# Calla Lily in Cold Zones
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Calla Basics
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South African natives, calla lilies, grow in striking shades of gold, lavender and pink as well the satiny white carried by brides. They are not lilies, but arums. Arums floresce, or flower, along a central spike called a spadix, that is sheltered by a specialized leaf called a spathe. Calla lily spathes are dramatic, rolling back around the spadix and rising as much as 3 feet above the ground through a crown of large, impressive foliage.
Northern Gardens
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Plants in northern gardens must be hardy -- in some areas they face minus 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit average coldest winter temperatures. Even if a plant is deciduous, its roots must survive sub-freezing temperatures in the ground and the drying effects of cold winter winds. Northern gardeners develop ways of enjoying tropical beauty from plants such as cannas (Cannas spp.), which grow in USDA zones 7 through 10, as well as callas. Classified as summer bulbs, these tropical beauties create an island garden or fill containers, and are then sheltered when frost signals the beginning of intemperate weather.
Planting and Digging
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In cold zones, plant tender bulbs in the garden in spring after all danger of frost has passed. Some people start their calla lily rhizomes indoors in pots of peat or paper on sunny window sills. Set rhizomes 3 to 4 inches deep. In fall, after the first frost, pull the rhizomes, trim all but the last 2 inches of stem and clean off all garden soil. Put rhizomes into a ventilated bag of peat moss and rest them in a cool basement or garage between 45 and 50 F until spring.
Containers
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Callas grow as potted houseplants, given moist soil and a sunny window for a northern winter. They require a soilless potting mix to provide a well-draining but moisture-retentive medium. Callas thrive at outdoor summer camp, blooming in late summer. They are tough enough to thrive in full sun and add a touch of the tropics to summer decks and patios. Repot callas in fresh mix whenever their leaves die back in winter -- they might need a bigger pot or division. Divisions need two or three eyes, or buds, to grow strong new plants.
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