Calla Lily confusion

Discussion in 'Gardening Discussions' started by ThePlantAssassin, Sep 15, 2019.

  1. ThePlantAssassin

    ThePlantAssassin Gardener

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    I have 2 Calla lily that I planted in the garden way back in May/June. They didn't do well. I don't know why not? I moved them to pots in a no.3 and grit mix and they picked up a bit but no new flowers. Do they die back in winter as some leaves are now going yellow. If so do I pull them off or should they be left on? Or am I just losing the plant? Also are they likely to get lily beetle as I read that calla Lily are not really a Lily. So confusing! Any tips on how to get the best out of them or saving them gratefully received. Thank you muchly.
     
  2. NigelJ

    NigelJ Total Gardener

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    Calla lilies (Zantdeschia) are related to Arums and have tubers rather than bulbs and are probably safe from the lily beetle. They do die down for the winter and should return next spring. They don't like dry conditions and in pots will need plenty of watering. Some people grow them as bog plants around ponds.
     
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    • ThePlantAssassin

      ThePlantAssassin Gardener

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      @NigelJ thanks for the info. That's what I did wrong. I kept them quite dry coz thought they were bulbs and I'd rot them with too much water. Shall I leave in pots till spring or would it be best to re plant in the ground? Being on south coast quite near sea the winters are generally not too bad.
       
    • NigelJ

      NigelJ Total Gardener

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      I don't grow calla lilies myself so I'm not sure on the best policy. I might plant one in the garden and leave the other in a pot.
       
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      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        I grow Zantedeschia aethiopica in my pond, under 6ins of water , they love it.
        It tends to be spring and autumn flowering, going dormant in hot weather.

        The coloured ones prefer a dryer position, but still like lots of moisture when flowering.
         
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        • lolimac

          lolimac Total Gardener

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          I do the same @pete ..Last Winter I did take the pot out of the pond and popped it in the greenhouse as I was worried Id lose it but I noticed it was suffering so back it went and thrived.
           
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