Does Calla Lily come back every year?

Do Calla Lilies Come Back Every Year? Let’s Get to the Root of It!

Calla lilies! Aren’t they just gorgeous? Those elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers are a total showstopper in any garden, whether you’re planting them in beds, pots, or even keeping them as houseplants. They’re relatively easy to care for, which makes them a winner for gardeners of all levels. But here’s the question I get asked all the time: “Do calla lilies come back every year, or are they a one-hit-wonder kind of plant?” Well, the answer is a bit like a “choose your own adventure” story – it depends!

Perennial or Annual? It’s All About Location, Location, Location!

Technically, calla lilies (that’s Zantedeschia spp. if you want to get all botanical about it) are rhizomatous perennials. “Rhizomatous” basically means they grow from underground stems called rhizomes, which act like little storage banks for the plant. In the right conditions, those rhizomes send out roots and shoots, and boom – your calla lily is back for another year!

Now, if you live in a warm climate, think USDA hardiness zones 8-10, you’re in luck! Calla lilies can usually stay put in the ground all winter long and pop back up in the spring, ready to bloom again. The rhizomes are tough enough to handle those milder temperatures.

But what about those of us who live in cooler areas, like zones 3-7? Well, that’s where things get a little trickier. Calla lilies aren’t exactly fans of freezing temperatures. In fact, a good frost can do them in. So, in these colder climates, they’re often treated as annuals – meaning you’d have to replant them every spring. But don’t despair! There’s a way to have your calla lilies and keep them too.

Operation: Overwinter – Saving Your Calla Lilies from the Cold

If you’re like me and hate the thought of saying goodbye to your calla lilies every year, then overwintering is the way to go. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, I promise! Here’s the lowdown:

Keeping Your Calla Lilies Happy and Blooming

Whether you’re lucky enough to have calla lilies that come back on their own or you’re a master overwinterer, a little TLC goes a long way. Here are a few tips to keep those beauties thriving:

• Sunshine or Shade? Calla lilies love sunshine, but in super hot climates, a little afternoon shade is appreciated.
• Soil Matters: Think rich, moist, and well-drained soil. Soggy soil is a no-no!
• Water Wisely: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, but don’t drown them. Ease up on the watering when they start to go dormant.
• Fertilize for Flowers: Give them a little boost with a balanced liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks until the flowers fade.
• Deadhead Like a Pro: Snip off those faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
• Temperature and Humidity: Calla lilies are happiest when it’s between 60-80°F (15-26°C) and the air is a little humid.

Bonus Tip: Making More Calla Lilies!

Want to expand your calla lily collection? You can easily propagate them by dividing the rhizomes in the spring. Just dig up the plant, gently separate a rhizome with a sharp knife, and replant it. Easy peasy!

The Verdict? Calla Lilies Can Be Forever!

So, to answer the original question: yes, calla lilies can definitely come back every year! With a little bit of knowledge and effort, you can enjoy these stunning flowers year after year, no matter where you live. Happy gardening!