Calla lilies (Zantedeschia spp. and hybrids) are admired for their distinctive, elegant trumpet-shaped blooms and lush foliage. To maintain their striking appearance and promote vigorous growth, regular pruning is a beneficial practice. Understanding the proper techniques and timing for pruning helps ensure these plants remain healthy and continue to produce their beautiful flowers.
Understanding Why and When to Prune
Pruning calla lilies serves several purposes, contributing to both the plant’s health and its visual appeal. Removing spent flowers, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to redirect energy from seed production into developing more blooms and strengthening its rhizomes. This extends the flowering period and results in a more robust plant. Pruning also maintains a neat appearance by removing withered, yellowing, or damaged foliage.
The optimal timing for pruning depends on the plant’s growth cycle and the specific task. Deadheading spent flowers should occur throughout the active growing season, from spring through summer, as blooms fade. For preparing the plant for dormancy, late summer or early fall is appropriate, especially when foliage begins to yellow naturally. In colder climates (USDA Zone 7 and below), cut back foliage before the first hard frost if rhizomes are to be dug up for winter storage.
Step-by-Step Calla Lily Pruning
Effective pruning of calla lilies involves using the correct tools and making precise cuts for different plant parts. Always begin with clean, sharp pruning shears or bypass pruners to prevent crushing stems and to minimize the risk of introducing diseases. Sterilizing tools with rubbing alcohol before and after use is a good practice.
To deadhead spent blooms, locate the flower stalk that has faded, wilted, or turned green. Follow the stalk down to its base, where it emerges from the main plant or the soil line. Make a clean cut at this point, removing the entire spent flower and its stalk. This prevents the plant from expending energy on seed formation.
When removing yellow or damaged leaves, identify any foliage that is discolored, dried, or shows signs of disease. Trace these leaves down to their origin at the base of the plant or the soil line. Cut them cleanly at this point, ensuring no stub is left behind. This improves the plant’s appearance and helps prevent the spread of potential issues. For preparing the plant for dormancy, all foliage should be cut back to the ground level once it has naturally yellowed and died back.
Caring for Calla Lilies After Pruning
After pruning, providing appropriate care helps calla lilies recover and thrive. If you have deadheaded during the active growing season, ensure the plant continues to receive consistent moisture, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Adequate watering supports the plant’s ongoing growth and bloom production.
For plants pruned back for dormancy, gradually reduce watering as the foliage yellows and dies back. Stop watering completely during the dormant period to prevent rhizome rot. Fertilization is not needed immediately after pruning, as the plant’s energy shifts to rest. Monitor the plant for any signs of stress, disease, or pests, addressing issues promptly to ensure its continued health.