The Calla Lily, scientifically known as Zantedeschia, is a genus of flowering plants native to southern Africa. It’s not actually a true lily but belongs to the family Araceae, which includes plants like philodendrons and peace lilies. The Calla Lily is renowned for its elegant, trumpet-shaped spathe (the white or colorful part often mistaken as the flower) and a central spadix, which is the actual flower structure where pollen is produced. Available in a spectrum of colors from white, pink, and yellow to purple and nearly black, the Calla Lily symbolizes beauty, elegance, and rebirth.
Calla lilies are relatively easy to care for, preferring moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun. They prefer warm conditions, thriving in USDA zones 8-10, though they can be grown as annuals or potted plants in cooler climates if brought indoors during winter. Their ability to thrive in both water-rich environments and drier garden beds showcases their adaptability and charm.
Calla Lilies are popular in floral arrangements due to their long vase life and striking form. However, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so they should be handled with care, especially around children and pets. The plant’s exotic look and ease of care make it a favorite among gardeners and floral artists alike.
Calla Lilies
Zantedeschia aethiopica (White Calla Lily)
- Characteristics: This classic calla lily is known for its pristine white blooms and is often referred to as the “common” calla lily.
- Size: The plant can grow up to 2-3 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
- Foliage: Large, arrow-shaped, deep green leaves.
- Ideal Conditions: Thrives in moist, well-draining soil and partial to full sun.
Zantedeschia ‘Black Star’ (Black Calla Lily)
- Characteristics: A dramatic and striking type with dark purple to nearly black blooms.
- Size: Typically grows between 1-2 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to summer.
- Foliage: Narrow, dark green leaves often speckled with white spots.
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Zantedeschia ‘Picasso’
- Characteristics: Notable for its unique two-toned appearance; purple at the center that fades into a white outer edge.
- Size: Reaches about 1-2 feet in height.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer.
- Foliage: Lance-shaped leaves with white spotting.
- Ideal Conditions: Full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Red Alert’
- Characteristics: This variety has vibrant red or deep burgundy spathes, making it stand out in gardens.
- Size: Grows up to 1-2 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Late spring through summer.
- Foliage: Dark green leaves with occasional white speckles.
- Ideal Conditions: Thrives in full sun and moist, fertile soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Crystal Blush’
- Characteristics: A pale, delicate variety that starts as white and develops a subtle pink blush as it matures.
- Size: Can grow up to 1-2 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer.
- Foliage: Large, green leaves without speckles.
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers partial sun and rich, well-drained soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Captain Safari’
- Characteristics: This variety is known for its fiery orange and yellow blooms, resembling a tropical sunset.
- Size: Grows about 1.5-2 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Summer.
- Foliage: Deep green with white speckles.
- Ideal Conditions: Needs full sun and well-drained, rich soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Flame’
- Characteristics: Named for its vibrant, flame-like red and yellow coloration.
- Size: Typically grows to 1-2 feet in height.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
- Foliage: Glossy green leaves with distinctive white speckling.
- Ideal Conditions: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and nutrient-rich soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Black Magic’
- Characteristics: This variety boasts deep maroon or blackish-purple spathes.
- Size: Reaches around 1-2 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer.
- Foliage: Green, sometimes with slight spotting.
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Mango’
- Characteristics: A lively variety with mango-orange spathes edged with a hint of yellow.
- Size: Grows to about 1-2 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer.
- Foliage: Deep green leaves.
- Ideal Conditions: Enjoys full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Garnet Glow’
- Characteristics: Features deep garnet-colored spathes that make it a standout in any arrangement.
- Size: Can grow up to 2 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Early summer.
- Foliage: Broad, dark green leaves, sometimes speckled.
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight.
Zantedeschia ‘Pink Melody’
- Characteristics: This type has soft pink spathes with a subtle gradient that gives it a delicate appearance.
- Size: Grows to about 1.5-2 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Summer.
- Foliage: Green, often with white speckles.
- Ideal Conditions: Thrives in partial to full sun with moist, rich soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Captain Chelsea’
- Characteristics: A striking variety with dark purple spathes that feature bright golden-yellow edges.
- Size: Reaches 1-2 feet in height.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to mid-summer.
- Foliage: Dark green with white spotting.
- Ideal Conditions: Full sun and well-draining soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Captain Romance’
- Characteristics: Features soft pink spathes with a romantic, gentle look.
- Size: Grows between 1-2 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer.
- Foliage: Dark green leaves with occasional speckles.
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers partial to full sun and well-drained, fertile soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Treasure’
- Characteristics: Known for its rich, deep purple blooms that convey a sense of luxury.
- Size: Grows up to 1-2 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Late spring through summer.
- Foliage: Dark green with white speckles.
- Ideal Conditions: Requires full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Sunshine’
- Characteristics: Bright yellow spathes that add a cheerful touch to any garden.
- Size: Typically grows to about 1-1.5 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
- Foliage: Broad, green leaves.
- Ideal Conditions: Thrives in full sun and nutrient-rich soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Edge of Night’
- Characteristics: A dark, sultry variety with nearly black spathes and a hint of dark maroon.
- Size: Reaches around 1-2 feet in height.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer.
- Foliage: Dark green, often spotted.
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers partial to full sun and well-draining soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Blush Pink’
- Characteristics: A soft pink bloom with a subtle white center, perfect for gentle and elegant arrangements.
- Size: Grows to about 1-2 feet.
- Bloom Time: Summer.
- Foliage: Large, green leaves.
- Ideal Conditions: Partial sun and rich, moist soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Golden Chalice’
- Characteristics: Known for its large, golden-yellow spathes and impressive size.
- Size: Can grow up to 3-4 feet tall, making it one of the tallest varieties.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
- Foliage: Glossy, green leaves.
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Cherry Kiss’
- Characteristics: Displays vibrant cherry-red spathes that stand out in any garden.
- Size: Grows about 1-1.5 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Early summer.
- Foliage: Green leaves with subtle speckling.
- Ideal Conditions: Thrives in full sun and nutrient-rich, moist soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Captain Ventura’
- Characteristics: A unique variety with pure white spathes and a touch of cream at the center.
- Size: Reaches 1-2 feet in height.
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer.
- Foliage: Large, dark green leaves.
- Ideal Conditions: Partial to full sun with well-drained soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Fire Dancer’
- Characteristics: Named for its bold, fire-like orange and yellow spathes.
- Size: Grows to about 1.5-2 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to summer.
- Foliage: Green with possible white speckles.
- Ideal Conditions: Full sun and well-draining, fertile soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Pink Persuasion’
- Characteristics: Has a soft, pastel pink color that creates a calming effect.
- Size: Reaches 1-1.5 feet in height.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer.
- Foliage: Deep green leaves, sometimes speckled.
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers full sun and moist, rich soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Captain Safari’
- Characteristics: Features eye-catching orange and yellow hues, resembling an exotic flower.
- Size: About 1-2 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer.
- Foliage: Dark green leaves.
- Ideal Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
Zantedeschia ‘Green Goddess’
- Characteristics: An unusual type with green-tipped white spathes, offering a unique, fresh look.
- Size: Can grow up to 3 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer.
- Foliage: Large, arrow-shaped, green leaves.
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers partial shade and moist, rich soil.