Zantedeschia (Calla Lily)
Zantedeschia, commonly known as Calla Lily, is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to southern Africa. Known for their distinctive chalice-shaped flowers, Zantedeschia species are both ornamental and symbolic in various cultures.
Habit: Calla Lily plants exhibit a clumping habit with a rhizomatous root system. They typically grow to a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm), depending on the species and cultivar. The leaves are arrow-shaped, glossy, and often display spotted or marbled patterns, adding to the plant’s ornamental value.
Hardiness: Calla Lily flowers are generally hardy in USDA zones 8-10. They prefer well-drained soil and thrive in full sun to partial shade. In colder climates, Zantedeschia can be grown as annuals, or the rhizomes can be lifted and stored in a frost-free area during winter. Master calla lily care with our guide.
Flowers and Bloom Time: The most striking feature of Zantedeschia is its flowers, which are actually spathes – modified leaves that enclose the true flowers on a spike called a spadix. Colors range from the classic white of Zantedeschia aethiopica to pink, orange, yellow, and purple in other species and hybrids. Bloom time typically occurs in late spring and throughout the summer, depending on geographic location and variety.
Uses: Calla Lily is widely used in ornamental gardening for borders, water gardens, and as a container plant. Due to their elegant form and various colors, they are also popular in floral arrangements, particularly in wedding bouquets and as cut flowers.
