Calla Lily
Despite the funereal connotations of the white Calla Lily this spectacular flower should find a home in almost every Florida garden. Callas have long-petioled, basal leaves arising from a thick rhizome. The inflorescence, on a leafless flower stalk, consists of a spathe and spadix. The spathe, a large, flaring, trumpet-shaped bract, surrounds the spadix which is covered with tiny flowers. The Calla is native to South Africa. Of the family Araceae it is cultivated for its beautiful and colorful flowers.
The waxy white blooms and spear-headed leaves of the calla lily began to appeal to American artists shortly after the exotic plant was first imported from South Africa to America in the mid-nineteenth century. In the early twentieth century, the calla lily began to enjoy a heightened popularity, and particularly in the 1920s and 1930s, when dozens of painters and photographers of varying reputations and approaches to image-making made it the subject of their work.
- Callas are known as the trumpet lily as a reminder of the Archangel Gabriel and his trumpet
- Callas aren’t lilies
- The word calla comes from the Greek term for beautiful
- White was once the most popular color for callas, now there are many colors available including multicolored
- Callas are very popular for weddings

Plant Facts:
Common Name: Arum Lily, Calla Lily, Pig Lily
Botanical Name: Zantedeschia
Family: Araceae
Plant Type: Large perennial herb from rhizome. Has long-petioled, basal leaves arising from a thick rhizome
Origin: South Africa
Zones: 8 – 11
Height: 1 1/2′ to 4′
Rate of Growth: Fast
Salt Tolerance: Low
Soil Requirements: Rich, moist, but well-drained soil
Water Requirements: Requires regular watering
Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Form: Clump forming herb
Leaves: 1 1/2′ long, rich green. Plants become dormant in winter — leaves may die back to the ground, but no need to lift “bulbs” in Florida
Flowers: White, yellow, pink, purple, orange and variations — blooms spring and summer
Fruits:
MIXED CALLAS. CLASSIC WHITE CALLAS.
Pests or diseases: Tolerant of most pests and diseases
Uses: Cut flowers, can be used in beds, low borders, patio pots or planters, also as indoor house plants
Bad Habits: Foliage damaged by frost, but recovers rapidly
Cost: $$ — Very reasonable
Propagation: Division recommended, Z. aethiopica best propagated by seed
Source: PERENNIALS FOR AMERICAN GARDENS