Plant Profile: Calla Lillies
A North Carolina Gardener’s Guide to Growing Calla Lilies
If you’re looking to bring a touch of elegance to your NC garden, calla lilies might just be your new favorite flower. Sleek, sculptural, and available in a rainbow of colors, these beauties are more than just a florist’s favorite—they're also surprisingly easy to grow in North Carolina when you know the ropes.
Whether you're dreaming of a garden that whispers "Southern sophistication" or just want something that looks fancy without being fussy, let’s dig into everything you need to know about planting and caring for calla lilies in North Carolina.
What Are Calla Lilies, Really?
First off, a little botany trivia: calla lilies (Zantedeschia spp.) aren't true lilies. Shocking, I know. But what they lack in botanical accuracy, they make up for in style.
Native to southern Africa, calla lilies thrive in warm climates with rich, moist soil. And lucky for us, most parts of North Carolin (especially Zones 7b–8a) provide just the right conditions to grow them successfully—either as perennials or with a little winter storage help. They are a slow spreading perennial for me. I haven’t done a thing to mine since I put them in the ground over 5 years ago!
Where Should You Plant Calla Lilies in an NC Garden?
The key to growing lush, bloom-heavy callas in the Carolinas is choosing the right spot.
Ideal Conditions:
Sunlight: Calla lilies like full sun in the morning and a bit of afternoon shade—especially in the hotter Piedmont and Coastal regions. If you’re in the cooler mountains, they’ll appreciate a bit more sun.
Soil: Moist but well-drained is the goal. These plants like it rich and loamy. Add compost or well-aged manure if your soil is clay-heavy (looking at you, red clay zones).
Space: Plant the rhizomes about 12 inches apart to give them breathing room.
Pro Tip: If your garden tends to get soggy or waterlogged, consider planting callas in raised beds or large containers.
How to Plant Calla Lily Bulbs (aka Rhizomes)
Here in NC, it’s best to plant your calla lily rhizomes in mid to late spring, once all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F.
Step-by-Step:
Soak your rhizomes in lukewarm water for 1–2 hours before planting. This helps wake them up.
Dig a hole about 3–4 inches deep.
Place the rhizome smooth side down, eyes up—yes, they have eyes like potatoes.
Cover with soil and water well.
Mulch to conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay.
You should start to see shoots in a couple of weeks—and with good care, blooms will follow by early summer.
Watering and Fertilizing Your Callas
Calla lilies are thirsty gals. In the wild, they grow near swamps and stream banks, so they appreciate consistent moisture.
Watering Tips:
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season (May–August).
Don’t let them dry out—but avoid waterlogging. That leads to root rot, which no one wants.
In drought-prone parts of NC, add a layer of mulch and consider a drip irrigation system to help out.
Fertilizing Tips:
Feed with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 3–4 weeks during the growing season.
Switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer (like 5-10-5) when blooms begin to form.
If your leaves are lush but blooms are scarce, cut back on nitrogen-heavy fertilizers.
Bloom Time and What to Expect
Calla lilies typically bloom from early summer through August, depending on when you plant them.
Expect long-lasting flowers in shades from classic white and blush pink to deep plum, orange, and even near-black. They make excellent cut flowers, so feel free to bring a few inside (or give a bouquet to a neighbor to show off your gardening prowess).
What About Winter in NC?
Here’s where it gets a little region-specific.
Zone 8a and warmer: You can leave calla lilies in the ground year-round with a layer of mulch for protection.
Zone 7 and colder (especially in the Mountains): You'll want to dig up your rhizomes after the first frost.
Overwintering Tips:
Once the foliage dies back, carefully dig up the rhizomes.
Rinse off soil and let them dry for a few days in a warm, dry location.
Store in paper bags or peat moss in a cool, dark place (40–50°F) until spring.
Yes, it’s a bit of work—but think of it as tucking them in for a cozy winter nap.
Pest and Problem Patrol
Calla lilies are relatively pest-free, but a few critters may drop by:
Aphids – Spray with soapy water or neem oil.
Slugs/snails – Lay out crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth.
Soft rot – Caused by too much moisture. Keep soil well-drained and avoid overwatering.
Watch for yellowing leaves or soft, mushy rhizomes—those are signs your calla is unhappy.
Calla Lilies in Containers
Short on space? Callas grow beautifully in pots. Choose a container at least 12 inches deep, with drainage holes, and follow the same planting and care guidelines.
Container-grown callas are easy to move around, too—bring them onto a porch or patio for a pop of color, or tuck them under partial shade in the peak of summer.
Bonus: Containers make overwintering even easier—just move them indoors when temps dip!
Perfect Plant Partners
Want to make your NC garden sing? Pair your callas with:
Ferns or hostas for a lush woodland look
Ornamental grasses for contrast
Lantana or salvia to attract pollinators
Dahlias or cannas for a bold summer border
Callas are like the elegant lead in a garden show—but they play well with others, too.
Final Thoughts: Are Calla Lilies Right for Your NC Garden?
If you're looking for a graceful, low-maintenance flower that delivers big on drama and elegance, calla lilies are a fantastic addition to your North Carolina garden. Whether you're in the coastal sandhills, the rolling Piedmont, or the cooler mountain regions, with a little planning and care, these sculptural blooms will reward you with color, structure, and an air of sophistication.
Just give them sunshine, moisture, and a little room to grow—and they’ll become one of the most charming stars of your garden.
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