How To Grow Calla Lilies For Easy Sophistication

Zantedeschia spp.

Elegant statement pieces are hard to come by, but the calla lily is a perennial favorite for its unique charm. These tender perennials boast striking chalice-like flowers that burst forth in a kaleidoscope of colors – think apricot, black, burgundy, mauve, orange, peach, pink, purple, white, and yellow. The foliage is equally impressive, with strappy to heart-shaped leaves that transition from sage to jade green and often feature luminous white freckles.

With the right conditions, callas provide weeks of vibrant color in spring or late summer gardens, making them a top choice for adding sophistication to any outdoor space.

While they can be grown as annuals outside their hardiness range, these rhizome-growing plants thrive when cultivated indoors as houseplants. And did you know that callas attract butterflies and hummingbirds while being unappealing to deer, rabbits, and rodents?

As a bonus, the white varieties are particularly coveted in wedding bouquets, while all colors make for long-lasting, eye-catching floral arrangements.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your garden game or simply want to add some glamour indoors, callas are an excellent choice. In this article, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of growing calla lilies for easy sophistication.

What You’ll Learn

A calla lily, also known as the beautiful trumpet flower, is a fascinating plant that has been captivating gardeners for centuries. From its cultivation and history to its propagation, growth, and maintenance, there’s much to learn about this stunning bloom. One of the most crucial aspects of growing calla lilies is understanding how to properly propagate them. This involves carefully dividing the rhizomes and replanting the bulbs in a well-draining soil.

Another essential consideration is pruning and maintenance, as calla lilies require regular trimming to encourage healthy growth. For those who want to take their gardening skills to the next level, selecting the right cultivar can be crucial. Some popular options include ‘Snow Princess’, ‘Pink Beauty’, and ‘Golden Nugget’. Unfortunately, even with proper care, calla lilies are susceptible to pests and diseases like aphids, whiteflies, and fungal infections.

To minimize these issues, regular monitoring and prompt treatment are necessary. In addition to its beauty, the calla lily is also highly versatile and can be used in a variety of settings, from traditional floral arrangements to modern event decor. For those new to growing calla lilies, a quick reference guide provides valuable tips on how to get started. With this comprehensive overview, anyone can learn to cultivate and enjoy these breathtaking flowers.

What Is a Calla Lily?

Calla lilies, also known as arum or pig lilies, are a type of herbaceous rhizome native to southern Africa and belonging to the Zantedeschia genus within the Araceae family. The name ‘calla’ is derived from the classical Greek word for beauty, kallos, which aptly describes these stunning plants. With eight species of clump-forming perennials, they are prized for their vibrant, ornate flowers and decorative foliage.

Although frost-tender, calla lilies thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11, making them annuals in cooler regions. The showy flowers comprise a single modified leaf, known as a spathe, which appears as a seamless ‘petal’ rolled into a chalice or trumpet shape. This spathe encircles the true flowering part, a finger-like inflorescence called a spadix, typically golden yellow or matching the spathe’s color. Following flowering, small seed pods are produced.

The handsome leaves are elongated and stemless, sometimes shiny, with a swordlike or arrowhead shape. They come in various shades of green, from milky jade to deep forest, often featuring delicate white spotting that adds a lovely freckled touch to the foliage.

A Note of Caution:

All parts of Zantedeschia plants contain insoluble crystals of calcium oxalate, which can cause discomfort if ingested. When handling any part of the plant, including seeds and rhizomes, wear gloves to prevent accidental ingestion. The four notable species for home gardens are complemented by numerous hybrids.

Zantedeschia aethiopica, also known as the common or arum lily, features trumpet-shaped flowers with milky white to pale rosy pink spathe, often adorned with a saucy flip or twist at the tip. The foliage is dark green and arrowhead-shaped. This popular species prefers moist locations and can thrive in bog plants, water gardens, or garden beds. Reaching 24 to 40 inches tall, Zantedeschia aethiopica is hardy in Zones 8 to 10.

Zantedeschia albomaculata, also known as the spotted calla lily or white spotted arum, boasts ivory white flowers with cream, pale yellow, and coral pink variations. The chalice-like spathe is tall and narrow, set amidst broad, strappy foliage adorned with white freckles. This exceptional cut flower variety matures at 12 to 24 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 10 to 11.

Zantedeschia elliottiana, also known as the golden arum or calla lily, features a large, trumpet-like spathe and a spadix of brilliant golden yellow. The freckled foliage has an arrowhead form. This standout variety provides weeks of blooms at a mature height of 24 to 36 inches tall, with hardiness in Zones 8 to 10. Zantedeschia rehmannii is the pink species, featuring pretty spathes of mauve, maroon, pink, purple, and white. The yellow spadices are set amidst strappy, swordlike foliage.

This prolific bloomer produces plants of 12 to 24 inches in height, with hardiness in Zones 8 to 10. Other notable species include Zantedeschia jucunda, odorata, pentlandii, and valida. Each features unique characteristics, such as yellow flowers ranging from pale buttery tones to deep buttercup shades.

Cultivation and History

Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, played a significant role in introducing the white arum lily (Z. aethiopica) to Europe around the 1690s. This botanical enthusiast had a profound interest in tropical flora and sent numerous African species to Holland for study and commercial cultivation. The white arum lily was the only cultivated species until the mid-1800s, when cultivars with colored spathes emerged.

Today’s vibrant varieties are the result of intricate hybridization, offering striking colors and plants that can bloom for an extended period. Although they can thrive in semi-aquatic conditions once established, the colored forms are susceptible to soilborne bacterial infections and root rot if the soil becomes oversaturated. In contrast, the pure white variety can produce flowers and foliage continuously like a evergreen under optimal conditions.

However, the colorful hybrids require a period of dormancy before they can flower again.

Propagation

When it comes to propagating callas, rhizome division is often the most effective method. However, with a bit more patience, you can also grow these beautiful flowers from seeds. Keep in mind that seed-grown plants may take up to three years to bloom, but the reward will be worth the wait. When working with calla-related species like Zantedeschia, it’s essential to prioritize caution and wear gloves at all times to protect your skin from potentially toxic and irritating compounds.

By Seed

To harvest seeds, wait until late summer to early autumn when they are fully ripened. Collect them by cutting off the pods at the base once they’ve turned yellow and become soft to the touch. Store the harvested pods in a paper bag until they’re dry and brown. Once the seeds are fully ripe, they’ll naturally split open and can be easily removed by squeezing gently. Dry the extracted seeds thoroughly and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark location until spring.

For planting, start by filling shallow nursery flats with a moistened starter soil mix. Lightly scatter the seeds on the surface, spacing one to two inches apart. Cover the seeds with a quarter-inch of moist starter soil and place the flats in a bright, warm location with a heating mat to maintain an ideal germination temperature range of 70 to 80°F. Water the seeds sparingly whenever the soil surface feels dry.

Once the seedlings have developed two to three true leaves, transplant the healthiest ones to four-inch pots filled with potting soil, one per pot. Thin or discard any weak or slow-growing seedlings that emerge. In their first year, provide your plants with bright light and consistent water while shielding them from intense afternoon sun. Overwinter the plants indoors and plant them out in the following spring.

Root Division

To maintain optimal flower production in your calla lilies, it’s essential to divide the rhizomes every three to five years when they become aged and overcrowded. This process allows you to rejuvenate the plants and promote healthy growth. When dividing, start by lifting the clumps in fall after the foliage has turned brown and pulled away easily from the roots.

Use a garden fork or spade to loosen the soil around the rhizome clump, digging down 12 inches with about four inches of ease on either side. Slide the fork under the clump and pry upwards to lift it out. Gently brush away any dirt and trim any dangly roots or excessive foliage to two to three inches. Next, use a clean garden knife or shears to cut apart the rhizome, ensuring each section has at least one eye.

Discard any parts that are soft, squishy, or smelly, as well as old sections that no longer produce viable eyes. Sprinkle the cut sections with a natural fungicide like garden sulfur to prevent infection or pest infestation. Allow the rhizome sections to dry in a warm, dry location out of direct sun for a day or two to callus over before replanting or storing. This step is crucial as it seals the wounds and prevents infections from developing.

If you’re outside of the recommended Zone 8 to 11 hardiness range, consider overwintering the rhizomes in cold storage and replanting in spring. For perennials grown year-round in the ground, divide the rhizomes in late winter or early spring as new growth appears. Use a sharp, clean spade to cut and lift out rhizome sections with at least one eye each. Sprinkle the cut edges of the remaining clump with garden sulfur and add fresh soil to the host site, gently firming it in place.

Finally, sprinkle the cut edges of the new cut sections with sulfur and allow them to callus over for a day or two before replanting. By following these steps, you’ll be able to keep your calla lilies vibrantly productive and thriving.

How to Grow

To grow thriving calla lilies, you’ll want to provide them with a specific set of conditions. Start by choosing a location with loose, well-draining soil that’s consistently moist but not waterlogged. A slightly acidic pH range of 5.6 to 6.5 is ideal, and the addition of compost or aged manure will help enrich the soil. These flowers prefer full sun in temperate climates, but in hotter regions, partial shade or dappled light is a better option.

Avoid planting in full shade, as this can compromise flowering. When it comes to planting, wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to 65°F. For earlier blooms, you can start rhizomes indoors six to eight weeks before transplanting into the garden. In areas where calla lilies are perennials, late summer or early fall is also a good time to plant, although you may need to search for rhizomes as they’re typically sold in the spring.

To prepare the soil, use a garden fork or spade to loosen it to a depth of eight inches. Add two shovelfuls of aged compost and mix well. If your soil tends to be soggy, add some landscape sand or pea gravel to improve drainage. Plant rhizomes at a depth of two to four inches, depending on their size, and mix in some bone meal for healthy root development. Space rhizomes 12 inches apart, with the growing tips facing up. Backfill with soil and lightly firm it in place.

Water gently but deeply using a shower setting on your garden hose. It may take two or three weeks for the first shoots to appear, after which growth will be rapid. Once your plants reach six to ten inches tall, mulch thickly with straw or leaf mold to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Bog Planting

For a thriving Z. aethiopica, consider placing it at the edge of a bog, pond, or stream where it can be fully appreciated. To get started, prepare a 12-by-12-inch planter or wicker basket with a water garden soil mix that will provide the ideal foundation for your plant’s growth. Plant the rhizomes two to four inches deep and cover them with soil, making sure they’re securely settled in their new home.

Once you’ve planted, place the planter in an area that receives five to six hours of sunlight each day. As winter approaches, bring the plants indoors and provide bright indirect light to keep them healthy and happy. When spring arrives, it’ll be time to repot your Z. aethiopica in aquatic planters and return it to its outdoor home by the pond. It’s worth noting that all aquatic plants, including Z. aethiopica, require heavy, enriched, clay-based topsoil for optimal growth.

Avoid using commercial potting mix or soils with a high content of compost, peat, perlite, or other materials that can cause them to float.

Container Care

Calla lilies thrive in large containers measuring 16 inches or more, allowing for closer spacing of about four to six inches apart. In terms of feeding, these container-grown plants require regular nourishment, with a balanced fertilizer applied every two weeks at half-strength (10-10-10 NPK being an example). When the foliage begins to fade in preparation for dormancy, discontinue watering and relocate your plants to a shaded or dark area.

After two to three months, resume watering and move the containers back into direct sunlight once all risk of frost has passed. Maintain light moisture until you notice the first signs of new growth, at which point increase watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilization should only occur while the plant is actively growing and producing flowers.

Additionally, evergreen varieties can be successfully grown indoors or overwintered near a bright, indirect light source. In indoor settings, ensure consistent moisture levels and continue monthly fertilization.

Growing Tips

To maximize the production of your flowers, consider these valuable tips. For instance, opt for large rhizomes to cultivate bigger plants with a more impressive floral display. When wintering in areas with cold temperatures, treat callas as annuals and carefully dig up the rhizomes in fall to store them safely over the winter period. If you’re growing callas in containers, make sure to use a high-quality growing mix instead of garden soil, as this will provide better results.

Water newly planted rhizomes sparingly until new growth emerges, then increase watering frequency to keep the soil consistently moist. To prevent leaves from yellowing due to excessive heat, ensure plants receive afternoon shade in regions with hot summers. In warmer climates where callas are winter-hardy, you can leave the rhizomes in the ground and allow them to bloom again early the following summer. If your calla lilies appear droopy, consult this guide for troubleshooting assistance.

Regular maintenance also plays a crucial role in promoting healthy plants and abundant flower production.

Pruning and Maintenance

To support healthy plant development during the growing season, consider providing your plants with a monthly application of a balanced liquid fertilizer like 10-10-10 NPK. Container-grown plants, on the other hand, require more frequent feedings to keep their foliage and flowers looking vibrant. A half-strength solution applied every two weeks is an effective way to promote optimal growth. In addition to regular fertilization, it’s crucial to manage spent flowers by deadheading them.

This encourages the plant to redirect its energy from seed production back to the rhizomes, resulting in healthier growth. As the flowering season comes to a close, gradually reduce watering and allow the foliage to turn yellow and die back, signaling the start of dormancy. For annuals, lift and clean the rhizomes after the growing season has ended, then store them until the following spring.

In February or March, give perennial beds a thorough cleaning and resume fertilization for plants that are starting to show new growth with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer. It’s essential to divide perennials every three to four years to maintain their clump-forming habit and promote continued high bloom production. Follow the guidelines outlined in the root division section for successful division.

Winter Storage

When the time comes to dig up rhizomes, wait until the first frost has passed or when leaves have turned yellow and begun to die back. Carefully brush away any dirt or debris, then trim off any remaining foliage. Allow the rhizomes to dry out in a warm, well-ventilated area for approximately one week. Once they’re dry, layer them in a box or paper bag filled with a mix of slightly damp peat moss or vermiculite.

Store this mixture in a location that’s cool, dark, and dry, maintaining a temperature range of 50 to 60°F (10-15°C). For further guidance on safeguarding your calla lilies during the winter months, refer to our comprehensive guide on protecting these beautiful flowers from the harsh cold.

Cultivars to Select

The world of Calla breeding is constantly evolving, as experts strive to create even more breathtaking varieties. With their focus on producing stunning colors and exceptionally durable flowers, it’s no wonder that many recent cultivars have earned the admiration of enthusiasts. Some of these standouts include…

Black Star

The striking ‘Black Star’ hybrid boasts tall, funnel-shaped flowers of the deepest burgundy purple, perfectly complemented by its unique foliage featuring deep green leaves with burgundy tips and ribbing. This attractive combination makes it a great candidate for pairing with bright or light-colored plants like lime green potato vine or silvery artemisia to create a striking visual effect.

‘Black Star’ plants grow to be 15-24 inches tall and are hardy in Zones 9-11, making them a great addition to any garden. Additionally, rhizomes for this variety can be found at Burpee.

Captain Ventura

The ‘Captain Ventura’ hybrid boasts striking trumpet-shaped blooms of pure white with a subtle pale green base, surrounded by attractive foliage featuring mid-green arrowhead markings and delicate freckling. This versatile variety thrives in a range of settings, including beds, borders, and containers, reaching 18 to 24 inches in height. For gardeners in USDA zones 8-11, ‘Captain Ventura’ is an excellent choice for adding a touch of elegance to their outdoor spaces.

Flame

‘Flame’, a stunning cultivar, boasts vibrant trumpet-shaped spathes that burst forth with radiant hues of red, orange, and yellow, perfectly offset by the dark green foliage featuring subtle freckles. The striking combination makes it an ideal choice for show-stopping island beds, borders, and patio containers. Reaching 18 to 22 inches in height, this hardy variety thrives in Zones 8 to 11.

For those looking to add a pop of color to their garden or indoor space, rhizomes are available from Eden Brothers.

Purple

The stunning Purple Calla Lily boasts an array of deep eggplant-colored spathes, perfectly complemented by a cream to gold-tipped spadix set against a backdrop of dark green, sword-shaped foliage with subtle spotting. This striking cultivar is a perfect match for blooms in contrasting colors like gold, orange, and yellows, creating a visually stunning display.

With its mature height ranging from 12 to 36 inches, the Purple Calla Lily thrives in Zones 8 to 10.

For those looking to bring this beauty into their garden, rhizomes are available at Nature Hills Nursery.

Red

The Red Calla Lily is a stunning specimen that boasts vibrant cherry red spathes with a creamy throat and white spadix. The foliage, comprised of strappy, dark green leaves, features subtle freckling for added visual interest. This eye-catching variety thrives in beds, borders, and containers alike, reaching heights of 12 to 36 inches and tolerating temperatures in USDA Zones 8 to 10. For those looking to bring this beauty into their garden, rhizomes are available at Nature Hills Nursery.

Managing Pests and Disease

Calla lilies can thrive under ideal conditions, but it’s crucial to be aware of potential issues. A few common problems include aphids, slugs and snails, spider mites, and whiteflies. Aphids are sap-sucking insects that feed on leaves and stems, spreading disease as they move from plant to plant. To control them, use a strong blast of water or introduce natural predators like lacewings, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps.

Slugs and snails can cause significant damage by eating entire leaves or leaving large holes in the foliage. Hand-picking these pests and disposing of them is an effective method, or you can set traps throughout your garden. Spider mites and whiteflies are also sap-sucking insects that can spread disease and cause yellowing foliage. A hot pepper wax spray is a natural insecticide that can be used to treat infestations.

On the other hand, bacterial soft rot infects rhizomes below the soil surface, entering through wounds. To prevent this, ensure you don’t nick or injure rhizomes when planting. If they are injured or cut for propagation, apply bulb powder or a fungicide like garden sulfur to exposed surfaces. Botrytis or gray mold forms a fuzzy mat on leaves and stems in cool, wet weather. Remove and dispose of infected plants, avoid overhead watering, and ensure good air circulation.

Powdery mildew also forms a fuzzy white or gray mat on leaves and stems, thriving in warm, humid conditions. Remove infected parts, clean debris from the soil, and promote air circulation to prevent its spread. Lastly, root rot is caused by various pathogens in the soil that cause roots to collapse and rot. Remove infected plants, avoid planting arums in the same spot for several years, ensure good drainage, and prevent roots from being submerged in standing water.

Best Uses

Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color or create a lush, verdant display, callas are an excellent choice for any garden. Their vibrant blooms and attractive foliage make them a standout in the front or middle of beds, borders, and islands. You can also enjoy their beauty as a standalone specimen or mix them with other flowering perennials to create a stunning combination. For added versatility, consider using callas in containers or patio pots.

They look great on their own or paired with annuals for a unique blend. And don’t forget about the cutting garden! Callas are simply outstanding in bouquets and vases, making them a must-have for anyone who loves creating floral arrangements.

Quick Reference Growing Guide

The Zantedeschia plant is a herbaceous flowering rhizome that produces stunning blooms in a range of colors including apricot, black, burgundy, mauve, orange, peach, pink, purple, white, and yellow. The foliage is typically light to dark green with freckles. Native to Southern Africa, this plant thrives in low-maintenance environments with minimal upkeep. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11, it tolerates partial shade and can grow up to 40 inches tall.

It prefers loamy soil that is well-draining and has a slightly acidic pH of 5.6 to 6.5. When planted at the right depth – 2-4 inches for rhizomes depending on size – this plant can spread up to 24 inches. Its flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for beds, borders, containers, or wetlands.

While it may require occasional pruning and protection from pests like aphids, slugs, snails, spider mites, and whiteflies, the Zantedeschia is a relatively fast-growing plant that can be enjoyed year-round.

Classy Calla

The calla lily’s refined elegance is undeniable, boasting stunning colors, lush all-season foliage, and a low-maintenance charm that exudes sophistication from start to finish. To coax the best out of these lovely flowers, remember to provide them with afternoon shade in hot climates and consistently moist soil, which will reward you with weeks of vibrant blooming. As winter approaches, be sure to lift the cold-sensitive rhizomes for storage, then replant them come springtime.

We’d love to hear how our readers incorporate callas into their gardens – share your experiences in the comments! For additional insights on summer-blooming bulbs and rhizomes, explore these related articles: How to Plant and Grow Lilies, How to Plant and Grow Perennial Peonies, and How to Plant and Grow Blazing Star Liatris. With this trifecta of gardening expertise at your fingertips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle even the most challenging plantings.