Calla Lily
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Also listed as Calla aethiopica, Richardia aethiopica
Also known as Arum Lily, Common Arum Lily, Calla
Climate Match for your location
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Calla lily is an elegant perennial with striking white spathe flowers and dark green arrow-shaped foliage. It thrives in consistently moist soil and prefers partial shade, making it ideal for water gardens or boggy areas.
Why grow it
Calla lily offers reliable performance in wet sites where many ornamentals struggle, producing consistent flowering over an extended season. Compared to other moisture-loving perennials like astilbe or hosta, its bold spathe flowers provide a more architectural focal point, though it has a narrower climate range and requires warmer conditions in most regions.
Watch out for
In areas outside its hardiness range, treat as a tender perennial and lift rhizomes for winter storage. Flowering and foliage vigor decline noticeably if soil dries out during the growing season, so consistent moisture management is essential rather than optional. Pot-bound plants may produce fewer flowers, so plan for adequate spacing or container size.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Araceae
Native Range
South Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Crowborough is the hardiest selection, surviving to Zone 7 in well-mulched conditions. Green Goddess features distinctive green-flushed spathes that distinguish it from the pure white of the species type.
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Calla lily is an elegant perennial with striking white spathe flowers and dark green arrow-shaped foliage. It thrives in consistently moist soil and prefers partial shade, making it ideal for water gardens or boggy areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Calla Lily grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Calla lily offers reliable performance in wet sites where many ornamentals struggle, producing consistent flowering over an extended season. Compared to other moisture-loving perennials like astilbe or hosta, its bold spathe flowers provide a more architectural focal point, though it has a narrower climate range and requires warmer conditions in most regions.
Watch out for
In areas outside its hardiness range, treat as a tender perennial and lift rhizomes for winter storage. Flowering and foliage vigor decline noticeably if soil dries out during the growing season, so consistent moisture management is essential rather than optional. Pot-bound plants may produce fewer flowers, so plan for adequate spacing or container size.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Araceae
Native Range
South Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Crowborough is the hardiest selection, surviving to Zone 7 in well-mulched conditions. Green Goddess features distinctive green-flushed spathes that distinguish it from the pure white of the species type.