Zantedeschia aethiopica White Giant

Zantedeschia aethiopica, commonly known as the White Arum Lily, Calla Lily, or simply Calla, is a perennial flowering plant native to Southern Africa. It belongs to the family Araceae and is known for its striking and elegant appearance.

1. Hardiness Zones: Zantedeschia aethiopica is native to South Africa and is generally hardy in zones 8-10. In these zones, it can be fall-planted outdoors and treated as a perennial. Mulching is essential, especially in zone 8, to protect the plant during winter.
2. Zones 3-7: In colder zones, where winter temperatures are too harsh for the Calla Lily to survive outdoors, the rhizomes can be stored in a vented bag with peat or sphagnum moss during winter. Keep them in a dark, dry location at around 60°F. Treat them as annuals and plant them outdoors after the last threat of spring frost has passed.
3. Planting: When planting the rhizomes outdoors or in pots, place them about 4 inches deep and spaced about 1 foot apart in well-draining soil with full sunlight.
4. Potted Plant Care: For potted Calla Lilies, plant the rhizomes 2 inches apart in pots filled with sterile potting soil. After the foliage has faded, stop watering and store the pots in a dark area for two to three months. Once this dormant period is over, cut off the dead foliage and resume watering to stimulate new growth. They should flower approximately 14 weeks after being potted.
5. Size and Height: The rhizomes of Zantedeschia aethiopica are sized around 14/16 cm. The plants can grow to a height of 18 to 24 inches or more, depending on the growing conditions.

Overall, the Giant White Calla Lily is a tender herbaceous plant with trumpet-shaped ivory spathes and golden spadices, adding elegance and beauty to gardens and potted displays. Following the appropriate care instructions for each hardiness zone ensures successful cultivation and stunning blooms.