bulb corm tuber

Spotted Calla Lily

The Story

Plant Bio

Zantedeschia albomaculata is a deciduous, clump-forming perennial arising from an underground tuberous rhizome, native to seasonally wet African grasslands. The semi-erect, arrow-shaped mid-green leaves are distinctively marked with translucent white spots, providing ornamental interest even when the plant is not in bloom.

The inflorescence consists of an ivory-white to pale yellow chalice-shaped spathe with a dark purple throat, enclosing a bright yellow central spadix. Flowers emerge from mid-summer to early fall on sturdy stems held just above the spotted foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Features striking translucent-spotted foliage and elegant ivory-white to pale yellow spathes with dark purple throats.

Highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing due to its toxic, acrid sap.

Provides nectar for hummingbirds and generalist insect pollinators during the summer blooming period.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

28"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Medium to Wet

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Africa

Toxicity

Highly toxic to pets and humans

Bloom period

Mid summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with rich, organic loam in full sun or afternoon shade in hot climates.
Plant tubers two to four inches deep with the growing tips or eyes facing upward.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistently moist soil throughout the active summer growing season.
Lift the tubers in autumn before the first hard freeze in zones colder than USDA Zone 8, storing them in a dry, cool location for winter.

Pro Tip

Plant the tubers five to ten centimeters deep with the growing eyes facing upward. To prevent fatal soft rot, keep the soil completely dry during the winter dormancy period rather than maintaining year-round moisture.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil consistently moist and rich during the active spring and summer growing phases.
Allow the foliage to die back naturally in autumn to return energy to the tuber.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer monthly while the plant is actively growing.

Don't

Do not water the tubers during their winter dormancy period to prevent soft rot.
Never cut back green, active leaves or stems before they have completely yellowed and dried.
Avoid planting in poorly drained soils that collect standing water during cold weather.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Lift Store
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersContainersRain GardensBog GardensCutting Gardens

Companion Plants

Hosta Arum italicum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spotted Calla Lily questions

What zones can Spotted Calla Lily grow in?

Spotted Calla Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Spotted Calla Lily deer resistant?

Yes — Spotted Calla Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Spotted Calla Lily bloom?

Spotted Calla Lily typically blooms in mid summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Spotted Calla Lily need full sun?

Spotted Calla Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.