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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names arum lily African lily
altar lily calla lily Egyptian lily lily of the Nile richardia trumpet lily white arum lily
Synonyms Brosimum aethiopica Calla aethiopica
Family Araceae
Genus Zantedeschia can be deciduous or semi-evergreen, tuberous perennials with lance-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves and tiny yellow flowers forming a dense spike-like spadix, with a showy, hood-like spathe, sometimes followed by orange berry-like fruits
Details Z. aethiopica is a clump-forming herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennial with erect, long-stalked, dark glossy green, arrow-shaped leaves to 40cm in length and funnel-shaped white spathes to 25cm in length, with yellow spadices
Plant range S Africa, Lesotho
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Clump-forming
Toxicity All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested. The sap may irritate skin and eyes
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H4
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Aspect West-facing or South-facing
Exposure Sheltered
Clay
Loam
MoisturePoorly-drained
SoilClay, Loam
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres
Ultimate spread 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height 5-10 years
Cultivation Zantedeschia cultivation grow outdoors in full sun or part shade in moisture-retentive soil; in containers planted in JI No2 potting compost or can also be grown as a marginal plant in water up to 30cm (1ft) deep. Use aquatic compost and a 30cm (1ft) deep planting basket.
Propagation Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types Flower borders and beds Cottage & Informal Garden Sub-tropical Patio & Container Plants Mediterranean Climate Plants
Pruning Tidy any foliage blackened by frosts
Pests Aphids or thrips may be a problem
Diseases May be susceptible to fungal and bacterial rots and a virus
RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team.
arum lily
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