Plant Mixed Calla Lily Bulbs in spring, and from early summer to fall, they put on a spectacular show of huge flowers in assorted colors. These large, 2- to 3-inch, chalice-like flowers are highly popular in the floral industry because they are long-lasting and make fabulous cut flowers for summer bouquets and mixed floral arrangements. But the flowers are not the only attractive feature of these 12- to 36-inch plants, and you may find yourself fancying the elegant arrow-shaped foliage just as much as the flowers.
Mixed Calla Lily Bulbs are Zantedeschia spp. varieties, commonly called calla lilies. Natives of South Africa, the plants are tender perennials in Zones 8-10 but are often grown as annuals or houseplants in cooler climates. They make excellent specimen plants but are shown to best effect when massed or grouped in beds and borders. Calla lilies grow equally well in garden or container, outdoors or indoors, and 3 bulbs will usually fill a 10- to 12-inch pot.
Calla lilies are easy to grow and virtually trouble free. They grow best in sunny to partly shady locations, with best flowering occurring in full sun. In hot summer climates, full morning sun may be preferable, with some afternoon shade. Calla lilies adapt to a wide range of soils but prefer organically rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Plant calla lily bulbs in warm spring soil after all threats of frost have passed, spacing bulbs 12 to 24 inches apart and 4 inches deep, with the 'eyes' or growing points facing upwards. The plants benefit from regular watering and feeding during the growing season.
Calla bulbs are only summer hardy. They may survive over winter in Zone 7 if heavily mulched but be prepared to dig them up and store in fall or treat them as an annual in areas receiving frost in the winter.
