Zantedeschia aethiopica
Horticulture
Winter hardy to USDA Zone 8, and may survive some Zone 7 winters with protection. Plant rhizomes 3-4” deep and 12-18” apart in spring after threat of frost has passed. Best in moist soils with full sun to part shade. Prefers part shade. Lift rhizomes in fall and store in a damp medium such as peat or immediately replant in containers to overwinter as a houseplant. Calla lilies may be planted in up to 12” of water in mud at the edge of ponds or water gardens. In this case, the rhizomes could arguably survive a St. Louis winter if the covering water does not freeze to the bottom. May also be grown year-round in containers that must be brought indoors in winter before first frost. Overwintering containers placed near a window with bright indirect light can make attractive houseplants. (Original Source)
Nomenclature/History
Genus name honors Giovanni Zantedeschi (1773-1846), Italian botanist. Also called the Calla Lily, White Calla Lily, Arum Lily, Large White Aethiopica, Lily of the Nile, Trumpet Lily and Giant White Calla Lily. (Original Source)
Botany
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb, Life cycle: Perennial, Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade Water Preferences: In Water Wet Wet Mesic Plant Height: 2 to 3 feet (61-91cm) Plant Spread: 18 to 30 inches (46-76cm) Leaves: Evergreen Fruit: Other: Berries orange when ripe. Flowers: Showy Flower Color: White Other: White spathe and yellow spadix. Flower Time: Summer Other: Seasonal Inflorescence Type: Spadix Underground structures: Rhizome Suitable Locations: Bog gardening Uses: Water gardens Cut Flower Suitable as Annual Resistances: Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant Toxicity: Other: All parts of plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, an irritant to the mouth and esophagus. Toxic to cats and dogs. Propagation: Seeds: Other info: Remove seeds from berry which contains chemicals that inhibit germination. Propagation: Other methods: Division Offsets Containers: Suitable in 3 gallon or larger Miscellaneous: Goes Dormant (Original Source)
