Calla Lily 'Crystal Blush'

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
wallaby1 Lincoln, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) Jul 13, 2006

Calla Lily 'Crystal Blush'
Zantedeschia

Taken on 5th July. A full blush has now developed, the backs going green.

Thumbnail by wallaby1
Post #2499472
Quote
irmaly boone, NC(Zone 5b) Jul 13, 2006

wallaby, another beautiful calla! I am just getting into these and love them. Let me ask a quick question--should I be sutting off the spent blooms? I am assuming so, but know nothing about these plants.

Post #2500813
Quote
wallaby1 Lincoln, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) Jul 13, 2006

Hi irmaly, they are a beautiful plant to grow, and only get better with each year. I am getting more interested again after my initial growing of Cameo a few years ago.

I don't take off the spathes, it seems they already have an certain amount ready to make from the eyes formed if they are mature enough. The spathes green up and still look better than a removed stem, I like to see if I get seed. Some won't make it, but even plants that are not supposed to make seed someitmes do. grow your own and you may end up with a new interesting plant!

Post #2500859
Quote
kniphofia Cramlington, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) Jul 13, 2006

I'm growing my first one this year. Do they need a rest period? Mine's in a pot in my office at the moment. I know they aren't hardy here. I want to overwinter it successfully. Should I treat them like my amaryllis? Leave them in the pot?

Post #2502194
Quote
wallaby1 Lincoln, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) Jul 13, 2006

Kniphofia, I leave mine in their pots and overwinter them in a cold greenhouse. They get through no problems, and had to -9C and continued cold last winter. If grown correctly they are quite hardy, some put them in the ground but they should be at least 4" deep in colder areas and well mulched. When mine have increased sufficiently I will try them in the ground.

The first one I had was Cameo, and it was a very cold winter and very hard frosts, everything in the greenhouse was frozen solid. It was in a smaller pot and had made 4 new bulbs, the original and 3 new ones rotted but I had one which is now very large. They need potting on into larger pots as they get bigger. If you have a warm south facing wall, and free draining soil, you might do well, I don't know what your zone is but someone grows them like this in zone 5.

You can let them die back and lift them, but try not to damage them or rot may set in. They can be planted again in early spring if kept in a warm place. You can also leave them in their pots and place somewhere cool but don't water until spring.

Try to give it a little liquid food ( I use tomato food with high P&K) to help the bulb grow, I only do it about 3 times in a season,. but I grow them in leafy compost and gritty river soil with some moss peat. Feeding should be stopped by August preferably so the bulb is not too soft by winter.

Keep in mind that some are hardier than others, Z Cameo and Z albomaculata amongst them.

Post #2502566
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More PlantFiles Pictures Threads

Go to all PlantFiles Pictures threads
BACK TO TOP