Botanical name: Zantedeschia • Family: Araceae (arum)
Native to: Southern Africa • Bloom: Late spring to summer • Symbolizes: Purity, rebirth & devotion
With its smooth, funnel-shaped bloom and sculptural silhouette, the calla lily is one of the most elegant flowers in the world — a favorite for weddings, sympathy arrangements and modern floral design. Despite its name, it isn’t a true lily at all. Here’s everything to know about the calla lily’s meaning, colors, varieties and care.
About the calla lily
The calla lily belongs to the genus Zantedeschia in the arum family, and is native to southern Africa. What looks like a single petal is actually a spathe — a modified leaf that curls elegantly around a central golden column, the spadix, which carries the tiny true flowers.
The classic white calla (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is a large, moisture-loving plant, while a group of smaller hybrids has expanded the palette into yellow, pink, orange, purple and near-black. Calla lilies grow from a rhizome or tuber and can be grown in the garden, in containers or as elegant houseplants.
Calla lily meaning and symbolism
The calla lily is rich in symbolism. Its pure, unblemished form has long made it a symbol of purity, innocence and rebirth, which is why it appears so often in weddings and at Easter. The same association with rebirth also makes it a traditional, comforting choice for funerals and sympathy arrangements.
Beyond that, the calla lily represents magnificent beauty and devotion. The name comes from the Greek word for beautiful, and the flower’s graceful shape has made it a muse for artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe.
Calla lily colors and varieties
The white calla lily (Z. aethiopica) is the largest and most classic, beloved for bridal work. Colored hybrids, mostly derived from Z. elliottiana (yellow) and Z. rehmannii (pink), are smaller and come in a rainbow of shades.
Popular named varieties include the deep, dramatic “Black Star” and “Odessa,” the sunny “Yellow Corvette,” and the pink-and-cream “Picasso.” Each color carries its own nuance, from purity in white to appreciation in pink and passion in deep purple.
How to grow and care for calla lilies
Calla lilies enjoy full sun to part shade and rich, consistently moist soil — the white species even thrives in boggy conditions and at pond edges. Plant the rhizomes in spring once the soil warms, setting them a few inches deep with the growing points facing up.
In warm climates (roughly USDA zones 8–10) calla lilies are perennial and return each year; in colder areas, lift and store the rhizomes over winter or grow them in pots that can be moved indoors. Feed during growth and reduce watering as the plant goes dormant. Note that all parts are toxic if eaten, so keep them away from pets and children.
Calla lily in bouquets and gifts
The calla lily is one of the most popular wedding flowers, its long, clean stem and elegant bloom lending a modern, sophisticated look to bouquets and centerpieces. It’s equally at home in sympathy arrangements, where it symbolizes rebirth and peace, and it lasts beautifully in the vase.
Fun facts about the calla lily
Despite its name and elegant looks, the calla lily is not a lily at all — it’s an arum, more closely related to the peace lily and anthurium than to a true Lilium. What appears to be a single petal is really a curled leaf called a spathe.
The calla lily became an artistic icon in the 20th century, most famously through Georgia O’Keeffe’s large, sensual paintings of the flower. Its clean, sculptural form still makes it a favorite of modern designers and photographers.
Calla lily quick care tips
- Grow in full sun to part shade
- Use rich, consistently moist soil (white types tolerate boggy ground)
- Plant rhizomes a few inches deep, growth points up, in spring
- Perennial in zones 8–10; lift and store the rhizomes in colder areas
- Reduce watering as the plant goes dormant
- Keep away from pets and children, as all parts are toxic
When to give calla lily
Calla lilies are a classic choice for weddings (symbolizing purity and a fresh start) and for sympathy arrangements (symbolizing rebirth and peace). They’re also the traditional flower for a sixth wedding anniversary, and a graceful way to mark any elegant, meaningful occasion.
Calla lily FAQs
Is a calla lily a real lily?
No. Despite its name, the calla lily is not a true lily. It belongs to the genus Zantedeschia in the arum family, while true lilies belong to the genus Lilium. Its “flower” is actually a curled leaf-like spathe around a central spadix.
What does a calla lily symbolize?
Calla lilies symbolize purity, innocence and rebirth, which makes them popular for both weddings and funerals. They also represent magnificent beauty and devotion. Color adds nuance — white for purity, pink for appreciation, and deep purple for passion.
What colors do calla lilies come in?
The classic calla lily is pure white, but hybrids come in yellow, pink, orange, peach, purple and dramatic near-black. Named varieties like “Black Star,” “Picasso” and “Yellow Corvette” show off this range.
Are calla lilies poisonous?
Yes. All parts of the calla lily contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic if eaten and can irritate the skin and mouth. Keep them away from pets and small children.
Do calla lilies come back every year?
In warm climates (about USDA zones 8–10) calla lilies are perennial and return each year from their rhizomes. In colder regions they’re tender, so gardeners lift and store the rhizomes over winter or grow them in containers.
How do you care for a calla lily indoors?
Grow potted calla lilies in bright, indirect light with rich, consistently moist soil. Water regularly during growth and feed monthly, then let the plant rest and dry out after flowering before starting the cycle again.
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