With its colorful and elegant flowers, yet understated, where the golden center seems to be wrapped in a superhero cape, the calla, often called calla lily even though it is not a lily, is popular among florists, who use it extensively in cut flower bouquets and potted arrangements. But did you know that you can grow calla in the garden quite easily too? With Mother's Day approaching, it's an ideal time to get this magnificent plant that will undoubtedly add elegance to your garden this summer.
The Calla: Perennial or Annual?
The calla is a plant that comes from a bulb. The miniature and colorful hybrid version we are discussing is not hardy here and must be treated as an annual. It is possible to dig up the bulb at the end of summer to overwinter it and replant it in spring, but the blooming will certainly be less impressive than the first year. It's still a worthwhile experience for the more passionate gardeners! If you can't find bulbs, it's possible to plant the flowering pots found in garden centers at the right time.
Planting and Caring for Calla
Calla bulbs are available in some Passion Jardins garden centers in the spring. You must wait until the risk of frost is gone and the soil has warmed up before planting them. Plant the tubers at a shallow depth, 8 cm maximum, with the eye facing up and cover with soil. Since the plants are not very large and the mass effect is interesting, 15 cm spacing between plants is sufficient. Water generously at planting, then let the soil dry until the first shoots emerge. When your callas start to surface, you must ensure the soil stays moist, a layer of mulch will be a good ally.
Callas appreciate well-drained, loose, and rich soils, adding a good amount of Passion Jardins marine compost during planting will greatly help. Plant in the sun or partial shade, sheltered from strong winds if possible. Callas also work very well in pots.
The calla blooms 60 to 90 days after planting. If you want faster blooming, you can start them indoors about 30 days before the desired planting time.
The Calla Lily: Color and Texture
The calla is available in a multitude of colors, each more interesting than the last. The widely known white is commonly used during funeral rituals, but more and more pink, yellow, red, and even very dark purple almost black callas are being found. Some hybrids are even bicolored. The foliage surrounding the funnel-shaped spathes is either green or variegated with white spots, and the leaves are thin and lance-shaped. It’s a distinctive plant with an elegant look that will surely catch the eye.
To learn more about calla and its cultivation, visit your Passion Jardins retailer!
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