Overview
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Little Gem' is a clump-forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Zantedeschia, part of the Araceae family, with deciduous foliage. Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Little Gem' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include borders, containers and houseplants.
About
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Little Gem' is a clump-forming cultivar of the Zantedeschia genus, which includes tuberous perennials with lance-shaped foliage and distinctive yellow flowers on a spike-like spadix. This deciduous plant thrives in well-drained loam soil with moist conditions and prefers full sun to partial shade, ideally in a sheltered, south- or west-facing aspect. Suitable for conservatories, greenhouses, and as a houseplant, it is best grown in borders or containers. Propagation is by division in spring, and it offers interest primarily during the spring season.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Zantedeschia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Little Gem' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Houseplants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Little Gem'
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to fungal and bacterial rots, viruses
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Little Gem'?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Little Gem' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Little Gem' need?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Little Gem' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Little Gem' hardy in the UK?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Little Gem' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Little Gem'?
Division in spring.
More in the Zantedeschia genus
- Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Pink Mist'
- Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Tiny Tim'
- Zantedeschia aethopica 'White Dream'
- Zantedeschia 'Black Eye Beauty'
- Zantedeschia 'Captain Alma'PBR (Captain Series)
- Zantedeschia 'Captain Caruso'PBR (Captain Series)
- Zantedeschia 'Captain Nevado' (Captain Series)
- Zantedeschia 'Captain Shelby' (Captain Series)