A Spotlight on Stunning Black and White Calla Lilies

Calla lilies are beloved for their elegant trumpet-shaped blooms, coming in a rainbow of colors. But the dramatic black and white varieties hold a special allure. Their bold contrast makes a distinctive statement in floral designs. Here’s an in-depth look at growing and enjoying these striking bicolor calla lilies.

Overview of Black & White Calla Lilies

While calla lilies naturally occur in white, yellow, pink or red hues, black callas have been bred by saturating the color until it becomes a deep, dark purple-black. They are not actually black, but about as close as can be achieved through hybridization.

Bicolor black and white callas showcase bold black or dark burgundy centers with crisp white outer petals The dark innerthroats provide eye-catching contrast against the pure white backgrounds,

These bicolors come in a few different forms:

• Double flowers – Two layers of petals, with white outer and black inner.

• Splash petals – Dark splotches and streaks on mostly white petals.

• Throat spotting – Solid white petals with a black or purple throat.

In floral designing, black and white callas add dramatic flair. The colors evoke elegance and sophistication for weddings and formal events. They also pair beautifully with other flowers in mixed bouquets.

Growing Black & White Calla Lilies

Calla lilies grow from rhizome bulbs. For the best results:

• Planting – Set bulbs 2-4 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart in spring after the last frost.

• Soil – They need consistently moist but well-draining soil. Enrich with compost.

• Sun – Grow in full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of sun is ideal.

• Water – Keep soil moist, watering when the top few inches become dry. Avoid soggy conditions.

• Fertilizer – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

• Winter care – In cold zones, dig up bulbs and store dormant over winter indoors.

With proper care, calla lily bulbs can be productive in the garden for many years. Dividing overly crowded clumps every 2-3 years also helps maintain vigor.

Popular Black & White Calla Lily Varieties

Many stunning bicolor varieties exist to suit different needs:

• Black Star – Deep burgundy blooms with white spots on foliage. Grows 15-24 inches tall.

• Swartzii – Large white flowers with bold black centers. Height around 2 feet.

• Iron Cross – A white calla lily with distinctive black markings. Compact at 1 foot tall.

• Black Knight – Near-black blooms with creamy white edges. Grows 18 inches high.

• White Knight – Bright white petals with dark purplish-black throats. Reaches 2 feet tall.

• Schwarzwalder – Dramatic black-tipped white petals. Matures at 18-24 inches.

• Black Forest – Dark blackish-red blooms with white tips. Height of around 2 feet.

For small spaces, dwarf hybrids like ‘Iron Cross’ and ‘Black Knight’ are ideal choices. Larger varieties better suit backgrounds or containers.

Designing with Black & White Callas

In arrangements, dark calla lily blooms make bold focal points. Here are some tips for using them dramatically:

• Contrast them with soft pastel blooms like roses, tulips or lilacs.

• Mix with white flowers for minimalist modern bouquets with graphic appeal.

• Pair black callas with orange, red or purple hues for vibrant color combination.

• Use the tall spires to provide height and structure in centerpieces.

• Place single stems in simple cylindrical vases for contemporary elegance.

• Cut blooms hold well for up to 2 weeks, prolonging their use.

With their eye-catching bicolor blooms, black and white calla lilies are ideal for adding artsy depth and sophistication to floral designs.

Common Questions about Black & White Callas

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about growing and using these two-toned beauties:

Are black calla lilies real?

There are no truly black calla lilies in nature. However, through selective breeding, varieties have been developed with such dark purple-black hues that they appear black. Often sold as “black callas”, they are technically just extremely dark burgundy-purple callas.

How do you take care of black and white calla lilies?

Care is similar to other calla lily varieties – plant the bulbs in spring after danger of frost, provide rich well-draining soil, allow plenty of sun, water regularly to keep moist but not soaked, and fertilize every few weeks during growth. Be sure to dig bulbs in cold zones.

What causes black spots on calla lily flowers?

Black spots are usually caused by a fungal disease called anthracnose. Provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, space plants properly, and use fungicides if needed to treat anthracnose infections. Removing affected leaves and flowers helps reduce spread.

How long do black calla lily blooms last?

With proper post-harvest care, cut black calla lily blooms generally last around 7-14 days in floral arrangements. Remove foliage, cut stems on an angle, and place in clean water. Keep in a cool spot out of direct sun. Recut stem ends occasionally to prolong vase life.

What flowers go well with black calla lilies?

Black callas pair beautifully with soft pastels like blush pink peonies, pale blue hydrangeas, lavender roses, or white tulips and lilies. Bold oranges, reds, purples and yellows also make vibrant companion blooms. Contrasting flower shapes, sizes and textures helps highlight the callas.