Zantedeschia aethiopica, also known as the florist calla, white arum lily, or common arum lily, is a member of the Araceae family. The genus is native to the swampy areas of South Africa. These beautiful flowers are a delight when in bloom. Zantedeschia aethiopica can grow from 0.6-1 m in height, but may reach taller in shaded areas. It is an excellent cut flower, maintaining its freshness in water for an extended period.

The plant's foliage can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the habitat and rainfall regime. The white arum forms large colonies in marshy areas, making it a versatile garden plant. It is often sold as a pond plant, but can also be grown in containers or moist soils. The plant's leaves are lush, dark green, and arrow-shaped, with the size varying based on the amount of shade.

In frost-free climates, the foliage remains evergreen, but in colder zones, it will disappear during the winter. The striking "flower" of the arum lily is actually a complex spiral pattern of tiny flowers on the central column, or spadix, surrounded by the white or colored spathe. The flowers are faintly scented, attracting crawling insects and bees responsible for pollination.

Cross-pollination occurs as the anthers of each flower ripen before the ovaries. The flowers appear in a main flush from August to January, with the spathe turning green after flowering and covering the ripening berries. When the berries are ripe, the spathe rots away, and the succulent yellow berries attract birds, which aid in seed dispersal.

Zantedeschia aethiopica is reported to be frost-hardy down to approximately 14-22°F (-6 to -10°C), depending on the growing conditions. In colder zones, the plant can be tried with good winter protection, while in warmer zones, it can be reliably grown outdoors.

This plant should be placed in partial shade if there is no permanent water, as it can be grown as a foliage plant in deep shade under trees, although it may not flower well in this position. Zantedeschia aethiopica is fast-growing and requires very rich, well-drained conditions. In a pond, it can be grown in water with a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm).

Zantedeschia aethiopica is easily cultivated by seed. The seeds should be sown on the surface of a peaty seed sowing mix at around 25°C. Care should be taken not to sow them too thickly, as they will need space to form the fleshy roots. The seeds typically germinate in 30-90 days, but even under good conditions, the germination may be erratic. The seeds require light to germinate, and patience is necessary.

Marde Ross & Company has been a Licensed California Nursery since 1985, offering a wide range of plants, including the beautiful and versatile Zantedeschia aethiopica.

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