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
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail' is a perennial arum lily noted for its white spathes. It reaches around 1.0 m and flowers from June to September. It prefers full sun and persistently wet soils on sandy, loamy or clay ground and is rated H4 (average) for UK hardiness.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Zantedeschia aethiopica
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
Where is the best place to plant Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail'?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail' prefers full sun.
What soil does Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail' need?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays wet.
How big does Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail' grow?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail' hardy in the UK?
Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
Is Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail' 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.