Purple calla lilies add elegance to any garden or indoor space with their striking appearance and rich coloration. These beautiful plants are popular for cut flower arrangements and as focal points in landscape designs.
Distinctive Features of Purple Calla Lilies
Purple calla lilies, belonging to the Zantedeschia genus, feature trumpet-shaped blooms, which are technically spathes, a modified leaf surrounding a central spadix. These spathes display a spectrum of purple shades, from deep plum to softer lavenders, often complementing dark green foliage that can sometimes feature white speckles. Popular purple varieties include ‘Night Life’ and ‘Night Cap’, offering rich, deep tones, while ‘Purple Sensation’ is known for its intense royal purple color and prolific blooms. ‘Picasso’ showcases creamy white spathes that transition to a stunning deep purple throat.
Planting Purple Calla Lilies
Proper planting ensures healthy purple calla lilies and abundant blooms. Location, soil, and planting technique are important for their establishment.
Choosing a Location
Purple calla lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates with intense sunlight, afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorching. A spot sheltered from strong winds protects their upright stems and large spathes. If planting in containers, ensure they can be moved to adjust to light conditions and provide protection.
Soil Preparation
Well-draining soil is important for calla lilies, as they are susceptible to rhizome rot in waterlogged conditions. An ideal soil pH is neutral to slightly acidic, generally ranging from 5.6 to 7.0. Incorporating organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or perlite can improve drainage and enrich the soil.
Planting Calla Lilies
Plant calla lily rhizomes in the spring, after the last frost has passed and the soil temperature has warmed to at least 65°F. Position rhizomes with the “eyes” or growing tips facing upwards, about 4 inches deep. In garden beds, space them 12 to 18 inches apart, while in containers, they can be planted closer, around 4 to 6 inches apart. After planting, water lightly until leaves appear, then increase watering frequency.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent care helps purple calla lilies maintain vigor and produce continuous blooms.
Light Requirements
Purple calla lilies require ample light to produce flowers, with bright, indirect light being ideal. While they can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates, intense direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Insufficient light can lead to reduced blooming and leggy growth, indicating a need for a brighter location.
Watering Needs
Maintaining consistent soil moisture is important for calla lilies, particularly during their active growth and flowering periods. They prefer moist soil but should not be left in soggy conditions, which can lead to root rot. Allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again helps prevent overwatering.
Fertilization
Purple calla lilies benefit from regular feeding during their growing season. A balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 N-P-K ratio, applied every two to four weeks, supports overall plant health and flower production. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms. For plants in containers, more frequent fertilization may be necessary due to nutrient leaching.
Temperature and Humidity
Calla lilies thrive in warm conditions, with daytime temperatures ideally around 70°F (21°C) or higher. They are sensitive to cold and do not tolerate frost, making them tender perennials in most regions. Adequate humidity also plays a role in their health, especially for indoor plants, with a relative humidity of 65-75% being favorable.
Winter Care and Dormancy
Purple calla lilies enter dormancy, especially in cooler climates, requiring specific care for reblooming.
In USDA hardiness zones 3-8, calla lily rhizomes should be lifted from the ground after the first frost, once foliage has yellowed and died back. Trim foliage to a few inches above the rhizome and dry for one to two weeks to cure. Store cured rhizomes in a dry, well-aired space, such as a cardboard box with peat moss or newspaper, at temperatures between 50-60°F (10-15°C). In warmer zones (9-10), rhizomes can often remain in the ground, benefiting from a layer of mulch for insulation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Gardeners may encounter common problems when growing purple calla lilies, including leaf discoloration, lack of blooms, and pest infestations.
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or underwatering, as calla lilies require consistent moisture but not soggy conditions. It can also signal a nutrient deficiency, suggesting a need for balanced fertilization. If leaves are yellowing and wilting despite moist soil, it might point to root rot, a fungal issue caused by excessive moisture or poor drainage.
A lack of blooms can stem from insufficient light, as calla lilies need ample brightness to flower. Incorrect fertilization, particularly too much nitrogen, can also lead to lush foliage but few flowers. Immature plants may also take time to establish before blooming profusely.
Common pests that affect calla lilies include aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Aphids feed on plant sap, causing distorted growth and yellowing, while spider mites can lead to stippling and discoloration, thriving in dry conditions. Slugs create large holes in foliage and leave slimy trails. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and bacterial soft rot can also occur, often due to high humidity or poor air circulation. Ensuring good air circulation and appropriate watering practices can help mitigate these issues.