How to Grow a Zantedeschia Aethiopica Lily

Zantedeschia aethiopica, commonly called calla lily, produces tropical-looking flowers in late spring and summer. The flower consists of a single, usually white, spathe curled around a tall, bright yellow spadix. The large, shiny, green, arrowhead-shaped foliage, which is often dotted with silver or white specks, is strikingly beautiful even when the flowers aren’t in bloom. Calla lilies are winter-hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 to 10, and need an organically rich, moist soil and a full-sun or partial-shade location. They thrive in wet or boggy sites where few other plants can survive. Gardeners in colder regions can grow them, but the plants only last a year unless dug up and brought indoors for storage over winter.

Things You'll Need

5-10-5 or 5-10-10
Large plastic bag

Peat moss

Instructions

- 1
  Plant calla lily rhizomes in holes 4 to 6 inches deep and 1 to 2 feet apart in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
- 2
  Fertilize in spring after the foliage emerges with a 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 fertilizer. Work the fertilizer into the soil near the plant, taking care not to damage the roots.
- 3
  Cut out the flower stems near the ground once the blossoms fade.
- 4
  Dig up the rhizomes in fall in areas colder than U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 8. Wait until the frost kills back the foliage before digging.
- 5
  Cut off the remaining foliage and allow the rhizomes to dry enough that you can brush most of the soil from it with your hand.
- 6
  Fill a plastic bag with peat moss and bury the rhizomes inside the bag. Leave the top of the bag open for ventilation. Store the bag in a cool, dry, shady location with temperatures above freezing.

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