Calla Lilies

The calla lilies (Zantedeschia) are putting on a nice show in the garden right now. I have 2 cultivars of the White Calla (Zantedeschia aethiopica), the huge 'White Giant' and the dwarf 'Child's Perfection', and a hybrid calla lily with deep yellow flowers named 'Millennium Gold'.

'Child's Perfection' (aka 'Childsiana') is the dwarf (about 18 inches tall) and I've grown it for about 5 years. It performs best with moist soils and partially shaded conditions that would suit most hostas. If potted and submerged in a garden pond it can take full sun, but in the garden partial shade keeps the foliage looking better during the hottest weather. Their thick, glossy, dark green foliage emerges early in the spring and they bloom a little in April, peaking in May. They sulk during the hottest part of the summer and many of the older leaves turn yellow and collapse. As autumn approaches they become invigorated by the cooler temperatures and produce lots of new, attractive foliage.

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Child's Perfection'

Calla lilies with daddy-long-legs (Opiliones)

'Millennium Gold' (aka 'Yellow Mammoth') is a recent acquisition, so I can't say much about its long term performance. It has very showy, deep yellow flowers on 18 inch stems and attractive spotted foliage.

Zantedeschia 'Millennium Gold'

'White Giant' is a new addition to the garden this spring and not too impressive yet, so no photos of it in this post. It has white flowers and spotted leaves and is known to grow to 7 feet tall. I've planted it in very moist soil with full sun and so far it's happy and growing.