I started growing different types of lilies last year, and found that the callas didn't flower. The foliage came up and appeared healthy, but they never bloomed. Do callas take more than one year to flower? Or did I do something wrong? I did worry a bit that they weren't getting enough sun - I have a fairly shaded garden, but put them where they would get the most light.
Suggestions?
question re: calla lilies
Catherine, I'm sorry, but, I know absolutely nothing about Calla Lilies... If they have to be dug and stored in the winter they aren't going to live very long in my gardens. :) You might want to ask over in the bulb forum, someone there might be able to help you. But don't run off we can chat about Lilies (ie Lillium) and get you just as addicted as we are. ;) LOL
Diann
Catherine, I'm a Calla fan too and have been growing them about 5 years now. I grow most of mine in pots that I store inside, dormant through winter, and a few in the ground to experiment with their winter hardiness (if they make it through this winter, it will be the 5th!).
So you planted new Callas and they didn't bloom? Usually they bloom well the first season, but good rebloom in following years depends somewhat on their care and position. The Z.rehmannii types (the colorful hybrids and most spotted leaved types) prefer sun. They like plenty of moisture during the growing season and appreciate fertilizer. Some of mine that I suspect weren't getting enough sun didn't bloom well the 2nd year. The Z.aethiopica types, like the giant white calla, Green Goddess, and Pink Mist, can tolerate shade. They like LOTS of water and fertilizer during the growing season. Those have taken me a while to get blooms, got my first white one last year (my 2nd year with them)! They were also end of season clearance bulbs I got for 10cents each, so I think I started with a challenge there.
Come on Neal, you're supposed to be getting her addicted to lilies!!! :) Callas are pretty tho!
Well, slap my wicked hand, but I grow both and my question is, did you force them into dormancy? At about November I pull them into the house, put them in darkness and withhold all water. That way they have the strength to bloom when I put them back out in May. Then in May I add compost to them (they are all in pots), add timed release fertilizer (Osmocote) and water them well. Does this help?
Donna
Thanks to you all for your messages. To answer a few of your questions:
- I didn't lift them for the winter, since I live in Zone 8 so figured I could leave them in the ground. Hence, I didn't force them into dormancy.
- I'm pretty certain that I watered and fertilized them adequately, so I think the problem may have been a lack of light. I've cut back some overhanging tree branches in an effort to remedy this.
Perhaps I'll try a more specific fertilizer instead of the generic one I was using - like the timed-release one Donna mentioned.
Thank you all for your suggestions - I will let you know how it goes.
And never fear - I've no intention of limiting myself to callas. I've grown some other Asiatic lilies with better results and love them every bit as much. I'm also trying out some daylilies and a few toad lilies. Lilies of the Valley are another favourite of mine, but they seem to be taking their time getting established...
Catherine
Thanks for letting us know. Good luck with your babies.
Donna
One of the fertilizers that promotes blooms would probably be a good idea.
Here is a picture of my Pillow Talk Calla Lily.
Here is another one.This is my yellow Calla Lily and don't know the name of it.
Those callas are so pretty and elegant. Love them!
Those are gorgeous! I planted quite a few different ones, among them "Crystal Blush" , "Lavender Sensation" and a black (or near-black) variety.
Thanks Pardalinum and Catherine70,i'm keeping these in pots to keep in my house.
Oooohhh...I must have 'Pillow Talk'!
Thanks.
OK, here's another calla lily question that has nothing to do with growing them. A friend of mine is planning her wedding and wants callas for her bouquet and her bridesmaids'. Bridesmaids dresses will be teal / turquoise.
What colour calla would you pair with such a strong colour that would neither disappear nor compete? I suggested a dark maroon or deep red. Actually, I'm thinking "Pillow Talk" might be a contender, for the name as much as the colour.
Catherine70,i think the Pillow Talk Calla would go good with Teal/Turquoise.
Cody
Here is another picture of Pillow Talk.
another one.
Catherine, what is the date of the wedding? I worked as a floral designer for 20-some odd years, and I always liked to encourage brides to choose colors that reflect the season. Strong, bright colors look great with teal, and would be extra nice for a summer wedding- Pillow Talk would be lovely if available as a cut flower (there are very similar varieties available). For a spring wedding I would suggest pastels, which would also be lovely in contrast with the teal, 'Cameo' comes to mind, which is a peachy pink. If the weddding is in fall or winter, deeper tones of maroon and crimson would be nice.
Thanks for the photos! I will pass them on to the bride. I mentioned the name to her and she thought it was hilarious.
The wedding's in August, so "Pillow Talk" or something like it would probably work.
Thanks!
Catherine,you are very welcome,glad that i helped.
Cody