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Home Page » Home & Garden » Gardening » Calla lily: Zantedeschia aethiopica Lavender Gem

Calla lily: Zantedeschia aethiopica Lavender Gem

Other common names: arum lily

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Calla lily: Zantedeschia aethiopica Lavender Gem

This calla lily flower consists of a funnel-shaped, lavender spathe (leaf) surrounding a spadix (spike) of tiny white flowers. The broad, arrow-shaped leaves are attached to stems near the base of the plant. Ideal for warm regions, these tender, summer-flowering bulbs can be grown as summer annuals in cooler regions.

Profile

Plant typetender-perennial,bulb
Hardiness zones9 to 11
Lightfull-sun-to-part-shade
Height2 ft. to 3 ft.6 in.
Spread1 ft. to 2 ft.6 in.
Habitupright
Soil pHslightly-acidic-to-neutral-pH6.5-7
Soil moisturewet
Bloom timesummer
Flower colorlavender
Bloom size2 in. to 2 in.
Foliage colormedium-green

did you know?

Traditionally calla lilies are white and used for funeral arrangements. But new varieties being developed in soft yellows, pinks, and lavenders are perfect for more cheerful occasions. The calla lily is native to the moist soils of southern Africa. Its sap is a skin irritant.

general maintenance:

Deadhead after bloom. In Zones 8 and colder, reduce watering after flowering and lift bulbs after foliage dies back. Store in boxes of dry sand or peat.

pests/diseases:

Rhizome rot and gray mold may occur.

controls:

To control rhizome rot and gray mold, remove and destroy severely infected plants and tubers.

how to sow/plant:

In Zones 9?11, plant in fall. Set bulbs 4?6 inches deep and 10?12 inches apart. In cooler zones, plant in late winter in indoor pots, and treat as an annual. The pots can be brought outdoors after air warms up, or planted out. In fall, bring pots in or dig up. Store rhizomes in dry peat in a cool location for winter. Or plant in containers and overwinter in a cool room or unheated garage.

water and fertilize:

Maintain soil moisture all season (calla lilies thrive in moist soil and can be grown as marginal aquatic plants). In spring, as foliage emerges, feed with slow-release fertilizer, following label directions.

garden hint:

Calla lilies need a winter rest period for a successful rebloom; allow rhizomes to dry out over the winter.

features:

  • Attractive Flowers
  • Attractive Foliage
  • Wet Tolerant

garden uses:

  • Containers
  • Flowerbed borders
  • Ground Cover
  • Naturalizing

other uses:

  • Cut Flower

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