Family: Araceae
Common Name: Arum or Calla Lily

These six species of rhizomatous perennials from tropical and South Africa are identifiable by their classic, lily-type flowers, which are very familiar to most home gardeners. The glossy, green leaves are arrow-shaped.

Species

Z. aethiopica, white arum lily, is the commercial arum lily, with large, white flowers, with yellow spadices, and spathes 25-30 cm (10-12 in) long. Growing 1 m (3 ft) high, it has become naturalized in many warm parts of the world. Cultivar 'Childsiana' is a dwarf, free-flowering type. The form 'Green Goddess' grows to 1.5 m (5 ft) and the green and white flowers are very popular with florists.

Z. albo­maculata produces white-spotted leaves and pale yellow, white or sometimes pale pink flowers, with purple markings on the inside. It grows to 60 cm (24 in).

Z. elliottiana, golden calla lily, grows 50-90 cm (20-36 in) high. It has dark green leaves, splashed with silver, and rich yellow flowers. This species has lovely cultivars in sunset shades.

Z. rehmannii, pink arum lily, pink calla, to 60 cm (24 in), has rosy pink to purple, or pink-edged, white flowers.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow the tender species in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory. Z. aethiopica can be grown outdoors in cool climates, and is often planted in shallow water - up to 30 cm (12 in) deep - at the edge of a pool. Under glass, grow zantedeschias in a soil bed, or in pots of soil-based potting compost. Provide maximum light, but shade plants from strong, direct sun. During winter, keep the soil or compost only slightly moist.

Water well at other times. In the garden, grow in a sunny spot, with moist soil containing plenty of humus. Propagate by division in spring.

Climate

Zone 9 for most species; zone 8 for Z. aethiopica.