Elegant white spathes curl around a yellow spadix above glossy arrow-shaped leaves, thriving in boggy ground. A serious environmental weed in parts of Australia and toxic to pets and people.
At a glance
- Plant type: Bulb
- Mature size: 90 cm H × 60 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: wet or boggy ground
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Calla Lily
Zantedeschia aethiopica is a fast-growing bulb in the Araceae family. It reaches around 90 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and semi-deciduous foliage. White flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Calla Lily
Calla Lily suits warm-temperate, subtropical and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Calla Lily provided drainage is reasonable. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Calla Lily is wet or boggy ground. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Calla Lily after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Calla Lily in the garden
Calla Lily earns its place for cut flowers for the vase, a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Calla Lily with other plants that enjoy the same wet or boggy ground and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew. All parts can be toxic if eaten, so keep it away from small children. Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Calla Lily
Plant Sale lists Calla Lily as bulbs. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.