The Calla Lily, which belongs to the genus Zantedeschia, is a popular and architectural plant, equally valued as a cut flower, garden specimen, or container plant. It is not a true lily but an aroid. It forms a clump of lush, dark green, glossy, arrowhead or heart-shaped leaves, sometimes beautifully speckled with white spots. The flowers are its most distinguishing feature: a single, elegant, sculpted petal-like bract called a spathe, which wraps around a central spike (spadix). While the classic variety is pure white, modern hybrids offer a stunning array of colours, including yellow, orange, pink, red, and near-black purple. It is a long-flowering perennial that can go dormant in late summer or autumn.
Care Tips for Calla Lily
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Position: Prefers a spot with full sun to partial shade. In hotter Australian climates, protection from the harsh afternoon sun is recommended to prevent scorching.
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Soil: Requires rich, fertile soil that is well-drained. Calla Lilies enjoy moisture but must not sit in waterlogged conditions, which will rot the tubers.
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Watering: Water regularly and heavily during the active growing season (spring and summer) to keep the soil consistently moist. Reduce watering drastically when the foliage starts to die back as the plant enters dormancy.
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Fertilising: Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser to support heavy flowering.
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Dormancy: In autumn or after flowering, the leaves may yellow and die back. This is normal. Stop watering and allow the plant to rest for a few months before new growth resumes in spring.
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Maintenance: Remove spent flowers by twisting the stem sharply at the base of the plant. Tubers can be lifted and divided in winter if the clump becomes too crowded.
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Toxicity: Note that all parts of the Calla Lily are poisonous if ingested, so handle with care and keep away from pets and children.
