Calla lilies are an iconic flower that has been used in weddings and other special occasions for centuries. These stunning flowers come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them the perfect choice for any occasion.
But how long do potted calla lilies last? And what kind of flowers can you expect to see blooming in August? In this article, we’ll answer both of these questions and more.
What Are Calla Lilies Exactly?
Calla Lilies can thrive in warm and humid climates. These plants typically require US Plant Hardiness Zones 8 or 9 and above in order to provide the perfect weather for these beautiful blooms. However, if you live in a colder area of the United States, fear not!
Simply dig up the rhizomes before winter sets in and bring them indoors for an array of beautiful plants all year round. Gardeners love Calla Lilies because they make the perfect cut flower garden plant.
With their long-lasting blooms and straight stems, every gardener can enjoy them all season long. If you don’t have outdoor garden space but still want to admire these shimmering beauties, planting them in pots is also recommended.
In this scenario, it is great to place pots of Calla Lilies outdoors during late spring so that they can get the most sunlight (Calla Lilies are also known as Zantedeschia Aethiopica – for more flowers that start with a Z, read here). Not only are they easy to care for and grow quickly, but are always sure to add depth and complexity to any outdoor space!
Do Potted Calla Lilies Grow Back Yearly?
Calla Lilies are perennial plants, which means they may come back year after year if given proper care.
- To help ensure their return in subsequent years, the plants in early autumn should typically be cut back and allowed to go dormant over the winter.
- During their dormancy period, they don’t need any water or fertilizing, as they are storing up energy from the sun and soil to spring back into life in the spring.
- Any blooms that have emerged must be removed so that the plant can keep storing as much energy as possible during its sleep term for regrowth next season.
When considering whether those beautiful indoor potted calla lilies found at big box stores will come back each year, it’s important to note that most of these varieties are not hybrids meant for growing outside or over multiple seasons.
While you might be able to enjoy them indoors over a few month’s time, trying to get them to grow again seasonally is unlikely and tends to be unsuccessful due to their shortened flowering cycles inside versus outside where better conditions exist for growth.
Do They Grow Well In Pots?
Calla Lilies are beautiful and unique flowers, with a classic elegance about them. They grow very well in pots, both indoors and outdoors, and can even be buried directly into the garden soil still in their pots.
The pot environment seems to work well for Calla Lilies, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages rhizome growth. Gardeners may also favor planting these flowers in containers as it is easier to transfer them back indoors when the weather turns colder.
- To keep your potted calla lilies looking their best, make sure to give them plenty of light and water. You should also fertilize them once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
- When planting potted Calla lilies, the bulb or rhizomes should be placed shallowly into the soil.
- This ensures that the eye or shoot of the flower will just barely peek above the surface of the soil come springtime.
- An added benefit of this shallow placement is that if they’re going to spend some time outdoors this summer in their planters, any pups that would normally propagate if planted deeper in the ground can also be caught and propagated within these pots.
How Long Do Calla Lilies Last In Pots?
Potted Calla Lilies can bring a cheerful burst of color to any home or garden. Depending on the variety, they may come in shades of pink, yellow, orange, and white. But their short-lived glory means that you must pay attention to how long it will last indoors or out.
The period of active growth for most potted calla lilies is generally around four months, with foliage following and then the plants slowly slipping back into dormancy.
Unfortunately, if a potted calla lily has already been in bloom for some time before purchase, it may only have one or two weeks left until it starts to become dormant again.
Furthermore, without knowing how long the plant has been in bloom already it’s hard to know when its bloom will end, and transitioning it back into dormancy can be easy to overlook for an unknowing owner.
Despite the such misfortune, there are still ways to keep your potted calla lilies alive by recognizing their dormancy phases and understanding what each one requires in terms of temperature and water levels.
The Growth Cycle Of The Calla Lily
A Calla lily is a stunning and unique bloom that can provide beauty to any outdoor space or garden. The fascinating part about this flower is that once planted, it’ll thrive throughout a six-month growth cycle.
Although the blooming phase of this plant is significantly shorter at two months, you can expect to enjoy its vibrant blooms just enough in the designated time period.
For best results, a Calla lily should be in an appropriate spot and cared for properly – receiving enough water, ultraviolet rays, fertilizer, and compost so the blooms are adequately nourished – and then allowed to flourish for six months with little intervention.
- Throughout this growth cycle, you’ll notice that the leaves of the Calla Lily will first sprout from its bulb, which is then followed by an incredible show of bright flowers as well as shiny spikes splayed across their curved perianth they wear like a halo.
- Researchers have even found that some species can survive several seasons if conditions such as temperature remain favorable for them to do so.
- And although the blossoming period will pass quickly enough, you can be sure that your Calla Lily was given everything it needed during its six-month growth cycle and produced plenty of blossoms.
The Blooming Period Of The Calla Lily
The calla lily is a beautiful flower that has a unique bulb-shaped structure. This particular structure is actually known as a rhizome, which serves as an underground stem that allows the plant to spread and propagate.
To ensure proper growth and the fullest bloom possible, the lily requires adequate amounts of sunlight, moisture, and nutrition.
- In terms of the flowering period, blooming typically begins in late spring or early summer.
- Depending on the surrounding environment, including soil type and growing conditions, calla lilies will continue to produce multiple blossoms over several weeks or even months.
- Once a flower fades away, many gardeners opt to deadhead it for appearance’s sake, prolonging further flowering throughout the season, and encouraging healthier future blooms for next year.
- With proper care and attention, these stunning flowers will surely bring color and beauty into any outdoor space!
The Flower Development
Calla Lilies are one of the most beautiful flowering plants; they bring an amazing pop of color to any garden with their showy blooms.
- After six weeks, the buds actually begin to show and grow in size. This is usually followed by about two months of flowering for each individual vaselike flower.
- During this period, the plant produces stunning and colorful blooms that last several weeks.
- Not only do these beautiful flowers look great in outdoor spaces, but they also make beautiful cut flowers due to their vibrant colors.
Once these lovely flowers have finished their blooming, the Calla Lily life cycle is complete, and it will naturally die back. After the death of the stems, new ones will emerge from their original bulbs in order for blossoming to begin again in a year’s time.
Given its versatility and ease of growth, the Calla Lily is a perfect choice as a flowering plant for home gardeners who want to enjoy some vibrant colors throughout the seasons!
The Foliage Development
Foliage development is one of the most important aspects of a flower’s overall growth and beauty. Calla Lilies, in particular, have long and beautiful foliage that grows in quick succession over the four to six-week period before their blooms arrive.
- This foliage is typically smooth, green, and sometimes even slightly speckled, adding to its unique aesthetic.
- The shape of the leaves is sharply tapered with a wide base, much like an old-fashioned sword, contributing to its elegance. Even without the blooms, the foliage itself serves as decoration for a garden or room.
When cultivating Calla Lilies from bulbs or seedlings, it’s important to pay special attention to the development of the foliage. As they grow, they can be pruned where needed in order to keep them looking full and healthy.
Providing ample water during this growing period will also help ensure vibrant leaves and an eventual lush bloom once it arrives.
The Rhizome Development
The process of Rhizome Development in the Calla Lily begins once the flowering season has come to a close.
- In this stage, the single bulb will begin to sprout multiple new shoots and bulb-like pieces, known as eyes.
- This replicated rhizome structure then becomes the base for continued growth in future seasons.
- At some point, however, these new eye bulbs will come into dormancy and die back by way of natural processes.
- This period of dormancy is a sign that the plant is entering its resting phase before eventually blooming again at the beginning of the next season.
- During this time, it is important to remember to reduce watering significantly so that your Calla Lily can enter this state fully and without disruption.
- A light hand watering every once in a while can keep it healthy as long as enough drainage is provided and any excess water is removed promptly.
This altered watering routine will help protect your plant from rot and make its way through dormancy unscathed for years of abundant blooms ahead.
How Do You Keep Calla Lilies Alive When Potted?
Potted calla lilies can make a great addition to any home or garden. They’re relatively hardy plants that require minimal care, and their vibrant, exotic flowers can add real eye-catching beauty to any room or space.
Keeping your potted callas alive doesn’t need to be too complicated.
- First, allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry out in between each watering; this will help prevent root rot.
- It’s important to give the plant enough water without drowning it as this could result in fungal diseases and weak stems.
- Make sure you use lukewarm water for your plant, as cold water can shock the roots of this tropical plant.
- If you live in a climate that gets frost, it’s best to bring the plant inside for winter and store it somewhere it will still receive light but not direct sunlight.
During Blooming
These are a beautiful addition to any garden. Admired for their trumpet-shaped blooms, calla lilies bring color and life to a space. Caring for them during bloom time involves providing the right amount of sunlight and water in order to keep your lilies happy and healthy.
Callas prefer bright light, and the sun in the morning is optimal. When growing outside, in cooler climates sun is preferred, while a partial style shade in warmer climates can help prevent the leaves from burning.
Finally, apply plant food occasionally, which will ensure better blooms throughout the season. Following these tips can keep your calla lilies feeling fabulous all season!
After Blooming
This is very important for these delicate plants. After a Calla Lily finishes blooming, its leaves will begin to yellow and droop, indicating your plant is entering dormancy.
- When this occurs, it’s essential to reduce watering and allow the rhizome to actually become dormant.
- Eventually, the leaves will die off, at which point you can either harvest your rhizome and then store it until early spring, or simply store the pot with your rhizome inside as is.
During this period of dormancy, there should be no fertilizer applied to maintain steady growth throughout winter’s harsh conditions.
Properly stored Calla lilies will continue their growing cycle once temperatures become more bearable; new foliage and flowers will appear come late Springtime, making it just as beautiful as before!
What Temperatures Can Potted Calla Lilies Tolerate?
Calla lilies are beautiful flowers that make a lovely addition to any garden or home. However, they need warm temperatures to thrive.
- The optimal temperature range for potted calla lilies is between 60 and 80 °F. At temperatures below 50 °F, the plant will become dormant and not grow at all until warmer conditions return.
- Unfortunately, temperatures below 25 °F can be fatal to the plant and its bulbs, so it is important to protect them when cold weather approaches.
During the warmer months, calla lilies can be enjoyed outside in sunny spots. However, when winter arrives, it’s best to bring them indoors. This helps them retain their desirable temperature range and prevents potential damage due to frosty weather.
Can They Survive The Winter In Pots?
Calla lilies can be kept in pots over the winter to enjoy parts of the year. This can be achieved by providing a sheltered place, such as an unheated basement or garage.
The pots must also protect the bulbs from freezing temperatures. If done correctly, calla lilies can remain dormant in their pots until springtime, when they start to sprout and flower again.
- For growers that want to keep their bulbs safe through the winter, it’s important that they don’t pot them too deep.
- Make sure that there are at least 8 inches of soil over the top of the bulb so that freezing temperatures don’t damage them.
- It’s also essential to keep watch that your soil is never completely dry either.
Can Calla Lilies Be Planted In Summer?
Although it’s best to plant the rhizomes of the Calla Lily in the spring, it can also be done early in the summer as it will have enough time for flowering. Summer is particularly great for planting them since its warmth kicks off vibrant blooms which can last until July.
When planting during the summer months, they should be placed in full sun or partial shade if in warmer climates. However, care must be taken not to oversaturate them with too much water, since prolonged exposure to standing water can cause rot.
Final Thoughts
Calla lilies are gorgeous flowers that can bring beauty to any garden or home. With proper care and attention, potted calla lilies can last for several years, with vibrant blooms appearing every year.
They require warm temperatures and plenty of water during the summer months while needing to be kept dormant in the winter months.
When planted in the early summer, they can produce flowers until July and with the right conditions, they can even survive frosty days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first potential problem is hot weather or over-watering. Too much heat can be damaging to calla lilies, and if they have been overwatered, they can develop root rot or die back and become stunted in growth or bloom prematurely.
Additionally, if these plants are planted in too shady of an area, they may not bloom very well at all – so it’s important to find the right spot for them that gets just enough light throughout the day.
In general, once a flower stem has doubled in size, it is time to cut it back by one-third. However, if the stem starts to droop or looks damaged in some way, then you should instead cut it all the way off at the base.
You can also pinch off wilted flower parts, but ultimately it will be up to you as to when you would like your plants to bloom. There is no need for regular pruning unless the plant appears damaged in some way.
The bottom line is that calla lilies are not difficult plants and will reward regular attention with beautiful blooms each and every spring!
I love sharing my experiences with individuals in this community, and I enjoy sharing some of the best tips I have learned over the years caring for my own garden at home.
In my articles, you will find the best flowers, most fragrant flowers you can plant in your garden, how to care for your favorite plants, informative guides and how-tos so you can have the best backyard in town!
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