Calla lilies are popular ornamental plants, recognized for their distinctive trumpet-shaped blooms and elegant, often arrow-shaped foliage. Understanding their mature size is beneficial for successful gardening, influencing their visual impact and how well they fit into a specific landscape design. Knowing what to expect regarding their height and width allows for thoughtful planning and placement in any garden setting.
Typical Calla Lily Height and Width
Calla lilies generally reach a height between 1 and 3 feet, with a spread typically ranging from 1 to 2 feet. This range encompasses both the upright flower stalks, known as spathes, and the foliage. While foliage contributes to overall plant height, flower stalks often extend taller than the leaves.
The overall width refers to the spread of the plant’s foliage and the clustering habit of its stems, which emerge from underground rhizomes. One rhizome can spread to about a foot in diameter. These measurements are general guidelines, as actual size varies depending on the specific type and growing conditions.
Factors Influencing Calla Lily Size
The mature height and width of a calla lily are influenced by several environmental and genetic factors. Different varieties naturally exhibit varying growth habits and sizes. For example, Zantedeschia aethiopica, often referred to as the common white calla lily, is larger, reaching 2 to 3 feet tall with large, deep green leaves. In contrast, many colored hybrid varieties, such as those from Zantedeschia elliottiana and Zantedeschia rehmannii, are shorter, often 1 to 2 feet in height.
Light exposure supports robust growth. Insufficient light can result in leggy stems and smaller plants with fewer blooms. Calla lilies prefer full sun to partial shade; full sun is preferable in cooler climates, and partial shade in hotter regions prevents leaf scorch.
Soil quality and nutrient availability also affect growth. Calla lilies thrive in organically rich, well-draining soil that retains moisture. Organic matter provides essential nutrients for healthy development. Consistent moisture is important, but waterlogging leads to root rot. Over-fertilization, particularly with too much nitrogen, can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production and may result in weaker stems.
Climate and temperature impact plant size. Calla lilies are tender perennials, hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 10, meaning they may be grown as annuals or overwintered indoors in colder regions. Ideal temperatures for active growth are 60-75°F (15-24°C). Cooler temperatures (55-60°F or 13-16°C) can help keep plants more compact, while consistently warm temperatures and low light can cause stems to elongate.
Container size can limit growth. If the plant becomes root-bound in a pot that is too small, its overall size will be restricted, leading to stunted growth. Sufficient space for root development is important for the plant to achieve its full dimensions.
Optimizing Growth and Placement
Selecting the appropriate calla lily variety is key to achieving desired plant dimensions. Choose varieties whose mature height and width align with available space and aesthetic goals. For instance, larger varieties like Zantedeschia aethiopica are suitable for background plantings or large garden beds, while more compact colored hybrids fit well in containers or the front of borders.
Proper spacing during planting allows calla lilies to expand fully without competing for resources. In garden beds, spacing rhizomes about 12 to 18 inches apart provides adequate room for growth. For container gardening, choosing a pot that is at least 8 to 10 inches in diameter for a single rhizome, or 12 to 16 inches for larger varieties or multiple rhizomes, provides sufficient space for root development.
Strategic placement enhances visual appeal based on expected size. Taller varieties serve as vertical accents or background elements in mixed borders, while shorter types are effective in mass plantings, as edging plants, or in decorative pots. Ensure the chosen location provides the necessary light exposure, such as full sun in cooler areas or partial afternoon shade in hotter climates, to support optimal growth. Consistent care, including appropriate watering and balanced fertilization, also helps the plant reach its natural size.