Zantedeschia aethiopica

Also Known As

Arum Lily
Giant Calla Lily
Lily of the Nile

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber, aquatic, aroid

size

H: 3'-6'
W: 3'

planting zones

8a-11

More Options

Zantedeschia aethiopica plant details

Zantedeschia aethiopica is a broadleaf deciduous perennial aquatic aroid bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Zantedeschia aethiopica

Plant type: perennial aquatic aroid bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: araceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: big leaves, cutting garden, showy, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Zantedeschia aethiopica

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Zantedeschia aethiopica is the classic calla lily from South Africa with large, pure white spathes whose elegant curves hold a deep yellow spadix. Great as a cut flower, a container specimen, or planted in a protected spot in the garden, or used as a marginal plant in ponds. It has lush green, subtropical-looking leaves to 2-3 feet tall. If you hold back on deadheading, the flowers will be followed by clusters of attractive yellow fruit. Provide rich soil and even moisture in full to part sun. Green until hard frosts. Mulch with fallen leaves - pack leaves around the perimeter and right into the centre of the plant - to protect the crowns in winter.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

An iconic and widely recognized plant, this calla originated in South Africa and now grows in many parts of the world. Preferring moist soil or pond edges, Aethiopica is surprisingly easy to grow given its diva-like appearance. This tall calla is dramatic and makes a strong visual statement.

By: Leafari

Pure white flowers green leaves

By: Jockey Hill Nursery

It's not hard to find dwarf cultivars of this plant, but in this day when everyone feels like they don't have room for a big plant, the visual impact of species like this may be forgotten. This subtropical looking, hardy aroid from swamps in South Africa will be happy in a wet sunny spot. In my garden, it has reached 6' tall and even naturalized. The leaves will freeze off in the low 20s °F, but it is root hardy to at least 0 °F if mulched.