Overview
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Zantedeschia, part of the Araceae family, with glossy, arrow-shaped leaves foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and pond margins. It is native to Lesotho, South Africa and Eswatini.
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 '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 pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Wet
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Glossy, Arrow-shaped leaves
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Pond margins
- 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough'
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough'?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' need?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. 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.
How do I propagate Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough'?
Division of rhizomes.
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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Zantedeschia genus
- Zantedeschia aethiopicaarum lily
- Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Compacta'Compact Calla Lily
- Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess'arum lily 'Green Goddess'
- Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Hercules'Calla Lily
- Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Perle von Stuttgart'
- Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail'arum lily 'White Sail'
- Zantedeschia elliottianagolden calla
- Zantedeschia 'Qatar'