The Ultimate Showdown: Calla Lily vs Canna Lily – Which One Reigns Supreme?

The world of flowers is a vibrant tapestry of colors and shapes, with each species boasting unique characteristics. Two captivating blooms that often spark confusion are the calla lily and the canna lily. While both share a certain elegance and tropical charm, they are distinct in their botanical classification, appearance, and growth habits. This blog post delves into the fascinating world of these two floral beauties, highlighting their differences and helping you understand which one might be the perfect addition to your garden.

The Calla Lily: A Symbol of Elegance and Purity

The calla lily, scientifically known as *Zantedeschia aethiopica*, is a captivating flower that has captivated gardeners and flower enthusiasts for centuries. Its elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms, often mistaken for lilies, are a symbol of purity, beauty, and refinement. Native to South Africa, the calla lily thrives in moist, well-drained soil and enjoys partial shade.

Here are some key characteristics of the calla lily:

• Appearance: The calla lily features a single, prominent spathe, which is a modified leaf that surrounds the actual flower, known as the spadix. The spathe can be white, yellow, pink, orange, or even purple, depending on the variety. The spadix is a slender, yellow structure that emerges from the center of the spathe.
• Growth Habit: Calla lilies are herbaceous perennials, meaning they die back to the ground in winter and regrow in spring. They typically reach heights of 1-2 feet, with some varieties growing taller.
• Flowering Period: Calla lilies bloom in spring and summer, producing their striking blooms for several weeks.
• Care Requirements: Calla lilies prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. They require regular watering, especially during dry periods.

The Canna Lily: A Tropical Delight with Vibrant Colors

The canna lily, scientifically known as *Canna indica*, is another captivating bloom that adds a touch of tropical flair to any garden. Its large, showy flowers come in a dazzling array of colors, from fiery red and orange to delicate pink and yellow. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, the canna lily thrives in warm, sunny conditions and prefers rich, well-drained soil.

Here are some key characteristics of the canna lily:

• Appearance: Canna lilies are known for their large, showy flowers, which are borne on tall stalks. The flowers can be single or double, with petals that can be ruffled, fringed, or smooth. The leaves are large, broad, and often have a striking green or bronze color.
• Growth Habit: Canna lilies are herbaceous perennials that can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 3-8 feet depending on the variety.
• Flowering Period: Canna lilies bloom from late spring to early fall, providing a long period of vibrant color in the garden.
• Care Requirements: Canna lilies prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They require regular watering, especially during dry periods.

Calla Lily vs Canna Lily: A Detailed Comparison

Now that we have a better understanding of the individual characteristics of each bloom, let’s dive into a detailed comparison to highlight their key differences:

Botanical Classification:

• Calla Lily: *Zantedeschia aethiopica* (Araceae family)
• Canna Lily: *Canna indica* (Cannaceae family)

Appearance:

• Calla Lily: Single spathe surrounding a spadix, various colors including white, yellow, pink, orange, and purple.
• Canna Lily: Large, showy flowers with single or double petals, wide range of colors including red, orange, pink, yellow, and white.

Growth Habit:

• Calla Lily: Herbaceous perennial, typically reaching 1-2 feet in height.
• Canna Lily: Herbaceous perennial, can grow quite tall, reaching 3-8 feet in height.

Flowering Period:

• Calla Lily: Blooms in spring and summer, lasting for several weeks.
• Canna Lily: Blooms from late spring to early fall, providing a longer flowering period.

Care Requirements:

• Calla Lily: Prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
• Canna Lily: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Toxicity:

• Calla Lily: All parts of the calla lily are toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
• Canna Lily: Canna lilies are generally considered non-toxic.

Choosing the Right Bloom for Your Garden

The choice between a calla lily and a canna lily ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific conditions of your garden.

Calla lilies are a great choice for those who appreciate elegance and purity. Their striking blooms add a touch of sophistication to any garden setting. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and prefer partial shade.

Canna lilies, on the other hand, are perfect for those who love a burst of vibrant color. Their large, showy flowers and tropical foliage are a stunning addition to any sunny garden. They require well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

Beyond the Garden: Calla Lilies and Canna Lilies in Other Applications

These beautiful blooms are not just confined to gardens. Calla lilies are popular as cut flowers, adding a touch of elegance to bouquets and arrangements. They are also used in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties. Canna lilies, with their vibrant colors and sturdy stems, are often used as decorative plants in pots and containers. They are also a favorite choice for landscaping projects, adding a touch of tropical flair to patios and balconies.

A Final Thought: Embracing the Beauty of Both

Both the calla lily and the canna lily are captivating plants that offer unique beauty and charm. Whether you prefer the elegance of the calla lily or the vibrant colors of the canna lily, these blooms are sure to add a touch of magic to your garden and home.

What You Need to Learn

Q1: Are calla lilies and canna lilies true lilies?

A1: No, neither the calla lily nor the canna lily are true lilies. They belong to different plant families and have distinct botanical characteristics. The calla lily is a member of the Araceae family, while the canna lily belongs to the Cannaceae family.

Q2: Are calla lilies and canna lilies edible?

A2: No, calla lilies are toxic and should not be ingested. Canna lilies are generally considered non-toxic, but their leaves and flowers are not commonly used for culinary purposes.

Q3: Can I grow calla lilies and canna lilies in the same garden?

A3: Yes, you can grow calla lilies and canna lilies in the same garden, but they have different care requirements. Calla lilies prefer partial shade and moist soil, while canna lilies thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

Q4: How do I propagate calla lilies and canna lilies?

A4: Calla lilies can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in spring or fall. Canna lilies can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes or by planting seeds.

Q5: What are some common pests and diseases that affect calla lilies and canna lilies?

A5: Calla lilies are susceptible to fungal diseases like leaf spot and root rot. Canna lilies can be affected by pests like aphids and spider mites.