The calla lily belongs to the genus Zantedeschia and is a member of the Araceae family, along with the caladium and philodendron. It’s also known as the pig lily, trumpet lily and arum lily, and begins to blossom in late spring.

What type of flower is Calla?

Calla lilies are not true lilies; they belong to the Arum family of plants and the genus Zantedeschia. There are six different species of this flower, which hail from South Africa and that have become popular for growing in the garden and for cut flowers around the world.

Is a calla lily a form flower?

Calla lilies are not actually true lilies belonging to the Lilium family, but grow from rhizomes and belong to the Zantedeschia family. Six main species and many subspecies and cultivars with different colors and shapes make up the calla lily family, but all have a similar form.

Do calla lilies come back year after year?

Many people treat their gift calla lilies as annuals. They receive a potted flower, or buy them for spring decorating, and then toss it when the blooms are done. In truth, though, calla lilies are perennials and you can actually save your potted plant and watch it bloom again next year.

Is calla lily a funeral flower?

White calla lily flowers are commonly used in Easter services and have come to represent resurrection and rebirth. This is also why calla lilies are a traditional choice for funeral arrangements and expressions of sympathy. … White calla lilies also carry the meaning of innocence, while yellow blooms express gratitude.

Will calla lilies spread?

The calla lilies as most other bulbs, spread by producing even more bulbs. These bulbs can be dug up, and replanted in another location. In tropical climates (zones 8-10), calla lilies can be left in the ground over winter without trouble.

Are calla lilies real lilies?

Although the word is in the name, the calla is not a true lily. These blooms are more closely related to caladium and philodendron, which are more leaflike. However, the calla lily flower’s petal is similar to a large leaf, so the close relationship makes sense.

Can calla lilies live outside?

Calla lilies are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. … When planted in water, the rhizomes can remain outdoors as long as the water doesn’t freeze at the planting depth. You can also transplant your callas into pots and grow them as houseplants.

Do calla lilies need sun or shade?

Shade and Sun: In warm climates, calla lilies grow well in full sun or partial shade. In cooler areas they grow best in full sun. Zone: Calla lilies are winter hardy in zones 8-10. In colder areas they can either be grown as annuals or can be dug up in the fall and stored indoors for replanting the next spring.

Are calla lilies herbaceous?

There are 8 species and numerous cultivars of ‘Calla lily’. They are herbaceous, bulbous perennials with long, arrow-shaped leaves; some species have leaves with beautiful, window-like translucent spots. … The spathe is usually white or green, but cultivars exist with yellow, pink, red, and purple hues.

Article first time published on

What is the difference between a canna and calla lily?

Cannas grow anywhere between 1 1/2 and 8 feet tall with a spread of up to 6 feet, whereas callas are generally more restrained, growing to only 2 or 3 feet with a 2-foot spread. Canna and calla leaves bear some resemblance to one another in that they are both long and wide, tapering at one end.

How would you describe a calla lily?

The calla lily was named after the Greek word for beautiful — calla. … However, the most common meaning for calla lilies is purity, holiness, and faithfulness. It’s commonly depicted in images of the Virgin Mary.

What is the spiritual meaning of a calla lily?

Still, the most popular calla lily meaning these days is that of purity, faithfulness and holiness. The flower is often depicted in images of the Virgin Mary. For millions of Christians all over the world, calla lilies are a symbol of rebirth and resurrection. This ties into the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Are arum lilies and calla lilies the same?

While calla lilies, also known as arum lilies, have the same showy spathe as plants in the arum family, they are not true members of the Araceae group. … All types of arum plants are poisonous and may not be suitable in gardens with pets and children. Arums are rhizome producing, perennial plants.

Is calla lily and peace lily same?

Although both are prized for their delicate-looking flowers and lush foliage, calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) and peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) are two very different members of the Araceae family. Both can be grown indoors or out in containers or planted in the yard in warm climates.

Are calla lilies lucky?

Calla lilies are so elegant that just a handful alone can make a stunning bouquet. … White calla lilies are said to be a good luck charm for wedded bliss, they can also bloom year-round if cared for properly.

What do calla lilies smell like?

A soft, elegant, clean, white floral fragrance with notes of jasmine, lily of the valley and rose violet.

Are calla lilies expensive?

While Calla Lily are readily available, they are one of the more expensive wedding flowers you can buy. A search on Fiftyflowers.com had 15 stems listed for $74.49 (almost $5/stem… around the same price they have for Peonies, which are notoriously expensive).

What are white calla lilies called?

Zantedeschia aethiopica The most familiar calla, this 3-foot-tall and 2-foot-wide plant has large white flowers—up to 10 inches long—that surround a creamy yellow fingerlike centerpiece. They bloom from late spring to mid-summer.

What are yellow calla lilies called?

Showy, award-winning Zantedeschia elliottiana (Golden Calla Lily) is a tuberous perennial boasting golden, trumpet-shaped flowers (spathes), 6 in. long (15 cm), adorned with a yellow finger-like spadix. They stand out against the long-stalked, arrowhead-shaped, dark green leaves which are heavily spotted with white.

How many colors do calla lilies come in?

There are seven different species. Flower colors are white, cream, pale yellow, lemon yellow, bright golden yellow and shades of pink through purple to dark maroon that is almost black. Flowers often have dark purple at the interior base of the flower.

How long do calla lilies live?

How long do calla lilies live indoors? In the appropriate climate, calla lilies can live all year round. For proper calla lily care, the plant should be allowed to die back for about two months every year. This will allow for the flowers to rest and come back with even better blooms in the next growing season.

Can calla lilies be split?

Dividing calla lilies is not difficult. Lift calla rhizomes in fall after the foliage turns brown and pulls away from the roots easily. … Cut or break apart the rhizome, making sure each section has at least one eye. Let the rhizomes dry for a day to form a callus over the cut before replanting.

What do calla lilies attract?

Calla Lilies thrive in a variety of growing conditions, tolerating sandy and clay soil. They are deer resistant and thrive in containers, making them the perfect statement for a small-space garden or patio. The unique, elegant blooms also attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies to the garden.

How do you keep calla lilies blooming?

The foliage will die back and the plant will appear to be dead. Place it in a cool (not cold) dark place for two months. After this, bring it back out into the light and resume watering it. The foliage will regrow and you calla lily plant will start to bloom shortly thereafter.

What time of year do lilies bloom?

Bright, graceful, and sometimes fragrant, lily flowers are an easy-care asset to a garden. The lily bloom time is different for various species, but all true lilies will flower between spring and fall.

Why is my calla lily weeping?

Calla Lily Leaves Dripping Water This sap is often mistaken for water by indoor gardeners, but it’s something entirely different. … When guttation occurs, it’s a sign that you have over-watered your plant––the saturated roots create pressure on the rest of the plant, which forces it to exude moisture in the form of sap.

Do calla lilies do better inside or outside?

Although an outdoor plant by nature, the Calla Lily will perform wonderfully as an indoor plant. Keeping this rhizome happy indoors is a matter of paying attention to some very basic growing conditions.

Can I plant calla lilies in the ground?

Planting Your Calla Lilies Calla rhizomes should be planted in spring. They may be started indoors as early as a month before the average last frost date (for earlier blooms) or planted directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed.

Do calla lilies bloom all summer?

The bulb-like structure of calla lilies grows well in a planter or in the ground in warm weather. … If left in the ground, the plants are considered annuals because the roots will die when frozen. The flowers bloom in the late spring and throughout the summer.

Are calla lilies native?

Native to South Africa, calla lily is grown as an ornamental plant, and most invading populations are found near human habitations in coastal prairies and wetlands.