Introducing...
Zantedeschia
Common name: Arum lily, calla lily
These striking plants have large fluted, scrolled flowers, usually richly coloured or pure white. Some are hardy, while others need to be kept frost free. They are ideal for adding tropical summer colour to borders, containers and your home.
Looks
Zantedeschias are bold and exotic-looking. Hardy types (arum lilies) have large, elegant white flowers that stand on tall stems above lush, glossy leaves. Tender types (calla lilies) are smaller, but their flowers come in a wide choice of vibrant tropical colours.
Likes
They thrive in damp soil, in sun or partial shade, in containers or in the ground. They like a warm, sheltered spot, and most need to be kept frost free. Some also enjoy a bright spot in our homes.
Dislikes
Tender calla lilies can’t tolerate frost. Even hardy arum lilies may struggle in harsh weather, so give them winter protection in all but the mildest locations. Don’t let the soil dry out during the growing season.
Did you know?
Zantedeschias produce scrolled, trumpet- or chalice-shaped flowers. Botanically these are called spathes, and are formed from a single petal-like bract. In the centre is a yellow finger-like spadix, which carries the true (but tiny) flowers. When pollinated, these develop into pointed red or orange berries.
Growing guide
How to grow zantedeschias
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for zantedeschias in your garden.
Zantedeschia we recommend
Zantedeschia 'White Flirt'PBR
arum lily 'White Flirt'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Zantedeschia aethiopica
arum lily
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Zantedeschia rehmannii
pink calla
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Zantedeschia 'White Flirt'PBR
arum lily 'White Flirt'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Zantedeschia aethiopica
arum lily
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Zantedeschia rehmannii
pink calla
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Bog gardens: plants for
Gardening on wet soils
Overwintering tender plants: lifting or mulching
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.