Zantedeschia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 25th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Zantedeschia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Zantedeschia plants boast elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers. Their unique form and variety of colors makes them a captivating choice for gardeners.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: They thrive in a well-draining soil and prefer a location with partial to full sunlight. They love moist conditions but avoid waterlogged soil.
- General Care: Feed with a balanced fertilizer during their growing season. Ensure tplants are kept moist, especially in drier climates.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Calla and Arum lilies are suitable for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. For optimal growth, maintain consistent moisture and be mindful of snails and slugs.
Arum Lily, Calla Lily, Lily of the Nile, & Varkoor: Cultivation & Garden Use
Zantedeschia are beautiful plants that are usually grown as an annual in the garden though they are really half hardy perennials.
Zantedeschia range in height from 30 cm to 2.5 m and have large arrow shaped leaves.
They bloom in the early summer when they carry exquisite funnel flowers consisting of white, pink, yellow or red petals surrounding a spadix that can be purple, white or yellow.
Some of the common varieties of Zantedeschia that are grown in the garden include Arum Lily, White arum lily, Lily of the Nile and Calla Lily.
Latin names of these plants include Zantedeschia aethiopica; Zantedeschia calla; Zantedeschia elliottiana; and Zantedeschia rehmannii.
Antedeschia aethiopica - Calla lily by Warrenski; Creative Commons.
How to Grow Zantedeschia, Arum lilies
Zantedeschia species such as Arum lilies and Calla lily can be grown from rhizome of seeds; plant zantedeschia bulbs at about 5 cm (2 inches) deep and 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches) apart.
If growing Arum lilies from seed, then it is best to start off indoors.
First soak the lily seeds for a day in warm water, then sow on the soil surface at the start of spring.
It will take about one to three months for Arum lilies to germinate at a temperature of 21 to 28 degrees centigrade (70 to 82°F) in the light.
Once ready, transplant the young Arum Lily seedlings in the spring, well after the last chance of frost.
Ideally the soil that plants grow in will be acidic, humus rich, and enriched with manure.
Calla Lily by Cygnus921; Creative Commons.
Caring for Zantedeschia Plants
It is easy to look after Zantedeschia species such as Arum lily and Lilies of the Nile.
They require regular watering to keep the soil moist, and as they are quite hungry they should be fed regularly with a liquid fertilizer during their growing period.
If you require more plants then propagate Arum lilies by division of the tubers in the spring.
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Zantedeschia Growing and Care Guide
- Common Names: Arum Lily, Calla, Calla Lily, Lily of the Nile, Easter Lily, Varkoor.
- Family:
- Life Cycle: Half hardy annual by gardeners.
- Height: 24 to 100 inches (60 to 250 cm).
- Native: Southern Africa.
- Growing Region: Zones 7 to 10. As a perennial in zones 9 and 10.
- Flowers: Start of summer.
- Flower Details: White, pink, yellow, red. Mottled. Funnel shaped Spathe. The spadix is prominent and yellow, purple or white.
- Foliage: Long. Broad. Deltoid/Arrow-shaped.
- Sow Outside: Seed: surface. Rhizome: 2 inches (50 mm). Autumn. Spacing 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 cm).
- Sow Inside: Usually started indoors. Soak seeds for one day. Germination time: one to three months in the light. Temperature 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C). At the end of winter/beginning of spring. Transplant outdoors a few weeks after the last frost; temperature should not drop below 50°F (10 to 27°C).
- Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Soil pH 5 to 6.5. Humus. Mix in manure. Regular feed. Regular watering. Bring rhizomes indoors over the winter in cool areas. Propagate: dividing in the spring.
- Family: Araceae.
- Species: Zantedeschia aethiopica Growing Guide.
- Miscellaneous: The genus is named after Giovanni Zantedeschi, an influential Italian botanist and physician.
Common Questions
How many members does the Zantedeschia genus have?
The Zantedeschia genus contains eight species known for their elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers commonly referred to as Calla Lilies.
Do members of Zantedeschia make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Zantedeschia species, or Calla Lilies, are popular in gardens for their striking flowers. They also make excellent cut flowers.
Which Zantedeschia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Zantedeschia aethiopica, known as the Arum Lily, is frequently grown by gardeners due to its stunning white flowers.
Are members of the Zantedeschia plant genus fragrant?
Some species of Zantedeschia, particularly Zantedeschia aethiopica, are known for their mild, pleasing fragrance.
What is the perfect location to grow Zantedeschia?
Zantedeschia grows best in a sunny to lightly shaded location with well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season.
Is Zantedeschia invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Zantedeschia aethiopica is considered invasive in some parts of California and the southeast US. Always check local regulations.
How do I remove Zantedeschia plants from my garden?
Removing Zantedeschia involves digging up the plant's rhizomes, making sure all parts are removed to prevent regrowth.
Summary
Zantedeschia, commonly known as Calla Lily, belongs to the family Araceae. This genus comprises about 8 species of perennial herbaceous flowering plants native to southern Africa.
Zantedeschia plants prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are typically grown from rhizomes, which should be planted in spring. The plants are celebrated for their elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers and arrow-shaped leaves.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Zantedeschia plants. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Aglaonema modestum and Caladium plants.
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