Zantedeschia albomaculata

SPOTTED CALLA
syn. Z. melanoleuca
Family: Araceae
Pronounced:
zan-te-DES-kee-uh al-boh-mak-yoo-LAY-tuh

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Eastern southern Africa.
Plant Group:
Bulbs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 5, 6, 8, 9, 12-24. H1 and H2.
USDA zones: 7-10.
Mature size:
Height: 24 inches (60 cm).
Width: 12 inches (30 cm).
Flowering period:
Spring into summer.
Flowering attributes:
White to creamy, 5-inch long spathe surrounding a yellow spadix; followed by a spathe full of berries.
Leaf attributes:
Green, 1 to 1 ½-foot long, arrow-shaped leaves, with transparent oblong spots all over the foliage.
Growth habit:
Clumping.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Humus rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Feeding:
After flowering, apply a low nitrogen/high potash fertilizer. At planting time, toss bone meal or high potash fertilizer into planting hole. Mulch in fall.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed when ripe.
Divide in spring.
Pests and Diseases:
Soft rot, botrytis, rhizome rot, rust and viruses may be a problem.

 

Rainy Side Notes

Even when it's not in bloom, the spotted calla is a welcoming sight. When the plant returns in spring, it's tropical-looking foliage with attractive translucent spots is a welcoming sight In my garden. The plants have resided in a raised bed of well-drained and mulched soil for many years. They managed to survive a few years of neglect, proving to be a survivor in spite of my carelessness.

For years I believed that these aroids were not hardy enough; however, Sunset Western Gardening rates it at Sunset zone 5*, with a USDA hardiness rating of zone 6. They might be worth experimenting with a few bulbs in the colder western PNW areas (Sunset zone 4). You can still grow this plant outside its hardiness range by lifting the plants in fall and storing them as you would a dahlia — in a cool, dark place. The following spring, replant them in the garden.

The common name, calla lily has many believing that Zantedeschias are lilies; however, it is not a lily at all. A member of the exciting and quirky aroid family, comprised of arum and arisaemas, among others. The calla lily's closest relatives we grow as houseplants, include philodendron, anthurium, spathiphyllum, caladium, dieffenbachia, monstera, and aglaonema.

Plant the rhizomes horizontally with eyes facing up, two inches deep and space 8-12 inches apart.

*Sunset compiled a list of climate zones for our maritime climate. Most of Western Washington, Oregon, and Southwest British Columbia zones are 4, 5, 6, and 7. Sunset zones take into account the variations or unique weather patterns from cool, maritime temperatures on the coast, or warmer inland valley temperatures and many other factors. USDA zones only depict the coldest temperatures in their hardiness ratings.

Sunset Climate Zones
USDA Zones

Photographed in author's garden.