Key Facts
- Herbaceous perennial grown from rhizomes
- Native to southern Africa
- Produces white trumpet shaped spathes and a central spadix
- Commonly used in borders and as a cut flower
- Prefers consistently moist to wet soil
- Tolerates full sun to part shade depending on climate
- Contains calcium oxalate crystals and is poisonous if ingested
- Forms clumping colonies that can naturalize in favorable wet climates
Calla Lily Zantedeschia aethiopica is a rhizomatous perennial known for white trumpet shaped spathes and a prominent central spadix. It is valued in borders and as a cut flower but prefers consistently moist soils and is toxic if ingested.
Identification
Plants reach about 24 to 36 inches tall with a clumping spread around 12 to 24 inches. Flowers are white spathes that surround a central spadix and appear from spring into summer depending on climate and care.
Where to grow and best uses
Use Calla Lily at pond edges, in moist borders and in containers for patios. It tolerates full sun to part shade and needs more shade in hot dry climates to prevent leaf scorch and to keep soil cool.
Hardiness and winter care
Outdoor winter hardiness is typically USDA 8 to 10. In colder zones grow in containers or lift rhizomes for winter storage to avoid winter kill.
Planting and spacing
Space clumps about 12 to 24 inches apart to allow room for offsets and future spread. Divide clumps when they become crowded to maintain flowering and vigor.
Soil and watering
Calla Lily prefers rich soil that stays consistently moist to wet and tolerates poorly drained spots. Dry soil forces dormancy and reduces flowering so amend with organic matter to retain moisture where needed.
After flowering and maintenance
Divide rhizomes and offsets after flowering for propagation and to control size. Remove dead or damaged foliage and lift rhizomes in cold winters if left in the ground would be at risk.
Spread and control
This species forms clumping colonies and can naturalize and spread in warm wet sites. Check local invasive species lists before large scale planting and control spread by removing offsets or by lifting rhizomes.
Toxicity and safety
All plant parts contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic if chewed or swallowed. Ingestion causes mouth and throat irritation drooling and vomiting and can irritate skin. Keep plants away from children and pets that might chew foliage.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Calla Lily grow?
- Growth is moderate and depends on moisture light and soil fertility. Clumps typically increase in size over several seasons as rhizomes produce offsets.
- Is Calla Lily hardy in my area?
- Calla Lily is typically hardy in USDA 8 to 10. In colder zones grow in containers or lift rhizomes for winter.
- Can Calla Lily naturalize or become invasive?
- Yes in warm wet sites it can naturalize and spread. Avoid planting where it could escape into sensitive wetlands.
- How do I propagate Calla Lily?
- Propagate by dividing rhizomes and planting offsets. Seed is possible but slower and used mainly for breeding.
- Are Calla Lilies poisonous to pets?
- Yes they are toxic to cats and dogs and cause oral irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep plants out of reach of pets.
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