Zantedeschia aethiopica Pink Flamingo - Arum-lily

The Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Pink Flamingo' is a stunning pink-flowered variant of the Ethiopian Arum, slightly less vigorous than its counterpart but almost as hardy. Its flowers, pink in bud, open into large cones or pale pink spathes on the outside, almost white on the inside, surrounding a yellow spadix. They appear in spring and summer, well above lush foliage of a beautiful dark green. Essential at the edge of water points or in damp flower beds, its flowers are also very beautiful and long-lasting in bouquets. Hardy to -8/-10°C, this perennial will need protection or lifting in colder areas.

Originally from South Africa, particularly from Transvaal, the Ethiopian Arum has become naturalized worldwide. Like it, the 'Pink Flamingo' Arum is a tuberous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Arum family. From April-May, numerous long-petioled leaves with a very wide, shiny, dark green lamina emerge from its stump. The plant quickly forms imposing clumps of 70 to 80cm (28 to 32in) in all directions. Flowering occurs from June to August depending on the regions, and it can continue for several weeks as long as the plant does not lack water. This flowering can be easily advanced by greenhouse forcing. The magnificent inflorescences are composed of a small central column called a spadix, pale yellow in colour, discreet, surrounded by an evase spathe, in the shape of a cone, with a velvety texture that blends with the rough touch of parchment. The colour of the flower is more pink on the outside, but a rosy white on the inside. The throat is also more pink. The fragrance, very light, can be perceived by burying one's nose in the heart of the flowers. It evokes the scent of anise and rice powder.

Long considered cold and static flowers, used to adorn solemn bouquets or with religious connotations, Arums are making a comeback. Their generous clumps enhance the edges of well-designed ponds, the background of flower beds in moist soil, large borders, and allow for beautiful pots to be created for the terrace or balcony. Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Pink Flamingo' can even be grown under 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) of water during the growing season. It pairs well with Solomon's Seals, ferns, and Astilbes. In colder regions, it is advisable to cultivate Ethiopian Arums in soil that is certainly moist and rich in humus, but well-drained, and to protect the stumps in winter with a thick layer of dead leaves.