ZANTEDESCHIA. Calla. South African perennials growing from fleshy tubers. Each shoot produces several large, arrow to spear shaped leaves, often quite shiny and tropical in appearance, on long stalks from the base. In spring and summer sturdy flowering stems arise, displaying unusual “flowers” each of which actually consists of a large spathe, or bract, wrapped loosely around the spadix, a thick, tapered flower stalk. The tiny flowers are clustered around the lower portion of this stalk, where they sit unseen. Sun or light shade near the coast, light shade inland, rich, reasonably well drained soil, regular watering while in active growth and bloom, reduced watering if and when the foliage withers (summer or fall). Hardy to 20^oF or less if shielded from direct frost.

aethiopica is the common white calla one sees in gardens old and new, now becoming widely naturalized along streams and rivers. It is prolific—those who are struggling to limit its spread might say “weedy”—making numerous tiny offsets from each tuber annually. It grows as much as 6’ tall and has huge, dark, arrow shaped leaves on thick stalks. The cream to white spathe is up to 8” long, enclosing an orange-yellow spadix of nearly equal length. It makes a wonderful cut flower. ‘Childsiana’ is a midget selection, not much over 1’ tall, with proportionately very large flowers. ‘Green Goddess’ grows 3-4' tall. It has very large, open, green and white spathes. Given ample water and protection from frost, this species may be both evergreen and nearly everblooming.

albomaculata. Another robust species, making broad clumps. The shoots are up to 5’ high (usually 2-3’), the leaf blades up to 10" long, deep green in background but liberally sprinkled with semi-transparent white spots. The flowers are elevated above the foliage on long stalks. Each spathe is up to 4" long, cream-white overall with a purple base.

elliottiana. A 2-3' plant, appearing suddenly in mid to late spring and developing rapidly. It has arrow shaped, white-spotted leaves and large, bright yellow spathes.

hybrids. Many crosses have been made among the three species listed here. Most are identified simply by their colors, which range from white to crimson and pale yellow to deep orange. A few of these are now available regularly enough to list. ‘Flame’ has leaves and flower stems up to 2' high and large gold to burnt orange flower spathes. ‘Gem’ is a Z. rehmannii hybrid, with heavier production of similar, but deeper pink spathes.

rehmannii grows about 1½' tall. It has rather narrow leaves and pale to quite deep pink spathes.