Overview
Zantedeschia elliottiana is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Zantedeschia, part of the Araceae family. Zantedeschia elliottiana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and water gardens. It is native to Northern South Africa.
About
Zantedeschia elliottiana is an herbaceous perennial in the Araceae family grown for its yellow calla-like spathes and central spadix. Leaves are green with conspicuous white spotting. Flowering occurs from June to September in the UK. Handle with care: sap can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when cutting or repotting.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Zantedeschia elliottiana
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 elliottiana originates from northern South Africa and belongs to the Araceae family. It forms a clump of toothed, spotted leaves and produces yellow calla-type spathes around a central spadix; the flowering season runs from June to September. Occasional fruiting can follow flowering where conditions allow pollination. Give the plant a sheltered situation with either full sun or partial shade and keep the root run moist in a well-drained, fertile soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. In UK terms its H4 rating means it tolerates typical garden conditions across much of Britain but will appreciate protection from cold winds and the wettest winter soils. Position in containers or borders where soil drains well yet retains moisture, or at the edge of a water garden where standing water is avoided. Use it at the front of a mixed border, grouped in containers for summer display, or beside sheltered ponds. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling foliage or spent flowers, because the sap is an irritant; this is particularly important if you keep pets or small children where contact is possible.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Zantedeschia
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Zantedeschia elliottiana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, water gardens
- Native to
- Northern South Africa
- 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 elliottiana
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in spring after frost risk; keep soil moist; protect from frost in colder areas
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves
- Propagation
- division of rhizomes, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Zantedeschia elliottiana?
Plant bulbs in spring after frost risk; keep soil moist; protect from frost in colder areas.
Where is the best place to plant Zantedeschia elliottiana?
Zantedeschia elliottiana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Zantedeschia elliottiana need?
Zantedeschia elliottiana grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Zantedeschia elliottiana?
Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves.
Is Zantedeschia elliottiana hardy in the UK?
Zantedeschia elliottiana 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 elliottiana?
Division of rhizomes, seed.
Is Zantedeschia elliottiana 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.