Golden calla lily brings sophisticated elegance to summer gardens with its luminous golden-yellow spathes that rise 24 to 36 inches tall from tuberous rhizomes. Native to South Africa, this stemless perennial of the arum family (Zantedeschia elliottiana) blooms reliably from July through September in full sun, thriving in zones 9 and 10. Despite its common name, it's not a true lily but a stunning architectural flower that deserves a prominent spot in warm-climate gardens where consistent moisture and well-drained soil can be maintained.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-10
36in H x 24in W
—
High
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Golden calla produces showy, golden-yellow spathes throughout the summer months, rising dramatically from clumps that spread 12 to 24 inches wide. The flowers emerge from underground tuberous rhizomes, creating a low-maintenance perennial that requires only moderate water and moderate care once established. In zones 9 and 10, it can live year-round outdoors, though gardeners in cooler regions can lift and store the tubers for replanting each spring.
Golden calla is grown as a flowering ornamental, prized for its showy golden-yellow spathes that add tropical drama and sophisticated color to summer gardens. The flowers are particularly valued in floral arrangements and as cut flowers, where their architectural form and warm color provide striking visual impact.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Seeds can be started indoors, though seed-grown plants may not flower for two to three years. Direct sowing is an alternative for gardeners willing to wait longer for blooms. Start seeds in warm, moist conditions and provide bright light after germination.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost when soil has warmed and risk of cold damage has passed. Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart in prepared garden beds with consistent moisture.
Direct sowing is possible for gardeners patient enough to wait two to three years for flowering. Sow seeds in warm soil after all frost danger has passed.
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“Golden calla is reportedly native to South Africa, though some horticultural records suggest it may be of garden origin, arising from selective breeding within the Zantedeschia genus. It belongs to the arum family, a relationship that sometimes surprises gardeners given its common name; the true lilies (Lilium) are botanically unrelated despite the superficial visual similarities. The species name elliottiana honors its connection to horticultural history, though the precise circumstances of its introduction to cultivation remain somewhat obscure.”