The Calla Lily, belonging to the genus Zantedeschia, is a popular choice for gardens and floristry due to its elegant, trumpet-like form and wide spectrum of colors. Native to southern Africa, this plant is not a true lily, despite its common name. True lilies belong to the Liliaceae family, but the Calla Lily is a member of the Araceae family, classifying it as an aroid. Its distinctive appearance has made it a favorite for use in both formal and casual floral arrangements worldwide.
Understanding the Colored Structure
The showy, vibrant part of the Calla Lily, often mistaken for a petal, is actually a specialized leaf known as the spathe. This modified leaf is a bract that wraps around the plant’s reproductive structure, providing protection and acting as a visual beacon for pollinators. The spathe takes on the familiar funnel or trumpet shape that gives the flower its signature elegance.
The true flowers are tiny and inconspicuous, clustered densely on a central spike called the spadix. This spadix is typically yellow or cream-colored, contrasting with the colorful spathe that surrounds it. The combination of the spathe and spadix is known as the inflorescence, and the spathe’s coloration provides the plant’s ornamental value.
The Full Spectrum of Calla Lily Colors
The color range of Zantedeschia is surprisingly diverse, moving far beyond the traditional white often seen in arrangements. The classic white variety, Zantedeschia aethiopica, is the most common species, recognized for its large, pure white spathe and prominent yellow spadix. These white forms are particularly valued for their size and enduring beauty in perennial gardens.
A spectrum of bright colors is available in hybrid cultivars, including vibrant yellows and warm oranges, often derived from species like Zantedeschia elliottiana. These hues, along with intense reds that range from scarlet to deep crimson, inject warmth into any display. Cultivars like ‘Red Alert’ or ‘Morning Sun’ showcase these vivid color gradients.
The spectrum extends into cooler and darker tones, featuring shades of pink, lavender, and rich purple. Pink varieties, such as those derived from Zantedeschia rehmannii, tend to have a slightly ruffled edge. The most dramatic colors are the near-black varieties, which are actually an extremely deep shade of purple or maroon, creating a velvety, sophisticated look.
Meaning and Symbolism by Color
The Calla Lily holds significant cultural meaning, with symbolism changing based on the color of the spathe. The traditional white Calla Lily is universally associated with purity, innocence, and faithfulness. This symbolism makes the white form a popular choice for wedding bouquets and religious occasions like Easter, where it also represents resurrection.
Colors in the yellow and orange range are typically linked to feelings of joy, growth, and gratitude. A bright yellow Calla Lily is often given to express thankfulness or to celebrate a new beginning.
The darker pink and purple blooms carry connotations of charm, admiration, and royalty, making them a suitable choice for expressing deep appreciation. The deepest shades, including dark maroon and near-black cultivars, convey a sense of elegance, mystery, and sophistication. These striking colors are often used in modern floral design to create a dramatic and refined aesthetic.
Maintaining the Vibrancy of Calla Lilies
Proper environmental conditions are necessary to ensure the Calla Lily’s spathe color remains rich and vibrant throughout its blooming period. Light exposure is a primary factor, as insufficient light can cause colors to appear pale or prevent flowering. Most colored hybrids thrive best in full sun to partial shade, receiving enough energy to produce deep pigmentation.
Consistent moisture is also important, as the Calla Lily is native to marshy areas and requires evenly moist, well-draining soil. Allowing the soil to dry out excessively can stress the plant, leading to premature fading of the spathe color and bloom drop. While soil acidity can alter the color of some flowers, its effect on Calla Lily pigment expression is generally less pronounced.
To maintain the plant’s overall health and color production, a balanced fertilizer should be applied during the growing season. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen, however, can result in lush green foliage at the expense of fewer and less intensely colored blooms. Removing spent flowers, a process called deadheading, redirects the plant’s energy toward producing new, brightly colored spathes.