Everything You Need to Know About Calla Lily Hardiness
If you’re a garden enthusiast like me, chances are you admire the beauty of calla lilies. These ornate flowers with lush foliage are a favorite among many home gardeners. However, there seems to be some confusion about whether these plants can come back in the spring.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of calla lilies, exploring their hardiness, different types, and how to ensure they return to your garden in the springtime.
Understanding Calla Lily Hardiness
Calla lilies belong to the Zantedeschia genus and are frost-tender herbaceous perennials. This means they can overwinter outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11.
USDA Hardiness Zones:
– Zone 8: An average minimum temperature range of 10 to 20°F.
– Zone 11: An average minimum temperature above 40°F.
These clump-forming plants are native to central and southern Africa, where they thrive in various habitats. Calla lilies grow and flower during the rainy season, then go dormant to survive the dry season.
In areas too cold for them to survive, calla lilies can be lifted and stored for winter dormancy, then replanted in spring. However, the hardiness of each species or hybrid can vary within Zones 8 to 11.
Types of Calla Lilies
Type 1 – Arum Lilies
Also known as Zantedeschia aethiopica, Arum lilies are evergreen to semi-evergreen species that grow from stemless rhizomes. In the right conditions, with mild to warm temperatures, ample moisture, and sunlight, they retain their strappy foliage all year.
In cooler regions, the foliage may die back partially or completely in winter. Potted Arum lilies can be brought indoors as houseplants during the winter months. Alternatively, you can force the rhizomes into dormancy by withholding water and store them for winter.
Arum lilies are hardy in Zones 8 to 10, with some success in Zone 7 if well-mulched and located in a sheltered spot.
Type 2 – Colorful Hybrids
The colorful hybrids of calla lilies require a period of winter dormancy to rebloom. These deciduous plants have foliage that dies back completely in autumn. They can survive in areas with mild winters, but require proper care to avoid standing water or cold, wet conditions.
These hybrids are typically lifted in the fall, stored for winter, then replanted in spring. They are hardy in Zones 8 to 11 and benefit from regular division for consistent flower production.
Ensuring Your Calla Lilies Return in Spring
To ensure your calla lilies come back in the spring, it’s important to provide the right winter conditions based on your hardiness zone. Here are some tips to help you achieve long-lasting elegance in your garden:
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Proper Winter Care: Provide suitable winter temperatures and well-draining soil to prevent rot and ensure healthy growth.
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Lifting and Storage: If you live outside the hardiness range, lift and store the rhizomes before replanting in spring.
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Regular Division: Colorful hybrids benefit from regular division to promote consistent flower production.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty of calla lilies year after year in your garden. Whether you grow them as annuals, overwinter them indoors, or store them for winter dormancy, these elegant plants are sure to enhance your outdoor space.
Have questions about calla lily hardiness? Let us know in the comments below.
For more information on growing and caring for calla lilies, check out these helpful guides:
– How to Grow Calla Lilies for Easy Sophistication
– 21 of the Best Calla Lilies for Sensational Summer Blooms
– 7 Reasons for Drooping Calla Lilies
Remember, with the right knowledge and care, you can enjoy the beauty of calla lilies in your garden throughout the year. Happy gardening!
