Calla lilies are not true lilies but are members of the arum family in the genus Zantedeschia. There are two main groups: the large, white-flowered group and the group with smaller plants and coloured flowers. Several diseases can infect callas and cause them to wilt.
These plants do not generally require too much attention. Proper planting and location are about the only important things to consider when growing calla lilies. Care of calla lilies requires that they be planted in loose, well-drained soil. They prefer to be located in full sun or partial shade in warmer climates.
Do calla lilies need a lot of water?
While not a true lily, callas are an integral part of weddings and funerals alike, their classic flowers representing love and devotion. Callas can get waist high and need plenty of water and a high phosphorus fertilizer. Fertilizing calla lily plants not only enhances overall health but promotes more and bigger blooms.
Good companion plants for perennial calla lilies planted in the woodland garden include ferns, astilbes, hostas, ligularias and impatiens. In a container, annual calla lilies combine well with petunias, dusty miller, allysum, creeping jenny, heliotrope or dichondra.
Do calla lilies grow in cold climates?
Winter Care for Calla Lily Plants in Colder Climates If you live in zones 7 or lower, calla lilies will not survive the winter cold and so your winter care for calla lily plants will be different than for warm climates. Your calla lily care in winter will consist of digging the rhizome of the plants.
Shade and Sun: In warm climates, calla lilies grow well in full sun or partial shade. In cooler areas they grow best in full sun. Zone: Calla lilies are winter hardy in zones 8-10. In colder areas they can either be grown as annuals or can be dug up in the fall and stored indoors for replanting the next spring.
Can You Wash calla lily rhizomes?
Do not wash the calla lily rhizomes off as this can cause the rhizomes to rot later on. Cut off the foliage from the top of the rhizomes, leaving about 2 to 3 inches of the dead leaves. After this, leave the rhizomes dry in a warm, dry place to dry for four to seven days.