About
A deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial (evergreen in mild areas) to 1m in height, with rich green, arrow-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped white spathes to 15-20cm in length, with a prominent 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
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesSub-tropical, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
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; glasshouse red spider mite or glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal and bacterial rots and a virus