About
A clump-forming herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennial with erect, long-stalked, dark glossy green, arrow-shaped leaves to 40cm in length and funnel-shaped white spathes to 25cm in length, with yellow spadices.
About the genus
Zantedeschia can be deciduous or semi-evergreen, tuberous perennials with lance-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves and tiny yellow flowers forming a dense spike-like spadix, with a showy, hood-like spathe, sometimes followed by orange berry-like fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Herbaceous Perennial, Bogs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toS Africa, Lesotho
ToxicityHarmful 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
CultivationGrow outdoors in full sun or part shade in moisture-retentive soil; in containers planted in peat-free John Innes No2 potting compost or can also be grown as a marginal plant in water up to 30cm (1ft) deep. Use aquatic compost and a 30cm (1ft) deep planting basket. See Zantedeschia cultivation
PruningTidy any foliage blackened by frosts
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids or thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal and bacterial rots and a virus