Zantedeschia aethiopica

(zan·te·des·chia | \ ˌzantəˈdeskēə \)

Also Known As:

Calla aethiopica, African Lily, Altar Lily, Garden Calla, Egyptian Lily, Arum Lily

	When to Plant:
	Fall

	Blooms:
	Late Spring to Early Summer

	Light Requirements:
	Full Sun to Partial Shade

	Plant Height:
	24-36"

	Hardiness Zones:
	Grow as Perennial in zones 8-10. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone

	Planting Depth:
	3-4"

	Plant Spacing:
	12-18"

	Plant Type:
	Bulb

About

Zantedeschia aethiopica are commonly known as calla lilies and are technically not true lilies. They are native to South Africa and are members of the arum (Jack-in-the-pulpit) family. The large, stark white bloom surrounds a yellow spadix and grows atop a tall, leafless stalk that is prized in cut flower arrangements.

Highlights

Great for rain gardens and moist areas; can grow in 6-12" of water
Showy blooms
Grows well in containers indoors or out
Excellent for cut flowers
Beneficial to pollinators; attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds

Planting Care & Instructions

Plant in the fall, before the first frost hardens the soil. Dig a hole to the required depth. Place bulb in hole, pointed side up. Cover with soil and water thoroughly. Mulch in extreme climates.

For container planting, bury the bulb three times as deep as the bulb is wide. In zones 6 and below, you will need to protect your bulb containers. Place them near the foundation of the house or other structure. In zones 3-5, place the container in an unheated garage or shed.

After blooming, leave the bulbs in place so plants can clump or reseed. Divide only when containers or planting spaces become too crowded. Propagate in the fall by division after they have been chilled for four weeks in a moist medium.

Refer to the USDA Planting Zone Map to find your zone.

Growing Tips

Zantedeschia aethiopica grows best in moist, marshy areas. They can be grown as a water plant.

Go back