Zantedeschia aethiopica

About this cultivar:

Zantedeschia aethiopica is, according to Kew Gardens “one of the world's most iconic and widely known plants. Although commonly known as the arum lily or calla lily, it is not a lily at all but an aroid, with its brilliant white spathe (floral bract) surrounding the central pale yellow spadix (floral spike) bearing tiny flowers.

This very attractive plant has been known to European horticulture since at least the 1660s. Carl Linnaeus described it in 1753 as Calla aethiopica and it has been commonly known as the calla lily ever since. The species epithet 'aethiopica' refers to the fact that it is native to Africa. In 1826 Sprengel transferred it to a new genus which he called Zantedeschia. According to Cythna Letty (1973), the name was probably given in honour of Giovanni Zantedeschi, an Italian botanist who lived in the early 19th century.”

Grows almost anywhere with enough water! Can vary in height!

• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
• Flowers: April, May, June, July
• Other features: Grows well in Ballyrobert
• Hardiness: Fully hardy, grows well in Ballyrobert
• Habit: Clump forming, Columnar or Upright
• Foliage: Deciduous
• Height: 60 - 120 cm  (2 - 4 ft)
• Spread: 30 - 60 cm (1 - 2 ft)
• Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
• Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Colour: Green, yellow, white
• Goes well with: --

About this genus:

Zantedeschia is a genus of eight species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the arum family (Araceae), native to southern Africa from South Africa north to Malawi. The genus has been introduced on all continents except Antarctica. Common names for various species include arum lily and calla lily although it is neither a true lily (Liliaceae), nor an Arum or a Calla (related genera in Araceae). The colourful flowers and leaves are highly valued, and both species and cultivars are widely used as ornamental plants.

Although Zantedeschia thrives best in moist, rich sites, they are amazingly durable under less than ideal conditions. They grow away in everythign from sun to shade in our wet clay soil. Gardeners should be patient with their Zantedeschia. While the white-flowered Zantedeschia aethiopica is a winter grower, the other specithey emerge, they will quickly start to produce their characteristic spathe and spadix flowers. In the wild, Zantedeschia grow in marshy conditions and thus can tolerate moist garden sites as long as winter drainage is good.

Zantedeschia aethiopica is the most commonly grown species, but most floricultural callas are hybrids whose other parent species bring in traits such as spotted leaves and an array of colourful flowers. Plant them where you will see them!