zantedeschia aethiopica white giant calla lily

The Majestic White Giant Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘White Giant’)

The calla lily is an elegant flower that has been admired for its beauty and grace for centuries. Of the many calla lily cultivars, one of the most spectacular is the White Giant calla lily, scientifically named Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘White Giant’. This plant is truly a sight to behold with its huge white blooms and enormous foliage. In this article, we’ll explore why the White Giant calla lily is so special and how to grow this magnificent plant yourself.

An Introduction to the White Giant Calla Lily

The White Giant calla lily is a cultivar of the species Zantedeschia aethiopica which is native to southern Africa. It features very large white flowers that can reach up to 6 feet tall! The blooms emerge pure white and consist of a central yellow spadix surrounded by a white spathe. The spathe is the most noticeable part of the flower, shaped like a large funnel or trumpet. The leaves are just as impressive, growing over 3 feet long and 2 feet wide. They are bright green with white speckles on them.

This plant was discovered in southern California by plantsman Sonny Garcia who found it growing in a garden. He was amazed by its huge size and introduced it into cultivation. The White Giant grows significantly larger than the normal Zantedeschia aethiopica species which typically only reaches 2-3 feet tall. It’s believed that the White Giant is a genetic mutation that causes it to grow more vigorously.

Why Grow the White Giant Calla Lily

There are many reasons why the White Giant calla lily makes an exceptional addition to gardens and flower arrangements:

• It has an extremely long bloom period. The flowers emerge in early summer and continue blooming into fall, lasting for months.

• A single flower spike can produce up to 6 blooms sequentially, so you’ll have many weeks of enjoyment from each stalk.

• The blooms make stunning cut flowers. Their white color and sculptural shape provide elegant arrangements.

• The flowers have a light, sweet fragrance that perfumes the garden.

• The huge leaves add dramatic tropical flair, especially when planted en masse.

• It’s easy to grow and will come back year after year if overwintered properly.

• It adds vertical height to the garden, providing structure and contrast to lower growing plants.

Overall, if you want a show-stopping plant that delivers beauty all season long, the White Giant calla lily is an excellent choice. It brings a touch of the tropics to your garden!

Growing Conditions for White Giant Calla Lilies

To grow the White Giant calla lily successfully, it’s important to provide the right cultural conditions. Here are the key factors to get this plant thriving:

Sun Exposure

The White Giant calla lily needs full sun to partial sun exposure. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day is ideal. Morning sun is especially important to dry dew from the leaves to prevent disease. In hot climates, afternoon shade may be beneficial.

Soil

These plants thrive in moist, humus-rich soil. Add plenty of compost or peat moss when planting to improve drainage and moisture retention. The soil pH should be between 5.5-7.5.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Water deeply whenever the top few inches become dry. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged soil which can cause tuber rot.

Fertilizer

Feed calla lilies monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer or one higher in phosphorus to stimulate blooming. Discontinue fertilizing after September so the plant can harden off for dormancy.

Temperatures

Calla lilies enjoy warm temperatures between 60-80°F during their active growth period. They can handle light frosts in spring and fall. The tubers are dormant and hardy to USDA zones 7-10 during winter.

Container Growing

The White Giant can be grown in containers or raised beds. Use a commercial potting mix and choose a container at least 12-14 inches wide to accommodate the plant. Bring containers indoors before frost.

Propagation

Propagate new White Giant calla lily plants by dividing the tubers after a few years of growth when they outgrow their space. Take care not to damage the new growth buds (eyes) when dividing.

With the proper conditions, the White Giant will reward you with its magnificent blooms and tropical flair in your garden. It’s worth taking the time to give this plant what it needs to thrive.

Caring for White Giant Calla Lilies

To keep your White Giant calla lily growing strongly, regular care and maintenance is needed:

• Remove spent flowers and flower stalks back to the base to conserve the plant’s energy.

• Cut back the leaves and stems once they fade in fall to prepare for dormancy.

• Mulch around the tubers after the ground freezes to insulate them from cold damage. Remove mulch in spring.

• In zones 7-10, the tubers can be left in the ground over winter. In colder zones, dig up the tubers and store them in a cool dark place for winter.

• To store tubers, pack them in barely moist peat moss, vermiculite, or perlite and keep them at 45-55°F.

• Water sparingly over winter every 2-3 weeks to prevent complete drying out. Resume regular watering in spring after replanting.

• Stake tall flower stems if needed to prevent damage from winds and heavy rain.

By caring for calla lilies properly, the White Giant will continue performing year after year as the stunning focal point of your garden.

Where to Buy White Giant Calla Lily Plants

Want to get your hands on this spectacular giant calla for your own garden? Here are some reputable online sources to order White Giant calla lily bulbs or plants:

• Plant Delights Nursery – A leader in uncommon perennials, they offer potted White Giant plants.

• Van Engelen Bulbs – This wholesale bulb supplier sells White Giant tubers by the piece or bulk.

• Garden Goods Direct – Retailer providing White Giant tubers and bundles.

• White Flower Farm – A selection of premium bulbs including White Giant calla lily.

• Brent & Becky’s Bulbs – Family-owned company with White Giant calla tubers available.

Check local garden centers in spring to find potted calla lily plants. Big box stores may carry them seasonally as well. For the best selection, order the White Giant online from specialty growers.

TheCaptivating White Giant Calla Lily: A Marvelous Garden Statement

With its huge stately blooms and imposing foliage, the White Giant calla lily is truly an exceptional plant. Adding this variety to your garden guarantees a spectacle of beautiful flowers and tropical texture every year. Although it requires some specialized care, the results are well worth it. The White Giant’s graceful elegance livens up any space. Give this plant a try if you want a genuinely majestic flower with wow factor!