Calla Lily, Arum Lily
Native to South Africa, the Calla Lily, also known as Zantedeschia or Arum Lily, is a striking genus of flowering plants. Renowned for their unique, chalice-shaped flowers (spathes) that encircle a yellow, finger-like stalk (spadix), Calla Lilies are a popular choice for both gardens and household settings. Though not true lilies, they belong to the arum family, akin to the Jack-in-the-pulpit. With their arrow-shaped, often spotted leaves, Calla Lilies make a magnificent impact in any setting, whether as part of garden borders, container arrangements, or as cut flowers. Calla Lilies rank as a top choice among tropical flowers for enthusiasts and gardeners.
Origin and Growth Habits: Zantedeschia species are rhizomatous, herbaceous perennials from the swampy regions of Eastern and Southern Africa. These plants are known for their longevity and resilience.
Bloom Cycle: Calla Lilies typically enjoy a bloom period of 6 to 12 weeks in late spring and summer. The timing and duration depend on the geographic location and specific variety of the Calla Lily.
Variety in Blooming: Not all Calla Lilies bloom simultaneously. Varieties are categorized into early-season, mid-season, and late-season bloomers. Selecting different types ensures a continuous display of Calla Lily flowers from spring until the first frost.
Flower Production: A single Zantedeschia bulb-like rhizome can yield up to six flowers in its flowering season.
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.Master calla lily care with our guide.
Hardiness: Calla Lilies are hardy in USDA zones 7-10, depending on varieties.
Planting Time: The ideal time to plant Calla Lilies is in the spring. For earlier blooms, they may be started indoors a month before the last frost date or planted directly in the ground after the frost danger has passed.
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.
Safety Precautions: All parts of the Zantedeschia plant are poisonous and can cause severe discomfort if ingested. They are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, and their sap may irritate skin and eyes.
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 |
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 | 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 |
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 |
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 | 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.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!