'Picasso' Calla Lily is a rhizomatous perennial (Zones 8-10) native to South Africa, celebrated for its striking 2- to 3-inch trumpet-shaped flowers featuring deep purple centers surrounded by creamy white edges. Blooming from mid to late summer, these unique bicolor flowers are highly sought after for summer bouquets and mixed floral arrangements. The blooms are complemented by large, lightly speckled, arrow-shaped leaves on plants that typically reach 12 to 36 inches in height.
This calla lily is an excellent choice for garden beds, borders, and containers. Grouping three bulbs can nicely fill a 10- to 12-inch patio pot. 'Picasso' can also be grown indoors as a houseplant in a sunny window, making it a versatile addition to any garden or home.
Calla lilies are straightforward to cultivate, preferring sunny to partially shady spots with loose, medium moist, well-draining soil. While they flower best in full sun, providing afternoon shade in hotter climates can help maintain plant health. Plant 'Picasso' calla lily bulbs in warm spring soil after the danger of frost has passed, spacing them 12 to 24 inches apart and 4 inches deep, with the growing points facing upwards. Keep the soil consistently moist and fertilize regularly during the growing season, ensuring the plants do not dry out.
In areas with winter frost, consider calla lilies as annuals or the bulbs in fall for storage. Store them in a cool, dry location and replant in spring to enjoy their stunning blooms each year.
