Zantedeschia aethiopica
arum lily
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
Other common names
altar lilycalla lily
see morerichardia
trumpet lily
white arum lily
African lily [2]
Egyptian lily [2]
lily of the Nile [2]
Synonyms
Brosimum aethiopicaCalla aethiopica
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Orange | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested. The sap may irritate skin and eyes. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa, Lesotho
How to grow
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
- Cottage and informal garden
- Sub-tropical
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Tidy any foliage blackened by frosts
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to fungal and bacterial rots and a virus
Get involved
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