burgundy as they mature. Set against elegant, mid-green, arrow-shaped leaves, these striking blooms make a statement in any garden or bouquet. They remain vibrant from summer to fall and are exceptional as cut flowers.
Calla Lily ‘Vermeer’ dazzles with its profusion of rich purple, trumpet-shaped flowers adorned with creamy rims. Set against a backdrop of elegant, dark green leaves flecked with lighter spots, this variety makes a stunning impact in any garden or patio. It maintains its vibrant display from summer through fall.
Yellow Calla lilies are celebrated for their vibrant, sunny hues and elegant shape. They provide a warm, radiant glow and are ideal for adding a touch of brightness to any space.
Calla Lily ‘Captain Chelsea’ is noted for its stunning blooms. It features brilliant yellow, chalice-shaped flowers (spathes) with a striking purple-burgundy throat. Each flower is complemented by elegant, lustrous dark green leaves, occasionally speckled with white. This captivating display lasts for weeks from summer through fall.
Calla Lily ‘Golden Chalice’ makes a stunning impression in the garden or patio with its long-lasting, golden yellow trumpet-shaped flowers (spathes). These vibrant blooms are set against elegant, mid-green, arrow-shaped leaves with white spots. Showcasing their beauty from summer to fall, ‘Golden Chalice’ is also an excellent choice for cut flowers.
The showy, award-winning Golden Calla Lily (Zantedeschia elliottiana) is a tuberous perennial prized for its striking golden trumpet-shaped flowers (spathes), reaching 6 inches (15 cm) in length and accented by a bright yellow, finger-like spadix. These vibrant blooms stand out against long-stalked, arrowhead-shaped leaves that are dark green and heavily speckled with white. ‘Golden Calla Lily’ provides a stunning display in gardens or patios from midsummer to early fall, lasting for weeks.
Orange Calla Lilies are celebrated for their vibrant, fiery hues that infuse any space with warmth and energy. These striking blooms feature trumpet-shaped flowers in shades ranging from bright tangerine to deep orange, creating a bold and cheerful statement. Their rich color contrasts beautifully with lush green, arrow-shaped leaves, making them a standout choice for garden beds, floral arrangements, and as a lively indoor plant.
Calla Lily ‘Cameo’ makes a striking impression in any garden or patio with its succession of long-lasting, peach to salmon-orange trumpet-shaped flowers (spathes) highlighted by a dark brown eye. The blooms are elegantly contrasted against mid-green, arrow-shaped leaves speckled with white. Displayed from summer to fall, ‘Cameo’ offers weeks of vibrant color and beauty!
Calla Lily ‘Captain Safari’ captivates with its stunning bi-color blooms, featuring vibrant orange trumpet-shaped flowers (spathes) that gracefully transition to golden-yellow. Set against elegant, mid-green, arrow-shaped leaves dotted with white, this eye-catching beauty will enchant your garden or patio from summer to fall.
Calla Lily ‘Mango’ brings a burst of vibrant color to your garden or patio with its radiant, reddish-orange trumpet-shaped flowers (spathes) that transition to golden yellow. Complemented by elegant, mid-green, arrow-shaped leaves with white spots, this eye-catching beauty will brighten your space from summer to fall.
Red Calla Lilies bring a bold, vibrant touch to any garden or floral arrangement. Known for their striking, trumpet-shaped blooms, these lilies often feature deep red, velvety petals that create a dramatic effect. Their intense color can range from rich crimson to bright scarlet, adding a fiery and eye-catching element to bouquets and garden beds.
Festive Calla Lily ‘Fire Glow’ dazzles with its vibrant burgundy-red trumpet-shaped flowers (spathes), each featuring a striking creamy-yellow base. These bold blooms are elegantly complemented by shiny, dark green, arrow-shaped leaves speckled with white. Enjoy their stunning display from summer through fall.
Calla Lily ‘Flame’ makes a bold statement in the garden or patio with its succession of radiant trumpet-shaped flowers. Opening golden yellow with a red edge, the blooms mature to a vibrant orangish-red. These striking flowers are set against elegant, mid-green, arrow-shaped leaves with white spots. Enjoy their fiery display from summer through fall!
Calla Lily ‘Red Alert’ features striking trumpet-shaped spathes in vivid orange-red, with a smooth, waxy texture and contrasting orange spadix. Growing up to 5 inches (12 cm) long, this dramatic flower adds bold color to gardens and bouquets, blooming from summer to fall.
Brown and black Calla Lilies offer a dramatic and elegant touch to any garden or bouquet. Their deep, rich hues provide a striking contrast to more vibrant colors.
Striking and dramatic, Calla Lily ‘Odessa’ boasts deep, almost-black purple, trumpet-shaped flowers that captivate with their rich color. Each elegant bloom is framed by dark green, arrow-shaped leaves lightly sprinkled with white spots. These bold flowers remain a stunning focal point from summer through fall.
Dramatic and sophisticated, Calla Lily ‘Night Cap’ showcases striking, dark purple to nearly black, chalice-shaped flowers that deepen to a rich wine red as they mature. Each waxy bloom is framed by elegant, arrow-shaped dark green leaves. Highly floriferous and long-lasting, these stunning blossoms remain on display for weeks from summer to fall.
Calla Lily ‘Montevideo’ produces striking dark maroon red to nearly black, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to fall. Its upright growth and lush foliage make it ideal for garden beds, borders, and floral arrangements, offering dramatic color and elegance.
Caring for Calla Lily flowers indoors involves attention to their specific needs to keep them thriving. Here’s a detailed guide:
Place Calla Lilies in a spot with bright, indirect light to promote healthy growth. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, and ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light daily. East or west-facing windows are ideal for optimal light conditions.
Use nutrient-rich, well-draining potting soil.
Maintain indoor temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid placing the plant near drafts, heaters, or air conditioners, as extreme temperatures can stress the plant.
Calla Lilies prefer higher humidity levels. To increase humidity, place a humidity tray or a shallow pan of water near the plant. Avoid misting directly on the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Calla lilies thrive with regular watering during their active growing period. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once the blooms have died back, reduce watering significantly and allow the foliage to die down naturally.
Feed Calla Lilies every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and prevent disease. Cut the flower stalks at the base.
Calla Lilies should be repotted every 1-2 years or when they outgrow their pot. To prevent waterlogging, choose a pot that’s just slightly larger than the current one.
After blooming, let the plant enter dormancy. Stop watering, let the foliage die back, and move the plant to a cool, dark area (below 50°F/10°C but above freezing). Leave it undisturbed for 2-3 months. After the dormancy period, return the plant to light and warmth, and resume watering and feeding to encourage new growth and blooming.
Check for pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary. Keep an eye out for fungal issues, especially if humidity is too high.
Potted Calla Lilies can last indoors for several weeks, with a bloom period typically spanning 4 to 8 weeks. Their longevity indoors depends on factors such as light, temperature, and care. To extend their bloom time, provide them with bright, indirect light and consistent moisture and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures.
Yes, Calla Lilies are toxic to cats. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested. Keep Calla Lilies out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Yes, Calla Lilies are also toxic to dogs. Ingesting parts of the plant can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset. If you suspect your dog has ingested Calla Lilies, contact a veterinarian for guidance.
| 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 | Houseplants, 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) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Clay |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Wet Soil |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
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.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
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.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
