Calla lilies make a stunning addition to garden beds & containers. Whether grown as perennials or annuals, these beauties will often rebloom if given the right conditions.

Plant them in rich, nutrient-rich, slow-draining soil, which you can amend with compost. Keep them moist — but not wet — as they store nutrients in their leaves. Remove spent flowers to prevent seed production and encourage reblooming.

BASICS

Botanical name:

Zantedeschia spp. and hybrids

Zones:

While Z. Aethiopica may be cultivated in Zones 8-10; hybrids do better when they are in zones 9 or higher temperatures. They can also be considered annuals in colder climates.

Height/Spread:

Upright habit 12-36 inches tall from 9-24 inches long

Exposure:

Full sun to part shade, with bright, indirect light, it is ideal. The dense shade can affect buds, and the hot midday sun could cause a similar problem.

Bloom time:

The flower stalks start to grow around eight weeks after the plant was planted and you’ll be awestruck by the blooms over the next few months.

Color and character:

Calla Lily is a semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial which is grown by rhizomes. The tubular-shaped flowers with pointed tips form an extended, finger-like spadix that is located in the middle. The blooms are available in a variety of colors: white and orange, yellow red, pink green, purple or black. Elegant, tall stems rise over large leaflets that are solid green or with speckles.

PLANTING CALLA LILIES

Planting time:

Plant your calla at any time between February through June (but when frost risk has passed).

Planting where:

Pick a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained, amended soil.

Planting:

Place the tuber-like rhizomes up to 3 inches in soil that is porous right in your garden, or in containers.

CALLA LILY CARE

The temperature and humidity
The tropical plant likes temperatures that range from 60 to 90 degrees F. Calla lily thrives in humid and humid conditions, and could require protection from the hot afternoon sun. The plants will become dormant when temperatures fall less than 50° F. Do not allow rhizomes to become frozen.

Soil:
Hybrids like well-drained, porous soil. Sandy soils are great with fertilizers; Clay soils aren’t easy to work with. When it comes to containers, you should use the highest-quality, all-purpose potting mix.

Watering:
Make sure to water them when the soil is dry (but do not overdose, as hybrid callas don’t like soil that is wet) And they’re good to go.

Amendments and fertilizers:
When you are ready to plant you should apply an organic fertilizer that slow-releases. In excess nitrogen can cause an abundance of stems and leaves which will stop the production of buds. If the soil is fertile there is no additional food required.

Deadheading:
Cut the blooms off that have been used up and take out damaged or discolored leaves in order to clean up the plants.

Diseases and pests:
The causes of disease include soft rot bacterial, botrytis, powdery mildew and gray mold. leaf spot, blight mosaic virus dasheen, spotted wilt, as well as armillaria rot. Pests could include slugs Japanese beetles, aphids spider mites or the thrips.

Winter care:
In autumn, before frost is likely to strike or the beginning of winter:

Potted callas Cut the leaves back to ground after it has turned yellow, and then bring the pots inside to the cool, dry climate to allow the rhizomes to rest.
Callas in the ground: Cut the leaves back to ground when it begins to yellow. take the rhizomes out, and keep them in a cool, dry area.

DESIGN IDEAS FOR CALLA LILIES

Whether used as a centerpiece or to create a stunning bouquet, the elegant Calla Lily offers a beautiful way to accent any space. The beauty of this flower is not limited to its blooms, but also in its lustrous green leaves and graceful stems. It is a great addition to garden beds and borders, patio containers, and even window boxes.

Its long vase life makes it a popular choice for wedding floral arrangements, adding an aura of elegance and grace to the ceremony. The allure of the Calla Lily has captivated humans for generations, with its Greek roots referring to the goddess Venus. Known for her charm and allure, she was said to have first seduced Zeus with drops of milk from his sleeping wife Hera.

The unique coloration of the ‘Enchanted Twilight’ calla lily is ideal for moonlit gardens or shaded areas. The ‘Spotted Ruby’ calla lily’s rich red petals adorned with white polka dots adds a whimsical touch to any landscape. Its vibrant blooms and lustrous foliage make it a standout feature in garden beds and borders, as well as container gardens. This flower thrives in full sun to partial shade and enjoys moderate humidity, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. It is best grown in well-draining, nutrient rich soil that is high in organic matter. A phosphorus-rich organic fertilizer is recommended to maintain the flower’s bright colors and encourage strong root growth.

INDOOR CALLA LILY CARE

If you’ve recently received a calla lily in a pot as a present They make great plants for your home.

Here are some tips for taking care of callas inside:

-Repot every year prior to the growth season.

-Maintain the soil’s moisture, but not too wet.

-Provide bright, indirect light

-Apply a liquid fertilizer every month in bloom.

-Beware of A/C and heating vents

-Reduce the amount of water needed when the plant goes into dormancy (November)

-Cut off the leaves at the soil level after they’ve been dead

-Place callas in a dark, cool area in the winter months.

CALLA LILY FAQ’S

Do calla lilies return each year?

The tender perennial will eventually end up dying or becoming semi-evergreen during winter, but will emerge from the rhizomes in spring, in warmer climates. In zones that are colder than zones 8 roots can be sown and kept indoors during winter.

Will calla lilies spread?

Rhizomes reproduce and spread and may be sifted and divided every couple of years or whenever needed.

Do calla lilies thrive in pots?

Calla Lilies are suited to be grown in pots as a stand-alone plant or as a part of a grouping together with different plants. They are also sold as potted house plants.