CALLA LILY (Code FCF8)

The calla lily, a South African native from the Zantedeschia genus, is a tender perennial grown from rhizomes for its elegant, trumpet-shaped “flower” (a spathe surrounding a spadix) and arrow-shaped foliage. Available in white, pink, yellow, orange, and even black, they are popular in bouquets, especially for weddings, but are toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation. Callas are easy to grow in well-drained soil, thrive in full sun or partial shade, and are often grown in containers or as annuals in cooler climates. 

• True Lily?No, it is not a true lily; it belongs to the arum family (Araceae) and is often called an arum lily. 
• Flower Structure:What appears to be a single flower is actually a spathe (a modified leaf) enclosing a spadix (a fleshy flower spike). 
• Foliage:The lush, bright green leaves are often lance-shaped and may have beautiful white or silver spots. 
• Colors:Blooms come in a wide array of colors, from white to yellow, pink, red, purple, green, and nearly black. 

• Origin & Climate:Native to Southern and Eastern Africa, calla lilies are frost-tender plants that are often grown as annuals in cooler zones (below Zone 9) or overwintered indoors. 
• Planting:Plant rhizomes (bulb-like roots) in spring after the danger of frost has passed, in well-drained, humus-rich soil. 
• Sunlight:They prefer full sun to partial shade, but partial shade is better in warmer climates to prevent leaf scorch. 
• Watering:Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. 

• Decoration:Callas are widely used in floral arrangements for weddings, holidays, and other events due to their elegance. 
• Symbolism:They symbolize beauty, purity, innocence, holiness, and faithfulness. Different colors carry different meanings, such as white for purity and red for beauty. 

• Poisonous:All parts of the calla lily are poisonous if ingested and can cause severe discomfort. 
• Irritation:The sap can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves and handle them carefully.