Calla lilies, with their elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms, are a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements. The ‘Purple Spirit’ variety offers a unique appeal with its striking violet color. Known botanically as Zantedeschia, these plants are admired for their graceful form and vibrant hues. Their distinctive appearance and ease of care contribute to their widespread popularity.
Distinctive Features of ‘Purple Spirit’ Calla Lily
The ‘Purple Spirit’ Calla Lily stands out for its physical characteristics. This cultivar produces vibrant, violet-purple, cup-shaped flowers, often described as a rich, velvety hue. These blooms emerge from late spring through mid-summer, providing a prolonged display of color. The plant forms a robust clump, reaching a height of 24 to 28 inches (60-71 cm) and spreading 12 to 24 inches (30-60 cm) wide.
The foliage is equally attractive, featuring large, arrow-shaped green leaves often adorned with whitish spots, adding visual interest even when not in bloom. These leaves have a leathery texture. This combination of deep purple flowers and variegated green leaves makes ‘Purple Spirit’ a compelling addition to garden beds, borders, or containers.
Planting and Cultivation
Cultivating ‘Purple Spirit’ Calla Lilies begins with selecting an appropriate location. These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade; partial shade is beneficial in hotter climates to prevent foliage scorching. At least six hours of sunlight per day is recommended for optimal blooms.
Ideal soil for ‘Purple Spirit’ Calla Lilies is rich, well-draining, and consistently moist. While they tolerate a range of soil conditions, a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.6-7.0) is most conducive to nutrient absorption and plant health. Incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure improves soil structure and provides nutrients. When planting rhizomes, place them 1.5 to 4 inches (4-10 cm) deep with growing tips facing upwards. Space rhizomes 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) apart for mature growth and air circulation.
Ongoing Care and Seasonal Management
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Purple Spirit’ Calla Lilies throughout their growing season. The soil should remain evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Water once or twice a week, adjusting frequency based on climate and whether the plant is in a container or in the ground; container plants often require more frequent watering.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer in spring at planting, or a water-soluble fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season. Fertilizers with a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 N-P-K ratio are suitable, but avoid high-nitrogen formulas which promote foliage at the expense of flowers. As weather cools in autumn, the plant naturally dies back, signaling dormancy.
For colder climates (USDA Zones 7 and below), ‘Purple Spirit’ Calla Lilies are often grown as annuals or their rhizomes must be overwintered indoors. Before the first hard frost, when foliage yellows, cut leaves back to the ground. Dig up rhizomes, brush off excess soil, and dry for one to two weeks in a warm, dry location to cure. Store cured rhizomes in a cool, dark, dry place, such as peat moss or sawdust, at 50-60°F (10-16°C) until spring planting.
Addressing Common Challenges
‘Purple Spirit’ Calla Lilies can encounter issues, with root rot being common, often resulting from overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting despite moist soil, and a mushy rhizome. Proper drainage through soil amendments and avoiding excessive watering are preventative measures. If root rot occurs, remove the plant, inspect roots, and remove affected parts before replanting in drier conditions.
Pests such as aphids, spider mites, and slugs can affect calla lilies. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that distort leaves, while spider mites cause stippling and discoloration, particularly in dry conditions. Slugs and snails chew holes in foliage. Insecticidal soap or neem oil controls aphids and spider mites, while physical barriers or baits manage slugs.
Non-blooming can arise from several factors. Insufficient light (too much shade) can lead to lush foliage but few flowers. Over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen products can suppress blooming, as the plant prioritizes leaf growth. Calla lilies require a proper dormancy period to initiate flowering; inadequate rest hinders bloom production. If the plant is too dense, dividing rhizomes every two to three years can rejuvenate it and encourage more blooms.