Common Name: calla lily
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Araceae
Zone: 9 to 10
Height: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Spread: 0.50 to 1.00 feet
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Description: Light pink
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Annual, Water Plant, Rain Garden
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Tolerate: Wet Soil
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zone 8-10. May be hardy in Zone 7 with protection. Plant rhizomes in spring after threat of frost has passed. Best in moist to wet soils with part shade. Tolerates full sun in some climates, but prefers part shade in the St. Louis area. Lift rhizomes in fall and store in a damp medium such as peat or immediately replant in containers to overwinter as a houseplant. Calla lilies may be planted in shallow water in mud at the edge of ponds or water gardens. In this case, the rhizomes could arguably survive a St. Louis winter if the covering water does not freeze to the bottom. May also be grown year round in containers that must be brought indoors in winter before first frost. Overwintering containers placed near a window with bright indirect light can make attractive houseplants.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Zantedeschia is a genus of 6 species from southern and eastern Africa. Many hybrids have been developed. Commonly called calla lilies, they are not true lilies, but are arum (Jack-in-the-pulpit) family members. They are stemless plants whose flowers and leaves rise directly from rhizomes. The blooms are popular in cut flower arrangements.
Genus name honors Giovanni Zantedeschi (1773-1846), Italian botanist.
‘Rubylite Pink Ice’ is a hybrid variety that typically grows to only 12-15” tall. Each flower features a yellow finger-like spadix that is surrounded by a showy light pink spathe born atop a leafless stalk. Blooms throughout summer.
Problems
Susceptible to rhizome rot. Japanese beetles may feed on the flowers/foliage.
Uses
Borders, containers, pond peripheries, water gardens or houseplants.