I've always had a thing for Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia spp.). They're native to central and southern Africa, so of course they're not hardy here. For many years, however, I've cut them back in fall and brought them into a dark corner of the sunroom for the winter. They only get light watering until late winter/early spring when they start to re-emerge. They always come back, and the foliage is full and lush.
I don't get flowers every year, though. When I do, it's a thrill! I'm especially taken with the salmon/coral blooms.
The bulb mix I purchased many years ago offers a nice variety, but I think mainly white, coral, and yellow blooms have appeared in this mix. They prefer sun, and while they get plenty of it during winter and early spring, my garden is mainly partial shade from May through October.
Calla Lilies are great cut flowers, but with just one, I might simply keep it on the plant until it fades.
Such a beautiful bloom!
That calla lily is a beautiful color, Beth! I inherited a large number of calla lilies with the garden, although I didn't know it when we moved in as the callas don't appear until the winter-spring rain brings them out of their underground hiding places. Mine are all white but I've recently seen some fabulous colored varieties I think I might introduce here at some point (even though the plants are MIA for 6+ months of the year).
ReplyDeleteLucky you! I love all the colors, but these peachy/salmon ones really slay me. MIA for 6 months of the year is normal for us. ;-) The potted Callas seem to emerge in the sunroom sometime in March. They grow quickly through April and May, and then bloom during the summer. The foliage starts to fade here as the days get shorter in autumn.
DeleteOh, that coral is just stunning! I'm sure you're so happy with it! Enjoy! Tina
ReplyDeleteHi Tina: Yes, I love it! Even with just one flower, it's enchanting. :)
DeleteSuch a pretty color! I seem to have more luck with the pure white ones, they are hardier for me. I'll keep trying tho, 2 yellows this year.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the white and yellow ones, too (and all the colors)! Enjoy! Good luck!
DeleteI am trying them this year for the first time.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm sure they'll love your garden. Enjoy!
DeleteThis post brings back childhood memories, of our yard in California (not Wyoming!)
ReplyDeleteAh, lucky you. It would be nifty to live in a place where they could stay in the ground year-round...although they're pretty healthy and easy as potted plants that go in and out with the changing seasons, too. Love them. :)
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI planted Calla Lily for the first time last year. You are right, they make excellent cut flowers.
Carla from The River
Hi Carla: Great structural elements for bouquets, and they're so elegant, too.
DeleteThat really is a beautiful color, and pretty leaves it has. They're not something I've tried to grow. My grandmother had the traditional white ones. I loved them, but had a habit of breaking off the center spike part.
ReplyDeleteI love the white ones, too. They're all elegant and beautiful, as potted plants and for cut flowers. :)
DeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have never grown them, but seeing yours makes me want to try them here.
Lea: I think they would like your climate. But they're fabulous to grow as potted plants in any climate. :)
DeleteAnd that coral one has beautiful spotted foliage, too. The white species Zantedeschia aethiopica (I think) was a very common garden plant here in SoCal for a long long time--drought and water restrictions have lessened its popularity but what a beauty--and so photogenic! Enjoyed seeing yours.
ReplyDeleteI know; I love the foliage, too. The white ones are so elegant, and especially great for cut flowers as structural elements. They're great as potted plants, too, in any climate. :)
DeleteOh I see why you love this one....such a beautiful tropical flower. Too bad neither of us have quite the weather to really support them with lots of space, sun and heat.
ReplyDeleteVery true, Donna. We'll have to be satisfied with a small pot here and there that can be overwintered indoors. :)
DeleteThat pretty colour is better displayed as a gem in a pot.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think so, too. I'm a fan of the color, the shape, and everything about this Calla Lily. <3
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