Photo: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Calla lily
The calla is the sculptural flower — a single elegant curve of a spathe wrapping a yellow spadix. White callas are the classic wedding flower for minimal, modern brides; the coloured 'mini' callas (burgundy, near-black, sunset-orange) have expanded the design vocabulary. Stems curve naturally toward light — a feature to use, not fight.
| Family | Araceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southern Africa; commercially grown Netherlands, New Zealand, Colombia |
| Peak season | April, May, June |
| Availability | all year (imported) |
| Stem length | 30–90 cm |
| Vase life | 7–14 days |
| Colors | white, cream, yellow, orange, peach, pink, burgundy, purple, near-black |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut on a diagonal, place in shallow cool water — deep water rots the stem.
- •Hollow stem — do not submerge; keep water shallow (5 cm)
- •Refresh water every 24 hours
- •White callas (Zantedeschia aethiopica) can grow to 90+ cm — architectural
- •Coloured mini-callas are shorter (30–50 cm) — for bouquets and boutonnieres
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Calla lily in season?
Calla lily peaks in April, May, June, and florists can usually source it all year (imported). Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Calla lily last in a vase?
Expect 7–14 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Calla lily?
Good substitutes for Calla lily include Anthurium, Asiatic Lily. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Calla lily symbolise?
Calla lily is associated with magnificence, beauty, purity.
How do you care for cut Calla lily?
Hollow stem — do not submerge; keep water shallow (5 cm)
