The Essential Guide To The Calla Lily
Botanical Name: Zantedeschia spp
Common Name: Calla Lily
General Knowledge: The Calla Lily, with its smooth, trumpet-shaped flowers and broad leaves, originates from the southern regions of Africa, particularly Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa. In Australia, calla lilies are widely admired in the floral industry, often used in wedding bouquets and elegant arrangements for their sleek and modern appearance. A fun fact about calla lilies is that despite their name, they are not true lilies at all; they belong to the genus Zantedeschia and the family Araceae, which is also home to the philodendron and caladium.
Colour Range: White, cream, yellow, gold, orange, pink, burgundy, dark purple
Australian Seasonal Availability: Naturally summer flowering, available year-round with greenhouse-grown and imported products.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Popular year-round, particularly in summer due to its natural flowering season.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Calla Lilies are commercially grown in Australia due to their popularity and ease of cultivation.
Buying Tips: Choose flowers with half-open spathes (large flat “petals”) and a fresh, cream, not yellow, spadix (centre spike). Avoid stems that feel slimy, indicating potential bacterial disease. Ensure buds are unfurled at least 5 cm for guaranteed opening.
Design Tips and Advice: Both types of lilies are focal flowers, adding elegance to various arrangements. They work well in modern and traditional vase-style arrangements, hand-tied and wired bouquets. Calla lilies are particularly popular among younger generations and cultural groups who consider them lucky.
Flower Maturity: Choose flowers that are in bud stage but unfurled at least 5 cm.
Expected Vase Life: 10–15 days.
Typical Stem Length: 20–50 cm
Typical Bunch Size: 5–10 stems, depending on availability and market price.
Floral Preservatives: Standard commercial flower food can help in extending the vase life of Calla.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Calla Lilies are not sensitive to ethylene.
Temperature Requirements: Store at cool temperatures, between 2–4 °C.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Ensure flowers have adequate water, as they are thirsty blooms. Avoid sappy stems, as the sap can stain and is difficult to remove.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Maintain a cool environment for storage, between 2–4 °C.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Ensure flowers have ample water and use floral preservatives for extended vase life.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Not applicable as these lilies are not ethylene sensitive.