Calla Lily

The Calla Lily holds a prominent place in art, literature, and ceremony. Its pure white bloom has become an enduring symbol of innocence, purity, and rebirth, frequently appearing in wedding and funeral traditions. In various cultures, it is revered for its serene beauty and is often depicted in paintings and decorative motifs, embodying elegance and spiritual renewal.

• Despite its name, the Calla Lily is not a true lily but belongs to the Araceae family.
• It is toxic if ingested, due to calcium oxalate crystals, affecting both humans and animals.
• In Australia and New Zealand, it is sometimes considered an invasive species in wetland habitats.
• The species can tolerate shallow water, making it unique among popular garden flowers.
• Regional cultivars such as ‘Crowborough’ and ‘Green Goddess’ offer hardier or green-tipped forms.

Calla Lilies are most commonly known for their pristine white spathes, though some cultivars feature green-tipped or colored blooms. The classic species is not noted for a strong fragrance, but its visual purity and simplicity make it a favorite in arrangements where subtlety is prized.

Calla Lilies thrive in moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate shallow water, making them versatile for garden borders and water features. They prefer mild climates (USDA zones 8–10) but can be grown as annuals or houseplants in cooler regions. Propagation is typically by division of rhizomes. Good drainage is essential to prevent bacterial soft rot and fungal diseases, and all parts of the plant should be handled with care due to toxicity.

The Calla Lily is a powerful symbol of purity, innocence, and rebirth. Its association with weddings and funerals reflects its dual role in marking both beginnings and farewells. In art and literature, it often represents beauty, elegance, and spiritual renewal, making it a meaningful choice for significant life events.

• Crowborough: Noted for its hardiness and suitability for cooler climates.
• Green Goddess: Features green-tipped spathes for a unique visual effect.

While the classic white Calla Lily is most iconic, colored hybrids from other Zantedeschia species are also popular in gardens and floral design.

The original Calla Lily species is wild-collected, but horticultural efforts have produced numerous cultivars and hybrids, especially for color and climate adaptation. Breeding has focused on developing hardier forms and expanding the palette beyond white, with notable cultivars such as ‘Crowborough’ and ‘Green Goddess’ gaining recognition for their unique traits.

• Moderately resistant to common garden pests.
• Susceptible to bacterial soft rot and fungal diseases, especially in poorly drained soils.
• Good drainage and careful watering are key to prevention; remove affected plant parts promptly.

Calla Lilies typically bloom in late spring to early summer, though flowering times may vary with climate and cultivation. In mild regions, they may flower sporadically throughout the growing season, while in cooler climates, they are often grown as annuals or houseplants for seasonal display.

Calla Lilies are valued almost exclusively for their ornamental appeal, widely used in floral arrangements, wedding bouquets, and garden landscapes. They are not edible and have no medicinal or perfumery uses; in fact, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Their symbolic resonance and elegant form ensure their continued popularity in both private and commercial settings.