Overview

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail' is a perennial in the genus Zantedeschia, part of the Araceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail' 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 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 'White Sail' belongs to the Araceae family and originates from Lesotho, South Africa and Eswatini. As a perennial, it produces distinctive white spathes that appear through the summer months, offering a clear seasonal display between June and September. Expect plants to reach roughly 1.0 m where water and light are adequate. Position in a sunny spot with reliably wet soil; it tolerates sandy, loamy or clay textures as long as moisture is maintained. The H4 rating means it is average-hardy across much of the UK and can be grown outdoors through typical winters in those areas. Avoid droughty positions and keep soil consistently moist during the flowering season to support ongoing bloom. Use 'White Sail' at the margins of ponds and water features or in moisture-retentive borders where its upright habit and white spathes will read clearly against darker foliage. Handle with care: all parts are harmful if eaten and can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when planting or dividing.

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 'White Sail' 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

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 'Green Goddess'arum lily 'Green Goddess'
• 
  Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Hercules'Calla Lily
• 
  Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Perle von Stuttgart'
• 
  Zantedeschia elliottianagolden calla
• Zantedeschia 'Qatar'