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Home Page » Home & Garden » Gardening » Calla lily: Zantedeschia aethiopica Pink Giant

Calla lily: Zantedeschia aethiopica Pink Giant

Other common names: arum lily

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Calla lily: Zantedeschia aethiopica Pink Giant

The calla lily flower consists of a funnel-shaped spathe (leaf) surrounding a spadix (spike) of tiny white flowers. 'Pink Giant' produces large, light-pink blooms on tall stems over deep-green, arrow-shaped leaves. Ideal for warm regions, these tender, summer-flowering bulbs can be grown as summer annuals in cooler regions.

Profile

Plant typetender-perennial,bulb
Hardiness zones8 to 11
Lightfull-sun-to-part-shade
Height1 ft.4 in. to 2 ft.10 in.
Spread1 ft. to 2 ft.6 in.
Habitupright
Soil pHslightly-acidic-to-neutral-pH6.5-7
Soil moisturewet
Bloom timesummer
Flower colorpink
Bloom size3 in. to 3 in.
Foliage colordark-green

did you know?

Traditionally, calla lilies were white and used for funeral arrangements. But new varieties are being developed in soft yellows, pinks, and lavenders that are used for 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. Overwinter in boxes of dry sand or peat in a frost-free but cool location.

pests/diseases:

Rhizome rot and gray mold may occur.

controls:

Remove and destroy severely infected 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 beds. 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
  • Shade Tolerant
  • Wet Tolerant

garden uses:

  • Containers
  • Flowerbed borders
  • Ground Cover
  • Naturalizing

other uses:

  • Cut Flower

combine with:

other wet-tolerant plants including canna ( x ).

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