Overview
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess' 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 'Green Goddess' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, sub-tropical, city and courtyard gardens and flower borders and beds. 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 'Green Goddess' is a perennial member of the Araceae, originating from Lesotho, South Africa and Eswatini. It typically grows to around 1.0 m and is listed for USDA zones 8–10, reflecting its preference for temperate, reliably damp conditions. In the UK it produces its flowering display between June and September. Place this arum where the soil remains moist — it tolerates sandy, loamy or clay substrates provided they do not dry out. Give it a sunny aspect; full sun suits it best and helps sustain successive blooms through the summer months. Its UK hardiness is H4 (average), so it will survive most UK winters in a sheltered, damp spot but could need frost protection in exposed locations. Use 'Green Goddess' at the edge of damp borders, in waterside planting or in containers where you can keep the compost consistently moist. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling, because the plant is harmful if eaten and can irritate skin and eyes; for pet safety and emergency numbers see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Avoid placing foliage where children or animals might be tempted to chew it, and clear fallen leaves promptly from paths and seating areas.
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 'Green Goddess' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, City and courtyard gardens, Flower borders and beds
- 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 'Green Goddess'
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Thrips, Glasshouse red spider mite, Glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Fungal rots, Bacterial rots, Virus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess'?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess' need?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess' 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 big does Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess' grow?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess' hardy in the UK?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess' 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 'Green Goddess'?
Division in spring.
Is Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess' 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 'Crowborough'arum lily 'Crowborough'
- Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Hercules'Calla Lily
- Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Perle von Stuttgart'
- Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail'arum lily 'White Sail'
- Zantedeschia elliottianagolden calla
- Zantedeschia 'Qatar'