Overview

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' is a perennial in the genus Zantedeschia, part of the Araceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is native to Lesotho, South Africa and Eswatini.

About

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' is a perennial arum lily that bears large white spathes and reaches about 1.0 m. It flowers from June to September. Suited to consistently wet soil, it performs best in full sun. The plant is toxic if eaten and can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Zantedeschia 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 4.0Zantedeschia

In the garden

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' is a perennial from southern Africa (Lesotho, South Africa, Eswatini) grown for its white spathes that appear from June to September. It typically reaches around 1.0 m and is treated as a summer-flowering clump in temperate gardens. The cultivar sits in the Araceae family and is valued where sustained moisture is available. Plant in a sunny spot where the soil remains wet; acceptable soils include sandy, loamy or clay types so long as they do not dry out. The UK hardiness H4 (average) indicates it will tolerate typical UK winters in most gardens with some protection in exposed sites; it is also suitable for USDA zones 8–10. Positioning at the edge of a pond, in a boggy border or in a container with a consistently moist compost will help it reach the stated height and flower reliably through the summer months. Handle with care: Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' is harmful if eaten and a skin and eye irritant, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when planting, dividing or moving clumps. Keep pets away from foliage or cut material and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further contact information.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Zantedeschia

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture
Wet
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Perennial
Height
1.0 m
Native to
Lesotho, South Africa, Eswatini
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

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough'?

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' prefers full sun.

What soil does Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' need?

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays wet.

How big does Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' grow?

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' hardy in the UK?

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

Is Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' 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.

More in the Zantedeschia genus

Browse all Zantedeschia