With their classy good looks, Zantedeschia plants make handsome specimens when mass planted in cutting gardens, foundations, or island beds. And they make an exceptional addition to mixed beds, containers, and patio pots as well, pairing beautifully with asters, hydrangeas, Shasta daisies, and more. In the garden, they provide a generous flowering time of three to eight weeks, and make exceptional long-lasting cut flowers. A florist’s favorite, callas are often featured in flower arrangements and bridal bouquets. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. The well-known white varieties are highly popular. But the new hybrids shouldn’t be missed, with their sumptuous and intense shades of apricot, burgundy, mauve, orange, salmon, pink, purple, red, yellow, and near black. Eye-catching flowers, a long bloom season, brilliant colors, and easy growth – the calla lily delivers it all! For the inside track on this beautiful flower, join us now for a look at 21 of the best calla lilies for your garden. Here’s what we’re looking at:
Garden Species
There are eight known species in the genus Zantedeschia, with several that are popularly used for cut flower arrangements as well as garden cultivation. One species, Z. aethiopica, is an evergreen, retaining its leaves and producing flowers continuously, given the right conditions. All of the other species are deciduous and lose their leaves as they go dormant for winter. The stately, long-stemmed flowers of the large white arum lily, Z. aethiopica, are a familiar garden favorite for many. The “flower” is technically a spathe, a modified leaf. But breeders – notably those in California, the Netherlands, and New Zealand – have developed interspecific hybrids, producing exceptionally colorful spathes with a long flowering time. These hybrids are derived mainly from crossing plants from the species Z. elliottiana, Z. pentlandii, and Z. rehmannii. Here’s a look at what makes these species so popular.
Z. aethiopica
The arum lily, Z. aethiopica, is large and grand, producing masses of flawless spathes of creamy white to blush pink that rise on tall stems above the handsome, semi-glossy foliage. The arrowhead leaves are forest green with deep fluting. A perennial evergreen, the arum lily can retain its foliage and continue to develop flowers over winter. But it must have the right conditions – warm temperatures (over 65°F) and plenty of water (one to two inches per week). Like all callas, this type thrives in moist, rich sites throughout the garden. When grown as a perennial, ensure winter soil is well-draining. Unlike the other species, it can also tolerate semi-aquatic conditions and makes a good bog, marsh, or water plant as well. Z. aethiopica Plants grow 24 to 40 inches tall and are hardy in Zones 8 to 11. Bags of rhizomes are available at Eden Brothers. ‘Crowborough,’ ‘Green Goddess,’ and ‘Sunshine’ are a few popular cultivars. And you can learn more about bog planting for arums in our guide to growing calla lilies.
Z. albomaculata
The spotted or white spotted calla lily, Z. albomaculata, has distinctive, ivory white spathes that sometimes appear in variations of pale yellow to coral pink. The funnel-like spathes are tall and narrow, and the broad, heart-shaped foliage has white speckles and fluted edges. Like all the other species except Z. aethiopica, the spotted calla requires winter dormancy and should be lifted from the garden before freezing temperatures set in. An exceptional cut flower, plants reach a height of 12 to 24 inches and are hardy in Zones 10 and 11. Z. albomaculata ‘Helen O’Connor’ is a popular pink-toned variety.
Z. elliottiana
Known as the golden arum or golden calla, Z. elliottiana features large, trumpet-like spathes of glorious golden yellow and its upright, arrowhead foliage is lightly freckled. A standout species that provides weeks of blooms, Z. elliottiana is often used for breeding and provides several exceptional cultivars for cut flowers and gardens. Plants grow 24 to 36 inches tall, and rhizomes must be lifted for winter. This species is hardy in Zones 8 to 10. ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Flame’ are a couple of well-known cultivars.
Z. pentlandii
Specific to the Mapoch region of Mpumalanga province in South Africa, the Mapoch lily, Z. pentlandii has dazzling, cup-shaped spathes of sunshine yellow with a deep purple blotch at the inner base. The semi-glossy leaves are glaucous green and plain (i.e. non-spotted) with a broad, ovate shape. Hardy in Zones 8 to 10, when grown as annuals, these plants provide excellent color in the late summer garden. A smaller species that reaches a height of 12 to 24 inches, Z. pentlandii and its cultivars make good choices for cutting gardens, small spaces, and containers. ‘Black Star,’ ‘Millennium Gold,’ and ‘Picasso’ are a few colorful cultivars.
Z. rehmannii
Also called the pink or red calla, Z. rehmannii features pretty spathes in intense shades of mauve, maroon, pink, purple, white, and yellow – perfect counterpoints to the strappy, tropical green foliage. Another species used extensively for breeding, plants are prolific bloomers and provide weeks of saturated color. A smaller species in comparison to the large arums, plants grow 12 to 24 inches tall and are well suited for borders, containers, and patio pots. These are hardy in Zones 8 to 10. ‘Indian Summer,’ ‘Lavender Gem,’ and ‘Odessa’ are notable cultivars.
Less Common Species
There are also three less common species, not yet readily available in the commercial market. Z. jucunda has trumpet-shaped flowers in various shades of yellow, from light lemon to saturated canary. Z. odorata is rare outside of its natural range in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, and produces a creamy white spathe with a sweetly floral fragrance like freesia. Z. valida is an attractive bicolor that features a creamy, mottled green spathe with a deep purple throat and vigorous arrowhead foliage.
3. Black Magic
‘Black Magic’ has glowing, trumpet-shaped flowers of bright yellow with a distinctive black throat that sit atop the attractive arrowhead foliage of freckled, jade green leaves.
1. Allure
‘Allure’ intoxicates with gorgeous funnel-shaped flowers of glossy wine red that rise atop the medium green and lightly speckled, upright strappy foliage. An excellent choice for the cutting garden or mixed with other warm tones to brighten borders, containers, and patio pots, plants reach a mature height of 16 to 20 inches and are hardy in Zones 8 to 10. Rhizomes are available at Eden Brothers. Hot Mix And this Hot Mix blend combines ‘Allure’ with ‘Red Alert’ and ‘Sunshine’ for sizzling colors – rhizomes for this mix are available at Eden Brothers as well.
2. Apricot Lady
‘Apricot Lady’ offers tall, narrow spathes in lovely bi-tonal colors of apricot edged in raspberry. The glowing flowers are beautifully offset by the semi-shiny, arrowhead foliage of freckled dark green. A superb cutting flower, plants make a handsome standalone display in borders and containers, or when added to mixed beds and foundations. ‘Apricot Lady’ Plants reach a mature height of 16 to 18 inches and are hardy in Zones 8 to 11. Grow this hybrid as an annual in all other regions. Rhizomes are available at Home Depot. The long-lasting flowers look terrific when mixed with other warm colors, or with contrasting mauves and purples. It also makes a sunny standalone specimen in beds, islands, or patio pots, and a fantastic cut flower. Plants grow 24 to 36 inches and are hardy in Zones 8 to 10.
5. Crowborough
A large, clump-forming deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial (in areas with mild winters), ‘Crowborough’ bears large, cup-like flowers of pure white. The freckled leaves are a luminous tropical green, edged in the same maroon-black as the spathes and flower stems. ‘Black Star’ This variety makes a dramatic combo when paired with colors like lime green (potato vines and hosta) or silver (artemisias). Plants reach a mature height of 18 to 20 inches and are hardy in Zones 8 to 10. Rhizomes are available at Burpee. The creamy-to-yellow spadix forms an attractive cluster of chartreuse seed pods if allowed to mature, and the semi-glossy foliage forms an attractive clump of jade green, arrowhead leaves. A regal anchor for beds, foundations, and islands that can also be used as a marginal aquatic, plants grow 24 to 48 inches and are hardy in Zones 8 to 11. Lift and store the rhizomes over winter in cooler regions.
8. Green Goddess
A striking cultivated variety, ‘Green Goddess’ features bi-tonal, trumpet-like spathes of creamy white with generous, chartreuse-to-spinach green edging. Framed by the lightly speckled, tropical green foliage, the large, trumpet-like spathes rise like flames from the semi-glossy, arrowhead leaves. ‘Flame’ With a striking color that warms beds, borders, bouquets, containers, and foundations, plants reach a mature height of 18 to 22 inches and are hardy in Zones 8 to 10. Rhizomes are available at Eden Brothers.
7. Garnet Glow
‘Garnet Glow’ delivers luminous light with an abundance of pretty, tall, and narrow pink spathes that emerge from the erect, strappy foliage of dark green. ‘Garnet Glow’ Delightful when planted as a solo specimen in beds, foundations, and patio pots or mixed with complementary colors like blue, red, and purple, these hybrid plants reach a height of 24 inches and are hardy in Zones 8 to 10. Rhizomes are available at Home Depot. When fully open, the flowers have a pronounced, beaked tip and rise handsomely on tall stems above the arrowhead foliage. Freely flowering and lightly fragrant, ‘Green Goddess’ makes an excellent choice for beds, islands, and patio pots. Plants reach a height of 24 to 36 inches and are hardy in Zones 8 to 11.
9. Helen O’Connor
A pretty and distinctive black-throated variety, ‘Helen O’Connor’ has unique spathes that start out pale yellow, then morph into mottled shades of apricot or pink as they age. The flowers have a deep maroon-to-black throat, and are beautifully framed by heart-shaped and speckled jade green leaves. A semi-dwarf variety, plants reach a mature height of 20 inches, making them well-suited for borders, patio pots, and planters. These are hardy in Zones 10 to 11.
14. Millennium Gold
‘Millennium Gold’ sports sparkling, cup-shaped spathes of buttercup yellow that rise atop the jade green foliage. The arrowhead leaves are semi-glossy and heavily speckled. The flowers are attractively framed by the heart-shaped and speckled glaucous green foliage. ‘Indian Summer’ A vibrant hybrid specimen for beds, cutting gardens, islands, and planters, ‘Indian Summer’ is also eye-catching when planted with white blooms or mixed with other warm tones like orange, pink, or yellow. Plants grow 18 to 24 inches tall and are hardy in Zones 9 to 11. Rhizomes are available at Home Depot.
11. Intimate Ivory
‘Intimate Ivory’ is a free-flowering hybrid delight with a seemingly endless display of tall, chalice-like spathes in ivory white, with a pale chartreuse outer base. The upright, strappy foliage is dark green. ‘Intimate Ivory’ Ideal for cutting gardens and beds, foundations, or patio pots where the nonstop floral display can be seen and appreciated, plants reach a mature height of 18 to 24 inches and are hardy in Zones 8 to 11. Rhizomes are available at Home Depot.
12. Lavender Sensation
Tall and elegant, ‘Lavender Sensation’ has narrow, chalice-like spathes in a dreamy pinkish lavender with a magenta throat. The flowers are beautifully displayed by the tropical green, erect foliage with a strappy form. ‘Lavender Sensation’ A lovely, rich pastel color to soften mixed beds, containers, and cutting gardens, this hybrid variety is also stunning when massed with purple and white flowers. Plants grow 24 to 36 inches tall and are hardy in Zones 8 to 10. Rhizomes are available at Home Depot. Or try the Bridal Bouquet mix, a heavenly blend of ‘Lavender Sensation,’ ‘Purple Sensation,’ ‘Picasso,’ and white blooms. Bridal Bouquet Mix Rhizomes are available at Eden Brothers.
13. Majestic Red
The chic, chalice-like spathes of ‘Majestic Red’ are deep burgundy with a rolled edge, giving them a lovely, velvety softness. The bold flowers are perfectly complemented by the upright foliage, which is jade green and lightly spotted. Mix this hybrid variety with white perennials like hydrangeas, roses, and Shasta daisies, or underplant with annuals like white Bacopa monnieri, nemesia, or petunias. It also makes a striking cut flower arrangement when paired with white roses. ‘Majestic Red’ Plants grow 18 to 24 inches tall and are hardy in Zones 8 to 10. Rhizome packs are available at Home Depot. An excellent choice to brighten up beds, borders, planters, or patio pots, ‘Millennium Gold’ also makes an attractive and long-lasting cut flower. Plants grow 18 to 24 inches tall and are hardy in Zones 9 to 11. A vibrant choice to warm up beds, containers, and islands, this hybrid also adds plenty of charm to bouquets and vases. ‘Morning Sun’ Plants grow 20 to 24 inches tall and are hardy in Zones 8 to 11. Bags of rhizomes are available at Eden Brothers.
16. Odessa
The glossy, fluted spathes of ‘Odessa’ are the deepest purply black, and rise resplendent from the swordlike, speckled foliage of jade green. The showy flowers make a beautiful standalone specimen massed in beds, foundations, and patio pots, or try them mixed with white summer flowers like hydrangeas, petunias, and roses. ‘Odessa’ Plants reach a mature height of 24 inches and are hardy in Zones 8 to 10. Rhizomes are available at Home Depot.
17. Picasso
‘Picasso’ features lovely bi-tonal spathes, starting out creamy white with a few purple streaks, then opening to reveal a stunning deep purple throat. The broad arrowhead foliage is a glossy dark green with white spotting. ‘Picasso’ Outstanding as a specimen in beds, foundations, and containers, or when mixed with other flowers in shades of mauve, pink, purple, and white, these hybrid plants grow 20 to 24 inches tall and are hardy in Zones 8 to 11. You can find bags of rhizomes available at Eden Brothers.
18. Purple Sensation
‘Purple Sensation’ features tall, narrow, funnel-shaped spathes of deep royal purple, darker in the throat with light russet mottling around the base. The jade green foliage is narrow and strappy, and gives an attractive upright profile. This rich shade of purple pairs beautifully in mixed beds with complementary colors like reds and blues. Or make it pop in borders and patio pots with contrasting colors such as orange and yellow. ‘Purple Sensation’ These hybrid plants grow 18 to 24 inches tell and are hardy in Zones 8 to 11. Rhizomes are available at Home Depot.
19. Red Alert
‘Red Alert’ features gorgeous, trumpet-like spathes of fire engine red with flame orange mottling that seems to glow amid the attractive, semi-glossy and freckled heart-shaped foliage. Fantastic when mass planted as a specimen in foundation or island plantings, or add it to mixed groupings for a blaze of color in beds, borders, and patio pots. ‘Red Alert’ Hybrid plants reach a mature height of 14 to 16 inches and are hardy in Zones 8 to 10. Rhizomes are available at Home Depot.
20. Siberia
‘Siberia’ chills as one of the best cool-tone flowers, producing an abundance of icy white spathes with a hint of chartreuse at the base. The attractive arrowhead foliage is jade green and lightly speckled. Magnificently dramatic when paired with almost-black flowers, the cool hue can be used as a formal focal point in borders, containers, and foundations, or added to mixed beds to cool down hot colors. ‘Siberia’ Plants reach a mature height of 24 inches and are hardy in Zones 8 to 11. Black and White Mix Or you can find them premixed with the almost-black ‘Odessa’ in this Black and White mix that’s available at Eden Brothers.
21. Sunshine
‘Sunshine’ features large, trumpet-shaped spathes of warm and brilliant yellow that are surrounded by attractive, swordlike foliage of spotted jade green. ‘Sunshine’ Spectacular as a specimen in beds, borders, containers, and islands, this hybrid also lends striking contrast to purple and “black” cultivars. Plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and are hardy in Zones 8 to 11. Rhizomes are available at Nature Hills Nursery.
Sensational Summer Blooms
Initially bred for the florist industry, calla lilies are now highly popular as showy garden ornamentals. They give sensational, long-lasting summer blooms in vivid colors as well as classic whites, and the attractive foliage stays green and vibrant throughout the growing season. Keep the soil moist and provide afternoon shade in hot areas, then dig up the rhizomes and store them for winter – it’s that easy, and you’ll love the dramatic results! How do you folks use callas in the garden? Let us know in the comments below. And for more info on growing calla lilies, check out these guides next:
How to Grow and Care for Calla Lilies7 Reasons for Drooping Calla LiliesCalla Lily Hardiness: Will Zantedeschia Come Back In Spring?
