Discover the Secret Behind the Calla Lily: Is it a Perennial or Annual?
What To Know
- Place the rhizomes in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, such as a basement or garage.
- Whether a calla lily is a perennial ultimately depends on the climate.
- Can I leave calla lilies in the ground during winter in cold climates.
The calla lily, with its elegant trumpet-shaped blooms and striking foliage, is a popular choice for gardens and bouquets. But a common question arises: is calla lily a perennial? While the answer isn’t entirely straightforward, understanding the nuances of this plant’s life cycle is crucial for successful cultivation.
The Calla Lily’s Life Cycle: A Closer Look
Calla lilies, scientifically known as Zantedeschia, are not true lilies but belong to the Arum family. Unlike traditional lilies, which are bulbous plants, calla lilies have a unique growth habit. They develop from rhizomes, which are underground stems that store nutrients and allow the plant to regenerate.
Perennial in Warm Climates: A Thriving Existence
In warm climates with mild winters, calla lilies thrive as perennials. They establish themselves in the garden, sending up new shoots and blooms year after year. Their rhizomes remain dormant during the cooler months, only to awaken and resume growth in spring.
Perennial in Cold Climates: A Challenging Journey
However, in colder regions with freezing temperatures, calla lilies face a different reality. They are not truly hardy perennials and may not survive the winter outdoors. The rhizomes can be damaged by frost, leading to plant death.
The Art of Overwintering Calla Lilies
To ensure their survival in colder climates, calla lilies require careful overwintering. This typically involves digging up the rhizomes before the first frost and storing them in a cool, dry place indoors.
A Guide to Overwintering Calla Lilies
1. Timing is Key: Dig up the rhizomes in late autumn, after the foliage has died back, usually around October or November.
2. Preparation is Essential: Gently remove the soil from the rhizomes, ensuring no dirt clumps remain.
3. Storage is Crucial: Place the rhizomes in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, such as a basement or garage. Avoid freezing temperatures.
4. Patience is a Virtue: Keep the rhizomes dormant until spring, typically around April or May, when the threat of frost has passed.
5. Re-planting with Care: Plant the rhizomes in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water them regularly to encourage growth.
Calla Lily Varieties: A Spectrum of Hardiness
While most calla lilies are not truly hardy perennials, some varieties exhibit greater cold tolerance than others.
1. Zantedeschia aethiopica: This classic white calla lily is relatively hardy and can survive mild winters in USDA zones 8-10.
2. Zantedeschia rehmannii: Also known as the pink calla lily, this variety is less hardy than Z. aethiopica and is best suited for zones 9-11.
3. Zantedeschia elliottiana: With its vibrant yellow blooms, this variety is a bit more cold-tolerant than Z. rehmannii and can thrive in zones 8-10.
In a nutshell: A Tale of Two Seasons
Whether a calla lily is a perennial ultimately depends on the climate. In warm regions, they flourish year after year. But in colder climates, they require careful overwintering to survive the harsh conditions. By understanding their unique growth habits and taking proper care, you can enjoy the beauty of these striking flowers for many seasons to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I leave calla lilies in the ground during winter in cold climates?
No, it’s not recommended. Calla lilies are not hardy perennials in cold climates and their rhizomes can be damaged by frost.
2. How do I know if my calla lily rhizomes are still viable after overwintering?
Check for signs of sprouting or new growth when you re-plant them in spring. If the rhizomes are firm and healthy, they should start growing.
3. Can I grow calla lilies in containers?
Yes, calla lilies can thrive in containers. This allows for easier overwintering as you can bring the containers indoors during the colder months.
4. What are the best growing conditions for calla lilies?
Calla lilies prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil. They also require consistent watering, especially during the growing season.
5. Are calla lilies poisonous?
Yes, all parts of the calla lily plant are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Keep them out of reach of children and animals.