California Cali Lily

[Anonymous]

After visiting my step-daughter in California I was amazed at all the 'wild' Cali Lily's. I had her send me 4 bulbs from her local nursery to my home in St. Louis, MO. I planted them April 15 of 2000. A couple of leaves came up on each plant but nothing more. I left them in the ground over a very harsh winter. Much to my surprise two of them have started coming up in the last two months. They were planted next to my house so I assume the warmth from my brick wall saved them from winter. One has about 6 leaves and is about 12'tall the other has 1 leaf. I am desperate to try and get these to bloom and grow although I know my summer wheather here will be bad for them very hot and humid. My thinking is that if I can get them going well in the next month before the hot wheather hits they might do well. Our springs here are much like California. I need help; what kind of soil do they like in Cal.? What kind of fertilizer can I give them? How much watering, sun/shade. Please someone advise ASAP, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank You, Deb</p>

[Anonymous]

Calla lily Zantedeschia aethiopica is not native to California. In fact, it is moderately invasive in cool, damp coastal environments, and I personally wouldn't advise planting this species. We have enough problems getting rid of it in parks and other areas where native plants are displaced by non-native species. Since this species is invasive in California, I cannot in good conscience promote its use elsewhere. This type of caution in importing and planting species not native to anywhere is recommended before planting and discovering that one has abetted another ecological nuisance. </p>

[Anonymous]

Deb -

As Peter Warner pointed out, calla lily is not native to the US at all, but is related to skunk cabbage, and other natives back east jack-in-the-pulpit? in the aroid family.

Even if it were native here, it is unlikely that Californians would know how to grow it in St. Louis. Even transplanted Californians generally don't have experience growing Cal Natives back east. One would suppose you could grow the callas in pots and then bring them in during the winter. For all we know, they may like the hot, humid summer. Again, as Peter mentioned, they could also become invasive. If they thrive, you'll have to keep an eye on them!

Cheers,

Lori</p>