Aethiopica Calla 'White' (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

Aethiopica Calla 'White' (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

Plant Description

Aethiopica Calla 'White', commonly known as White Calla Lily or Arum Lily, is an elegant, herbaceous perennial with smooth, arrow-shaped green leaves and striking, funnel-shaped white flowers (spathes) surrounding a yellow spadix. It is known for its refined beauty, long bloom period, and adaptability to both garden beds and containers. This species thrives in moist conditions and is often found in wetland or boggy areas.

Native Range

Native to southern Africa, particularly South Africa and Lesotho, where the White Calla Lily grows in marshy or riparian habitats.

USDA Hardiness Zones

Zones: 8–11 (Can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in colder climates)

Size

Height: 2–3 feet tall
Width: 1–2 feet wide

Light Requirements

Prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, partial shade helps prevent leaf scorch, while in cooler regions, full sun encourages better flowering.

Soil Requirements

Thrives in moist, well-draining, rich, organic soil. A mix with compost or peat moss works well. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Can tolerate clay soil if ample moisture is provided.

Watering Needs

Requires consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. If grown in containers, ensure good drainage but never let the soil dry out completely. Can tolerate shallow standing water, making it suitable for pond margins.

Humidity & Temperature

Prefers mild to warm temperatures between 60–75°F (16–24°C).
Enjoys moderate to high humidity. In drier climates, occasional misting may help maintain humidity levels.

Fertilization

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2–3 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Reduce feeding in winter when growth slows.

Propagation

Best propagated by division of rhizomes or tubers in early spring. Simply separate offsets and replant in moist, rich soil.

Uses

Garden Beds & Borders: A classic choice for mixed flower beds, rain gardens, and boggy areas.

Pond Margins & Water Gardens: Tolerates wet conditions and adds elegance near water features.

Container Planting: Grows well in pots for patios, balconies, or indoor displays.

Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements: Highly valued in bouquets and floral designs for its long-lasting, pristine white blooms.

Symbolic & Ornamental Use: Often associated with purity and elegance, frequently used in weddings and memorial services.

Pest & Disease Management

Watch for aphids, spider mites, and snails. Treat with insecticidal soap or organic controls if necessary.
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered—ensure proper drainage.
Can develop fungal leaf spots in overly humid conditions; improve airflow to reduce risk.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.