Overview
Zantedeschia aethiopica is a clump forming perennial in the genus Zantedeschia, part of the Araceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Zantedeschia aethiopica grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, sub-tropical, patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants and flower borders and beds. It is native to S Africa and Lesotho.
About
Zantedeschia aethiopica is a perennial in the Araceae, noted for its white arum-type flowers that appear from June to September. It reaches about 1.0 m and prefers consistently wet soils in full sun. It tolerates sandy, loamy or clay substrates as long as they remain moist. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling because the plant can irritate skin and is harmful if eaten.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Zantedeschia aethiopica
About the genus
Zantedeschia is a genus of eight species of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants in the aroid family, Araceae, native to southern Africa. The genus has been introduced, in some form, on every continent other than Antarctica.
Wikipedia contributors, "Zantedeschia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Zantedeschia
In the garden
Zantedeschia aethiopica belongs to the Araceae and originates from southern Africa, including Lesotho. In the UK it flowers from June to September and typically grows to about 1.0 m. Its natural preference is for soil that stays wet, so it is most at home where moisture is reliable. Plant it in a sunny spot and use sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they do not dry out. The species is rated H4 (average) for UK hardiness and also corresponds to USDA zones 8–10; that means it will survive normal UK winters in many areas but will do best in sheltered or milder sites. Keep soil consistently moist rather than allowing it to dry between waterings. Use Zantedeschia aethiopica at pond margins, in damp mixed borders or in containers that can be kept wet; its upright habit to around 1.0 m gives height without requiring tall supports. Take care when pruning, dividing or deadheading, as sap can irritate the skin and eyes and the plant is harmful if ingested, so wear gloves and eye protection during handling.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Zantedeschia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Wet
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Zantedeschia aethiopica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- S Africa, Lesotho
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Zantedeschia aethiopica
- Cultivation
- Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Requires consistent moisture and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture. Protect from frost in colder climates.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to maintain appearance and encourage new growth. Cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring.
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Fungal rots, Bacterial rots, Virus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Zantedeschia aethiopica?
Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Requires consistent moisture and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture. Protect from frost in colder climates.
Where is the best place to plant Zantedeschia aethiopica?
Zantedeschia aethiopica prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Zantedeschia aethiopica need?
Zantedeschia aethiopica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays wet.
How do I prune Zantedeschia aethiopica?
Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to maintain appearance and encourage new growth. Cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring.
How big does Zantedeschia aethiopica grow?
Zantedeschia aethiopica reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Zantedeschia aethiopica hardy in the UK?
Zantedeschia aethiopica has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Zantedeschia aethiopica?
Division, Seed.
Is Zantedeschia aethiopica toxic?
Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.