The calla lily is a stunning flower, and has been beloved by gardeners and floral enthusiasts alike for centuries.
With its striking shape and elegant colors, it is no wonder why it is such a popular choice for home gardens and special occasions.
But how many types of calla lilies are there? In this article, we will explore the history of the calla lily, the different types available, and the best ways to care for and maintain your calla lilies.
We will also discuss popular varieties, the many uses of calla lilies, how to select the right calla lily for your garden, and environmentally friendly ways to grow calla lilies.
By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge you need to select the perfect calla lilies for your own garden.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
There are around 11 different types of calla lilies.
These include well-known varieties such as Zantedeschia aethiopica, Zantedeschia elliottiana, and Zantedeschia rehmannii.
Each of these varieties can come in a variety of different colors and sizes.
Hybrid calla lilies have been developed as well, which offer a wider range of colors, sizes, and shapes.
History of Calla Lilies
Calla Lilies have been around for centuries, with their beautiful and unique flowers gracing gardens and bouquets since ancient times.
The scientific name for the Calla Lily is Zantedeschia aethiopica, and they are a member of the Araceae family.
The plant is native to the wetlands of South and Central Africa, where it was first discovered and described by Italian botanist Luigi Zantedeschi in the early 1800s.
The name Calla Lily is derived from the Greek word kallos, meaning beauty.
The flower is widely considered to be a symbol of purity and innocence, making it a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.
While the classic white Calla Lily is the most popular variety, there are actually over 20 different Calla Lily varieties available.
Different cultivars come in a range of colors, from the traditional white to a variety of pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows.
The flowers can range in size from small to large and can be used as cut flowers or in bouquets.
Calla Lilies are extremely easy to care for, as they require minimal maintenance and are relatively drought-tolerant.
With their large, attractive leaves and brightly colored flowers, they are a great addition to any garden or home.
Different Types of Calla Lilies
There are over 20 varieties of Calla Lily plants available, and they come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes.
The most common colors are white, pink, purple, orange, and yellow, but some varieties have more unique colors like blue, bronze, and even black.
Calla Lilies are native to the wetlands of South and Central Africa, where they are known for their brightly colored flowers and large, attractive leaves.
The various types of Calla Lilies can be divided into two main categories: Arum and Zantedeschia. Arum Calla Lilies have a round-shaped flower and a long, tapered stem. They come in a variety of colors, including yellow, white, pink, and purple. Zantedeschia Calla Lilies have a trumpet-shaped flower and a shorter stem. These varieties can be found in shades of white, yellow, pink, purple, and orange.
In addition to these two main categories, there are also some rarer varieties of Calla Lily plants, such as the hybrid Calla Lilies and the evergreen Calla Lilies.
Hybrid Calla Lilies are created by cross-breeding two different varieties, and they can come in a wide range of colors and sizes.
Evergreen Calla Lilies are a hybrid of Arum and Zantedeschia varieties, and they have the ability to stay green even during cold winter months.
No matter which type of Calla Lily you choose, they all make a great addition to any garden or home.
They are easy to care for and can be used as cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements.
With so many varieties to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect Calla Lily for your home.
Care and Maintenance of Calla Lilies
Calla Lilies are relatively easy to care for and maintain, making them a great choice for novice and experienced gardeners alike.
With the right amount of light, water, and fertilizer, you can keep your Calla Lilies looking vibrant and healthy.
When it comes to light, Calla Lilies prefer full sun, although they can tolerate partial shade.
During the summer months, its best to keep them in the shade when temperatures are high, as they are more prone to sunburns and can suffer from leaf scorch in extreme heat.
Watering is also an important part of keeping Calla Lilies healthy.
They prefer consistently moist soil, so you should water them regularly and ensure that the soil doesnt dry out.
Additionally, you should never let the plant stand in water, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Finally, fertilizing your Calla Lilies is essential for keeping them healthy.
You should use a high-quality, balanced fertilizer and apply it according to the instructions.
This will help ensure that your Calla Lilies have all the necessary nutrients for proper growth and flowering.
Overall, with the proper care and maintenance, your Calla Lilies can thrive and bring beautiful blooms to your garden.
With the right amount of light, water, and fertilizer, you can keep your Calla Lilies looking vibrant and healthy.
Popular Varieties of Calla Lilies
When it comes to popular varieties of Calla Lilies, there are a number of colors and shapes to choose from.
The most common color is white, but you can also find shades of pink, purple, orange, yellow, and even green.
There are also various shapes to choose from, such as the classic trumpet shape, the cup-shaped florets of Zantedeschia aethiopica, and the eye-catching spotted flowers of Zantedeschia rehmanii.
The most popular variety of Calla Lily is the Zantedeschia aethiopica, which is known for its large, bright-white trumpet-shaped flower.
This variety is native to South Africa, and is often used as a cut flower in floral arrangements.
It is also popular for its hardiness and tolerance for a variety of soil conditions.
The Zantedeschia rehmanii is another popular variety of Calla Lily, which is native to Central Africa.
It has striking spotted flowers in shades of pink, purple, and yellow, and is often used as a cut flower.
This variety is also known for its tolerance of drought conditions, making it a great choice for dry areas.
Finally, Zantedeschia jucunda is a smaller variety of Calla Lily, which is native to South Africa.
It is known for its fragrant, cream-colored flowers, which are often used in bridal bouquets.
This variety is also highly tolerant of cold temperatures, making it an ideal choice for colder climates.
Uses for Calla Lilies
Calla Lilies are a popular choice for many different occasions.
Whether you are looking for a beautiful addition to your garden or cut flowers for a bouquet, Calla Lilies are a great option.
They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, making them perfect for any type of event or arrangement.
Calla Lilies make great centerpieces for weddings or other special occasions.
The bright colors and large blooms make them a perfect statement piece that can be used in a bouquet or as a single stem.
They also make great boutonnieres and corsages for special occasions.
Calla Lilies can also be used to decorate your home.
Whether you want to create a stunning floral arrangement or just add a touch of elegance to a room, Calla Lilies are a great choice.
They come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can easily find something to fit your style.
Calla Lilies are also a great choice for those looking for a unique gift.
They are a beautiful and timeless flower that can be given to anyone on any occasion.
Whether its a birthday, anniversary, or just to show someone you care, a bouquet of Calla Lilies is sure to make them smile.
How to Select the Right Calla Lily for Your Garden
When selecting the right Calla Lily for your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you will need to consider the type of climate and soil conditions you have in your location.
Calla Lilies prefer moist, well-draining soil and are best suited to climates with lots of sunshine.
If you live in an area with hot summers, you may want to choose a variety with larger, heartier blooms that can withstand the heat.
The size of your garden will also help you determine which type of Calla Lily is best for you.
If you have a small garden, you may want to choose a variety that has smaller flowers, such as the miniature or dwarf varieties.
If you have a larger garden, you may want to choose a variety that has larger blooms, such as the classic white or the orange-red varieties.
Finally, consider the color of the Calla Lily you want for your garden.
If you are looking for a classic white variety, the Arctic Snow is a popular choice.
If you are looking for something more colorful, there are a wide variety of pinks, purples, oranges and yellows to choose from.
With so many options, you are sure to find the perfect Calla Lily for your home.
Environmentally Friendly Ways to Grow Calla Lilies
Calla Lilies are an attractive and popular choice for those looking to add a splash of color to their gardens or homes.
Not only are they colorful and resilient, but they are also an environmentally friendly choice.
With the right conditions, they can be grown with minimal impact on the environment, making them a great choice for those looking to create a sustainable garden or home.
One of the most environmentally friendly ways to grow Calla Lilies is to use natural methods of fertilization.
This includes using compost or manure to provide vital nutrients to the plant, as well as using natural pest repellents such as diatomaceous earth.
These methods are not only beneficial to the environment, but also help to keep the plant healthy and vibrant.
Another great way to keep your Calla Lily plants healthy is to provide plenty of water.
These plants love moisture and will thrive when given enough water.
However, its important to ensure that the water provided is free of any pollutants or chemicals, as this can damage the plant and lead to poor health.
To ensure this, many people opt to use rainwater for their Calla Lilies, which is a great way to ensure that the plants get the cleanest water possible.
Finally, its important to ensure that the soil in which your Calla Lilies are planted is well-draining and free of toxins.
If the soil is too compacted or full of pollutants, this can lead to poor growth and health of the plant.
To avoid this, you should ensure that the soil is properly aerated and free of any chemicals or pollutants.
In conclusion, Calla Lilies are a great choice for those looking to add a splash of color to their gardens or homes.
Not only are they a beautiful addition, but they can also be grown in an environmentally friendly way.
By using natural fertilizers, clean water, and toxin-free soil, you can ensure that your Calla Lilies are healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Calla Lilies are a beautiful and versatile flower that can bring life and color to any garden or home.
With so many varieties to choose from, theres something for everyone.
To ensure you get the most out of your Calla Lily, its important to understand their history, the different types, and how to care for them.
Now that youve learned more about Calla Lilies, why not go and pick out the perfect one for your garden?