Calla Lily 'Black Eyed Lady' Zantedeschia 'Black Eyed Lady'
ABOUT
The 'Black Eyed Lady' is a beautiful variety of calla lily with an elegant and sophisticated appearance. This plant is characterized by its striking flowers that have a unique color combination. The blooms possess a creamy ivory hue that gracefully transitions into a deep golden-yellow at the base, which encircles a prominent, dark purple to almost black eye, creating a stunning contrast that captivates the eye. These flowers are gently funnel-shaped, with a smooth and waxy texture, and they emerge on top of slender, yet sturdy stalks. The foliage of the 'Black Eyed Lady' adds to its visual appeal with lush, dark green leaves that provide a perfect backdrop for the dramatic flowers. The leaves are broad and arrowhead-shaped, with a glossy surface and occasional lighter spots or streaks. Together with its striking flowers, the plant presents a lush, exotic look that can add a touch of elegance to any garden or bouquet where it's used.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Black Eyed Lady Calla Lily, Calla Lily 'Black Eyed Lady', Arum Lily 'Black Eyed Lady'.
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Black Eyed Lady'.
ToxicityTo humans
Calla Lily, including the 'Black Eyed Lady' variety, contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to humans. If any part of the plant is ingested, it can cause symptoms such as a burning sensation in the mouth, lips, and throat, difficulty swallowing, and possible swelling of the tongue and pharynx, which could impede breathing. Stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur. In severe cases, dehydration and a drop in blood pressure might result if medical treatment is not sought.
To pets
Calla Lily is toxic to pets due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion of any part of the plant by animals can lead to symptoms including oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, an obstruction of the airway due to swelling may occur, and this can be life-threatening if not treated promptly by a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The 'Black Eyed Lady' Calla Lily has striking flowers that add elegance and beauty to gardens and floral arrangements.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Calla Lilies, including Zantedeschia 'Black Eyed Lady', can tolerate periods of drought.
- Container Gardening: They are suitable for growing in pots or containers, adding versatility to their placement in landscapes and indoor settings.
- Long Blooming Period: The Calla Lily has a long flowering season, providing color and interest for extended periods of the year.
- Attracts Pollinators: While in bloom, Calla Lilies attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Multipurpose Use: The striking flowers are highly sought after for weddings and special events, making them a popular choice for cutting gardens.
- Seasonal Flexibility: In colder climates, Calla Lily bulbs can be lifted and stored during winter, allowing them to be reused the following season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Zantedeschia 'Black Eyed Lady', or calla lily, is often used by photographers as a prop in portrait and still life photography due to its striking appearance and deep color.
- Craft Inspiration: The unique shape and color of the calla lily spark creativity and can inspire craft projects such as paper quilling or floral pattern design.
- Color Dye Source: The deep hues of the calla lily's petals may be used to extract natural colors for dyeing fabrics or crafting inks.
- Education Tool: Botany teachers use the distinct structures of the calla lily to educate students about plant anatomy and reproductive systems.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not edible, the calla lily can be used as a non-toxic decoration on plates and cake toppers for a dramatic effect.
- Artistic Muse: Artists may use the calla lily as a muse for paintings, sculptures, and other visual arts, taking inspiration from its form and color.
- Performance Art: The calla lily can be incorporated into performance art pieces, where its symbolism and beauty add to the storytelling.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried calla lily petals could serve as biodegradable confetti for events looking to lessen environmental impact.
- Theme Parties: Calla lilies are sometimes used to set the mood or theme in elaborate parties or weddings, particularly those with a gothic or sophisticated ambiance.
- Color Pairing Exercises: Due to its uncommon coloration, the calla lily is used in art and design classes for exercises in color pairing and contrast studies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCalla Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCalla Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Beauty: Known commonly as the Calla Lily, the 'Black Eyed Lady' variety exudes sophistication and grace due to its unique trumpet-like flower and striking color contrast, often associated with beauty in floral arrangements and garden design.
- Mystery and Depth: The deep hues of the 'Black Eyed Lady' Calla Lily can represent mystery and the unknown, offering a symbol for things that are intriguing and not fully revealed.
- Passion: Calla Lilies, in general, can symbolize passion, and the 'Black Eyed Lady', with its intense coloration, might be considered a testament to deep, sometimes hidden, passionate feelings.
- Royalty: The regal appearance of the Calla Lily often connects it to notions of royalty and nobility, suggesting dignity and class.
- Rebirth and Renewal: As a perennial, the Calla Lily returns year after year, making it a fitting emblem for new beginnings and the cycle of life, embodying ideas of rejuvenation and regeneration.
- Marriage and Devotion: Often used in wedding bouquets and ceremonies, the Calla Lily, including the 'Black Eyed Lady', can symbolize marital bliss, fidelity, and pure devotion between partners.
WaterThe Calla Lily, which is the common name for Zantedeschia 'Black Eyed Lady', prefers to be watered when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry to the touch. This can typically mean watering once a week, but this can vary based on temperature and humidity. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water the plant deeply with approximately half a gallon for a medium-sized pot, ensuring the soil is thoroughly moistened. In winter, reduce watering to every other week or when the soil is noticeably dry, as the plant enters a dormant period.
LightCalla Lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. They perform best when placed in a location where they receive filtered sunlight, but direct afternoon sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. A spot near an east or west-facing window where the plant can receive morning or late afternoon sun is ideal.
TemperatureCalla Lilies favor temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The minimum temperature they can tolerate is just above freezing, around 35 degrees Fahrenheit; however, prolonged exposure to cold can damage the plant. They can handle temperatures up to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but it’s important to avoid drastic temperature changes that could stress the plant.
PruningPruning Calla Lilies involves removing yellowed or dead leaves and spent blooms. This helps encourage further flowering and maintains the plant's appearance. Prune as necessary throughout the growing season, ideally after a bloom has faded or a leaf has yellowed. The best time for a major prune is in the fall before the plant goes into dormancy; trim back any remaining foliage to promote healthy growth in the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Calla Lily, commonly referred to for this variety, thrives in a well-draining, peat-rich potting mix with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. A mix of two parts peat moss to one part perlite or sand is ideal. This ensures good aeration and moisture retention which are crucial for the 'Black Eyed Lady's' optimal growth.
RepottingCalla Lilies should be repotted every two years to refresh the soil and accommodate the growth of their rhizomes. It's best to repot the 'Black Eyed Lady' in the spring before the growth season begins.
Humidity & MistingCalla Lilies prefer a relatively high humidity level, between 60% to 70%. For the 'Black Eyed Lady', maintaining adequate humidity is important for optimal growth and flower development.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; ensure soil is well-drained.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Zantedeschia 'Black Eyed Lady', commonly known as the Calla Lily, begins as a bulb-like structure called a rhizome, which is planted in moist, well-draining soil in early spring. As the plant sprouts, it develops long, lance-shaped leaves, often with spotted or marbled patterns, that unfurl around a central stalk. Following the leaf stage, the Calla Lily produces its distinctive flowers, which are not true flowers but spathes—elegant, funnel-shaped bracts that encase the actual tiny flowers on a central spadix, typically blooming in late spring to summer. After flowering, the plant enters a period of dormancy, especially if grown in climates with colder winters; during this time, the foliage yellows and withers. To encourage reblooming next season, the rhizome can be left in the ground or dug up, stored in a cool, dry place, and replanted the following spring. This cycle repeats annually, with proper care ensuring the plant's longevity and seasonal flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Zantedeschia 'Black Eyed Lady', also known as a Calla Lily, is by dividing its rhizomes. This is typically done in the spring or early summer, after the plant has finished blooming and is starting to go dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the rhizomes, making sure each section has at least one growth point. Sections can then be replanted about 3 to 4 inches deep (7.6 to 10.2 cm) and spaced about 12 inches apart (30.5 cm). It's essential to plant them in well-draining soil and to keep the soil moderately moist to encourage rooting and development.
