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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Calla Lily is adapted to wet or boggy ground. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Calla Lily after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level 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
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same wet or boggy ground and warm-temperate climate as Calla Lily. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
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. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
