The Green Goddess Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘Green Goddess’) stands out as a unique and striking choice for any garden. Its distinctive trumpet-shaped bloom, transitioning from creamy white to vibrant green, adds an elegant and exotic touch to landscapes and floral arrangements. This variety offers captivating visual appeal for gardeners seeking something beyond traditional blooms.
Characteristics of Green Goddess Calla Lily
The ‘Green Goddess’ Calla Lily features large, elegant spathes that display a color gradient, starting creamy white at the base and gradually shifting to a bright, vibrant green towards the edges and tips. These blooms typically appear from late spring through midsummer or early fall. Complementing the distinctive spathes are broad, arrow-shaped, glossy green leaves, which can sometimes feature subtle white speckles. The plant usually reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet.
Planting and Growing Green Goddess Calla Lily
To cultivate Green Goddess Calla Lily successfully, provide specific environmental conditions and consistent care.
Light and Soil Requirements
Green Goddess Calla Lily grows best in full sun to partial shade. In regions with hot summer climates, providing some afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch and heat stress. This plant prefers rich, moisture-retentive soil that drains well. While adaptable to various soil types, including loam and clay, incorporating organic matter can enhance soil structure and fertility. The ideal soil pH for this variety ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0).
Watering and Fertilizing
Green Goddess Calla Lily requires consistent moisture, particularly during its active growing season. The soil should remain damp but never waterlogged. A weekly watering schedule often suffices, though frequency may need adjustment based on local climate and soil conditions. Begin fertilizing when new growth appears in early spring, using a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks until the plant flowers. Switching to a bloom-booster fertilizer, which is higher in phosphorus, as flower buds develop can encourage more blooms.
Temperature, Hardiness, and Winter Care
Green Goddess Calla Lilies thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 27 degrees Celsius). They are hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 10, where their rhizomes can remain in the ground year-round. In colder climates (Zone 7 and below), gardeners should lift the rhizomes from the ground before the first hard frost. After carefully digging them up, clean any excess soil, allow them to dry for a few days, and then store them in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as in peat moss or vermiculite, until spring replanting.
Common Problems and Solutions
Green Goddess Calla Lilies are robust but can face common issues. Overwatering is a frequent problem, often leading to root rot, manifesting as yellowing leaves and a mushy root system. Ensuring proper drainage and allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings can prevent this. Yellowing leaves can also signal nutrient deficiencies or excessive sunlight exposure. Providing adequate, but not excessive, light and a consistent fertilization regimen can address these concerns. Pests like aphids and spider mites can be managed with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap applications.
Toxicity and Best Uses
All parts of the Green Goddess Calla Lily contain calcium oxalate crystals. Handle with caution and keep away from pets, children, and livestock, as ingestion can lead to oral pain, swelling, and gastrointestinal distress. Despite its toxicity, this plant is versatile in garden design. It can be used effectively in mixed borders, as mass plantings, or as a striking focal point in containers. Its moisture tolerance also makes it suitable for bog gardens or along pond edges. Its long-lasting blooms are also excellent for cut flower arrangements.