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Zantedeschia aethiopica
Species; rhizomatous arum lily
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Species; rhizomatous arum lily
- Height × spread: 24 to 36 in (60 to 90 cm) × 12 to 24 in (30 to 60 cm)
- Bloom window: Late spring to early summer; earlier in frost free areas
- Color & flower form: White spathe with yellow spadix; large funnel form
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: Zones 8 to 10; grown as annual or container in colder zones
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Unknown, unknown, South Africa
- Cut‑flower notes: Sturdy stems; typical vase life 7 to 10 days in clean water
- Pet safety: Avoid
How it differs
- Earlier bloom than many colored callas in North America.
- Larger white spathes and taller stems.
- Handles saturated soils and shallow water at pond edges.
- Rhizomatous and evergreen in mild climates.
Strengths
- Tolerates wet or boggy sites.
- Reliable bloom with large spathes.
- Good performance in part shade.
- Useful and long lasting as a cut.
Care in one minute
Site: full sun to part shade; give afternoon shade in hot zones.
Soil: rich and moisture retentive but not stagnant; neutral to slightly acidic; excellent drainage in containers.
Watering: keep evenly moist during growth; never allow pots to dry out in summer.
Feeding: apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and give light monthly feeds in active growth.
Grooming: remove spent spathes and yellowing leaves at the base.
Overwintering: outside zone 8 lift rhizomes after frost; dry and store at 50 to 55°F (10 to 13°C) or overwinter indoors in bright light.
Watch‑outs
- Rhizome rot in poorly drained or stagnant soils.
- Foliage can scorch in hot inland afternoon sun.
- Can spread in very mild winters and may need clump control.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
Native to South Africa and widely naturalized in mild climates.
References
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online: Zantedeschia aethiopica
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Plant Finder: Zantedeschia aethiopica
- UC Davis Postharvest Center – Calla lily handling notes
- ASPCA – Calla lily toxicity
