Calla Auckland - Calla Lily

The Calla or Zantedeschia 'Auckland' is a very pretty variety of hybrid florist's Arum whose flowers change colour over the course of days, transitioning from deep salmon pink to very pale peach pink around a black heart. They are enhanced by an elegant foliage, lightly mottled with white. Not very hardy, this tuberous plant requires warmth and a soil that is both moist and very rich to thrive. Absolutely delightful in bouquets, its flowers will also bring life to the surroundings of a body of water, or potted plants submerged in shallow water.

Zantedeschia 'Auckland' is one of the many hybrids that have been obtained through cross-breeding between two main species native to East and South Africa, namely Zantedeschia rehmannii and Z. elliottiana. It is a top-notch Dutch creation, with a rare colour. The vegetation emerges from the ground in spring, in the form of large sagittate dark green leaves mottled with white. This Calla measures about 60cm (24in) in height. Like other hybrids, this plant requires specific growing conditions to flower. The flower, typical of arums, produces a highly ornamental spathe, almost 10cm (4in) in diameter, hiding a golden yellow spadix in its black heart. Its thick roots grow perpendicularly into the growing substrate, resembling fleshy and trailing rhizomes. In nature, this plant grows in marshes that typically dry up in summer, under warm climates all year round. The vegetation dries up, and the tuber enters a period of dormancy. This vegetative cycle must be strictly respected in cultivation. Florist's arums can live for many years if the cyclic rest period is well respected.

Zantedeschia 'Auckland' is particularly suitable for potted cultivation. It can also be planted in moist areas, near a water feature, or even partially submerged during flowering. Create elegant bouquets with its flowers, pairing them with white lilies, for example.