Zantedeschia 'Black Forest'
A tender perennial to 60cm tall, forming an upright clump of slender, white-spotted leaves. In summer it produces striking flowers composed of very dark, black-purple spathes wrapped round a purple spadix; the flowers are held on stout stems above the foliage. Grow as a houseplant, for summer bedding or cut flowers
0.5-1 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. When in growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks. Calla lilies need a period of dormancy over winter, with little or no water. Once the leaves die down after flowering, move them to a dry, frost-free, preferably dark location until spring. See zantedeschia cultivation
Propagate by division in spring
Remove the flowers as they start to fade, pulling the entire stem out at the base
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Generally disease-free