What Kinds of Flowers Can You Pair With Calla Lilies?

Iris

• Calla lilies grow along the banks of streams and ponds in their native habitat of Southern Africa. Many irises grow in rich, moist soils, including the Japanese iris, which is often planted at the edge of pools. According to the horticulturists at Cornell University Extension, Siberian iris is the hardiest of all irises and adapts itself well to temperature changes and other climatic conditions. Siberian iris also holds up well against competing plants. Bearded iris blooms in shades of yellow or purple and contrasts well with the white calla variety.

Impatiens

• Impatiens is a natural choice when paired with taller plants such as calla lily. The lily benefits from having a shorter plant to help keep the roots cool and impatiens enjoy the semi-shady environment they get from the taller lilies. New Guinea impatiens can tolerate more sunshine than typical impatiens, and they are available in colors of pale or bright pink, as well as white, red, violet and orange. Keep in mind that there’s a difference between moist ground and wet ground. Sites that are wet inhibit the flowering ability of impatiens.

Hibiscus

• Hibiscus shrubs grow in a variety of soils, prefer hot, sunny weather and are not fussy about moist or dry sites. People think of hibiscus as a plant for temperate zones, but according to horticulturists at the University of Connecticut, Hibiscus syriacus grows comfortably right up through USDA plant hardiness zone 5. One of the most popular cultivars is Pink Giant, with 5-inch pink flowers that have a deep red splotch in the middle. The Tri-Color variety has blooms of red, white and purple on one plant. Hibiscus may be pruned to the desired shape. Hibiscus and calla lilies have contrasting color and texture that make gardens interesting.

Pale Companions

• Calla lilies, like white azaleas, are popular specimen plants for night gardens. They thrive in the same soils and sunny environments. Night gardens, or moon gardens, make use of a variety of white or pale flowers, as well as fragrant specimens such as roses and white-flowering jasmine. Moon gardens are meant to be enjoyed in the night hours as well as the daytime. Other great companions for callas in night gardens are flowering tobacco and sweet mock orange.