Zantedeschia aethiopica – The Elegant, Ivory Calla Lily
Zantedeschia aethiopica, commonly known as the White Calla Lily, is a striking perennial that produces large, elegant, trumpet-shaped white blooms on tall, graceful stems. Native to South Africa, this classic plant is a favourite in gardens for its sleek, sophisticated flowers and glossy green foliage. It is often used in both formal and informal settings, where it adds a touch of elegance and drama to garden beds, borders, water features, and containers. With its bold presence and dramatic flowering, Zantedeschia aethiopica is a stunning choice for any garden looking to make a statement.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring/Summer: Zantedeschia aethiopica blooms in late spring to summer, producing showy, white spathes (the trumpet-like structures) around a central yellow spadix. The flowers can last for several weeks and have a striking, clean white appearance that contrasts beautifully with the plant's lush green foliage. The large, arrow-shaped leaves are glossy and bold, providing a rich, tropical backdrop to the flowers.
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Autumn: As the flowering season ends, the leaves remain attractive throughout autumn, providing structure and greenery to the garden. While the plant may begin to die back in colder climates, it often keeps its foliage until the frost.
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Winter: In colder regions, Zantedeschia aethiopica may go dormant in the winter. It is best to mulch around the base to protect the roots during frost. In warmer climates, it can maintain its foliage year-round, offering evergreen appeal.
Structure & Form
Zantedeschia aethiopica is a robust, clump-forming plant that typically grows to 60–90cm (2–3ft) in height and a similar spread. Its tall, erect stems carry the large, elegant white blooms above its striking dark green, arrow-shaped leaves. The plant’s graceful and upright growth habit makes it perfect for adding vertical interest and sophistication to garden beds and borders. The flowers appear in clusters and are borne on long, slender stems, giving the plant a dramatic, ethereal look.
Ideal for Various Landscapes
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Water Features & Pondside Gardens: Zantedeschia aethiopica thrives in moist or wet conditions, making it a perfect plant for ponds, water gardens, or alongside streams. Its striking blooms create a beautiful focal point near water features.
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Formal & Tropical Gardens: With its elegant blooms and glossy foliage, Zantedeschia aethiopica is a popular choice for adding a touch of luxury to formal or tropical-style gardens. It can be planted as a specimen plant or used in groups to create a stunning visual effect.
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Container & Patio Gardens: This Calla Lily is ideal for container gardening, where its elegant flowers and sleek form can be showcased on patios, balconies, or terraces. It can also be used to add height and drama to garden beds in mixed plantings.
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Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements: The large, pristine white flowers of Zantedeschia aethiopica are highly sought after as cut flowers due to their long vase life and elegant appearance. They make a stunning addition to bouquets and arrangements for weddings, events, or special occasions.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Zantedeschia aethiopica prefers a sunny to partially shaded position. While it will flower best in full sun, it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates. In shadier spots, it may produce fewer flowers but will still thrive and provide lush, green foliage.
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Soil: This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil and will perform best in consistently damp conditions, though it should not be waterlogged.
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Hardiness: Zantedeschia aethiopica is hardy in USDA zones 8–10, making it suitable for temperate to subtropical climates. In cooler climates (zones 6-7), it may need to be lifted in the autumn and stored indoors to prevent frost damage, or grown as an annual.
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Maintenance: Zantedeschia aethiopica is relatively easy to grow but benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during the flowering period. To ensure a full, healthy plant, divide the clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding and to promote vigour. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, and remove any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain a tidy appearance.
Why Choose Zantedeschia aethiopica?
Zantedeschia aethiopica is a timeless and elegant plant that offers dramatic, white blooms and bold foliage, making it a standout in any garden. Whether planted in water features, used in formal gardens, or grown as a container plant, this Calla Lily is sure to elevate your outdoor space with its graceful presence and beautiful flowers. With minimal care, it can thrive in a variety of garden settings and provide months of seasonal interest.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Tropical & Exotic Plants – Combine with other tropical or exotic plants like Alocasia, Canna Lily, or Ginger for a striking and bold garden filled with rich foliage and dramatic flowers.
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Water Plants – Pair with other water-loving plants like Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris), Lobelia (Water Lobelia), or Pontederia (Pickerel Weed) for a cohesive water garden display.
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Perennials & Shrubs – Use alongside flowering perennials like Astilbe, Daylilies, or Hostas to add contrast and texture to garden beds.
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Foliage & Groundcovers – Combine with groundcovers like Hosta or Heuchera for a lush, layered effect that highlights Zantedeschia’s dramatic flowers.
Zantedeschia aethiopica is a stunning addition to any garden, offering tall, elegant white flowers, glossy foliage, and a bold presence that makes it perfect for a variety of garden settings. Whether used in water features, as a border plant, or in containers, this classic beauty is sure to bring sophistication and style to your outdoor space.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
