Calla lilies have served as an enduring symbol of rebirth and resurrection, earning them a close association with the Easter holiday. Beyond the classic pure white blooms of the conventional species, contemporary hybrids showcase a diverse spectrum of colors. Referred to as spathes, these flowers exhibit a prolonged blooming period, injecting enduring vibrancy into containers, borders, mass plantings, and floral arrangements. Propagated from rhizomes, this tropical plant is also available in florist shops as a charming houseplant.
Despite not belonging to the lily family, calla lilies share numerous qualities with true lilies. They exude sensuality, gracefulness, suggestiveness, and an exotic allure, often surprising gardeners with the ease of cultivation and care. Explore further to deepen your understanding of the cultivation and nurturing practices that contribute to the flourishing beauty of these remarkable flowers.
BASICS
Botanical Name: Zantedeschia spp. and hybrids
Zones: While Z. aethiopica can thrive in Zones 8-10, hybrids prefer Zone 9 and warmer climates. In colder regions, consider treating them as annuals.
Height/Spread: Displaying an upright habit, calla lilies range from 12 to 36 inches in height and 9 to 24 inches in width.
Exposure: Calla lilies flourish in full sun to partial shade, with bright, indirect light being optimal. Dense shade may affect bud count, and intense midday summer sun can present challenges.
Bloom Time: Approximately eight weeks post-planting, flower stalks emerge, gracing your space with delightful blooms for the following couple of months.
Color and Characteristics: Calla lilies, herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials grown from rhizomes, boast tubular flowers with pointed tips. A long, finger-like spadix at the center enhances their charm. Blooms showcase a variety of colors: white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, green, or black. Tall, elegant stems rise above broad, solid green, or speckled leaves.
Are Calla Lilies Poisonous? Indeed, calla lilies pose a high risk to pets and humans if any part of the plant is ingested. The sap can lead to skin or eye irritation, emphasizing the importance of wearing gloves and handling these plants with care. For more information on toxic plants for dogs and cats, refer to the guide on Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats.
PLANTING CALLA LILIES
When to Plant: Plant your calla lilies any time from February to June, ensuring that you do so after the danger of frost has passed.
Where to Plant: Select a site that receives ample sunlight, ranging from sunny to partially shaded. Ensure the soil is well-drained and has been amended for optimal results.
How to Plant:
- Prepare the Rhizomes: Begin by obtaining tuber-like rhizomes, which are the plant’s storage structures. These can be planted directly in the garden or in containers.
- Choose Porous Soil: Opt for porous soil that facilitates drainage. This is crucial for preventing waterlogged conditions, which can be detrimental to calla lilies.
- Planting Depth: Bury the rhizomes 3 to 4 inches deep in the soil. This depth allows for stability and encourages proper root development.
- Garden or Containers: Whether you choose to plant them directly in the garden or in containers, ensure the chosen location aligns with the sunlight preferences mentioned earlier.
- Spacing: If planting multiple calla lilies, provide adequate spacing to allow for optimal growth. This prevents overcrowding and enhances air circulation around the plants.
- Watering: Water the newly planted calla lilies thoroughly but avoid overwatering. Consistent moisture is key, but the soil should not become waterlogged.
- Mulching (Optional): Applying a layer of mulch around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. However, ensure the mulch does not come in direct contact with the rhizomes.
- Maintenance: Regularly monitor the soil moisture, and as the calla lilies grow, provide support if needed to prevent bending or breakage of stems.
By following these guidelines, you can establish a favorable environment for your calla lilies to thrive, whether planted in the garden or in containers.
CALLA LILY CARE
Temperature and Humidity: The calla lily thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It flourishes in humid and moist conditions, necessitating protection from intense afternoon sun. When temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant goes dormant, and it is crucial to shield the rhizomes from freezing.
Soil: Hybrids of the calla lily favor well-drained, porous soil. Sandy soils work well with added fertilizer, while clay soils can pose challenges. For container planting, opt for a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix.
Watering: Water the calla lilies when the soil is slightly dry, avoiding overwatering as hybrid callas dislike soggy conditions.
Amendments and Fertilizer: During planting, apply a slow-release fertilizer. Be cautious with nitrogen levels, as excessive amounts can lead to abundant leaves and long stems, potentially hindering bud production. In fertile soil, additional fertilization may not be necessary.
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms and damaged or discolored leaves to maintain plant tidiness.
Pests and Diseases: Potential diseases include bacterial soft rot, botrytis, powdery mildew, gray mold, blight, leaf spot, dasheen mosaic virus, spotted wilt, and armillaria rot. Common pests encompass slugs, Japanese beetles, aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
Winter Care: For potted callas, trim back the foliage to the ground once it turns yellow and bring the pots indoors to a cool, dry environment for rhizome rest. In-ground callas require the same foliage trimming, followed by digging up the rhizomes and storing them in a dry environment at 55ºF. Withhold water for at least eight weeks before restarting the growth cycle with light and water. This winter care routine helps ensure the health and vitality of calla lilies.
DESIGN IDEAS FOR CALLA LILIES
For Borders and Landscapes:
- Utilize calla lilies in mass plantings to create striking visual impact.
- Integrate them into mixed borders for a vibrant and diverse landscape.
- Plant along streams or in bogs to enhance the natural beauty of water features.
For Slopes and Hillsides:
- Create a captivating display by mass planting calla lilies along slopes.
- Use them alone for a dramatic effect or combine them with other plants for a layered look.
For Containers:
- Cultivate calla lilies in pots, either as indoor houseplants or outdoor accents during warmer months.
- Plant them alone or alongside other plants with similar care requirements.
- Enhance patios or decks with decorative containers for a close-up appreciation of the blooms.
Design Ideas:
- Decorative Container Planting:
- Plant calla lilies in a decorative container alone or with compatible plants.
- Display on patios or decks to enjoy the blooms up close.
- Indoor Houseplant:
- Place a potted calla lily near a bright window in living rooms or kitchens for regular enjoyment.
- Elegant Cut Flower Arrangement:
- Use cut calla lily spathes in a tall, slender vase for an elegant and sophisticated floral arrangement.
- Front-of-Border Planting:
- Plant calla lilies at the front of mixed borders for enduring summer color while other plants go in and out of bloom.
- Woodland Border Enhancement:
- Adorn a semi-shaded woodland border with calla lilies, complementing other plants like hostas, ferns, and astilbes.
- Mass Planting with Groundcovers:
- Mass calla lilies in a bed and underplant with groundcovers such as lamium, creeping Jenny, or bugleweed.
- Slope Planting with Season-Long Color:
- Plant on a slope alongside groundcovers, shrubs, and perennials for season-long color.
- Water Feature Display:
- Site calla lilies along ponds, streams, or waterfalls, accompanied by water-loving plants like gunnera, ligularia, or elephant ears.
Companion Plants:
- Pair calla lilies with dahlias and gladiolus for a cutting garden that lasts until frost.
- Companion plants include creeping Jenny, New Guinea impatiens, ferns, and astilbes.
- For containers, combine with warm-season annuals like petunias, dusty miller, heliotrope, or dichondra for a visually appealing arrangement.
INDOOR CALLA LILY CARE
If you’ve received a potted calla lily as a gift and want to ensure it thrives indoors, here are some essential care tips:
- Moisture Management:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid allowing it to become soggy. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
- Light Requirements:
- Provide bright, indirect light for your indoor calla lily. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Fertilization During Flowering:
- Apply liquid fertilizer monthly while the calla lily is in flower to support its growth and blooming.
- Avoid Heating and A/C Vents:
- Place the plant away from heating and air conditioning vents to prevent exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Reduced Watering in Dormancy:
- As the plant enters dormancy, typically around November, reduce watering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Leaf Trimming:
- Trim the leaves off at soil level once they have naturally died. This helps channel energy back into the rhizomes.
- Dormancy Period:
- Allow the calla lily to rest during dormancy by placing it in a cool, dark area. This break is essential for its overall health.
- Annual Repotting:
- Repot the calla lily annually before the growing season. Use fresh, well-draining potting mix to provide essential nutrients.
USING CALLA LILIES IN FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
With their diverse spathe colors—ranging from mango and cinnamon to ember and canary—calla lilies are a popular choice for cut flower arrangements. Here’s how you can make the most of them:
- Variety of Colors:
- Explore the array of calla lily colors like molten, vermilion, sunset, flaxen, fire engine, or smeared lipstick for vibrant and varied arrangements.
- Occasions for Bouquets:
- Calla lily bouquets are particularly favored for expressing love and appreciation on occasions like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
- Wedding Arrangements:
- Calla lilies are prevalent in wedding arrangements, adorning centerpieces, bridal bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres with their elegant and sophisticated presence.
Whether adorning your indoor space or contributing to special occasions, calla lilies bring a touch of grace and beauty to any floral arrangement.
CALLA LILY FAQ’S
1. Do Calla Lilies Come Back Every Year?
- Yes, in warmer climates, calla lilies, being tender perennials, will die down or go semi-evergreen in winter and come back from the rhizomes in spring. In colder zones (below zone 8), rhizomes can be dug up and stored indoors over winter.
2. Will Calla Lilies Spread?
- Yes, calla lilies propagate and spread through their rhizomes. They can be dug up and divided every few years or as needed for control.
3. Do Calla Lilies Grow Well in Pots?
- Absolutely, calla lilies are well-suited for container gardening. They can be grown alone or in combination with other plants. Additionally, they are commonly sold as potted houseplants.
4. How Long Do Calla Lilies Bloom?
- Calla lilies are known for their long-lasting blooms, typically lasting from 6 to 12 weeks. The duration may vary based on the variety and growing conditions.
5. Are Calla Lilies Invasive?
- In certain regions, particularly parts of California, calla lilies may exhibit invasive tendencies. Birds can spread seeds, and small rhizome pieces may break off and sprout in unwanted areas.
6. Why Grow Calla Lilies?
- Gardeners choose to cultivate calla lilies for several reasons:
- They are easy to grow.
- Calla lilies offer a sensuous color range, with various hues available.
- These flowers bloom just eight weeks after planting, providing relatively quick results.
- The arrow-shaped foliage of calla lilies is aesthetically pleasing.
- They make captivating cut flowers, adding elegance to floral arrangements.
These qualities make calla lilies a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
