Calla Lily Zantedeschia 'Captain Violetta' (PBR) (Captain Series)
ABOUT
Zantedeschia 'Captain Violetta' from the Captain Series, more commonly known as a calla lily, boasts a striking and elegant appearance with unique floral and foliar characteristics that make it stand out among ornamental plants. The flowers of this variety present a deep violet hue, imbuing them with a luxurious and velvety texture. The spathe, which is the showy, flared part of the flower, wraps around a central, finger-like spadix in a graceful roll or curve that is characteristic of calla lilies. The leaves of 'Captain Violetta' are glossy and arrow-shaped, exhibiting a rich green color that serves as a perfect backdrop to the dramatic flowers. Their waxy surface and bold texture add to the plant's visual interest. Some leaves may also show scattered white spots or streaks, providing additional ornamental value. The plant's overall form is upright and clumping, presenting a sophisticated and sculptural silhouette that is often associated with modern elegance. Its vivid blooms and lush foliage are commonly used in both cut flower arrangements and as a focal point in garden designs. The sophisticated color and form of Zantedeschia 'Captain Violetta' make it a captivating addition to any setting in which it is placed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae.
Synonyms
Calla Lily, Arum Lily.
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Captain Violetta' (PBR) (Captain Series).
ToxicityTo humans
The Zantedeschia 'Captain Violetta' is commonly known as calla lily. Calla lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to humans. If ingested, the plant can cause symptoms such as a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, difficulty swallowing, and possible vomiting. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is important to keep this plant out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest it.
To pets
Calla lilies are toxic to pets due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested by animals such as cats or dogs, symptoms can include oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to dehydration, which may require veterinary attention. It is crucial to keep calla lilies away from pets to prevent accidental poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Striking Appearance: Known commonly as Calla Lily, it features deep purple, almost violet flowers that add a vivid and dramatic touch to any garden or floral arrangement.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers a lengthy blooming period that extends from late spring through summer, providing color for an extended period.
- Easy to Grow: It is considered easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatile Usage: Calla Lily is suitable for borders, pots, and as cut flowers due to their sturdy stems and long vase life.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden, promoting pollination.
- Resistant to Deer: Typically resistant to grazing by deer, reducing damage in areas where deer are a common issue.
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: The striking purple flowers of the calla lily can be used by photographers to create a beautiful and dramatic backdrop or to add a vibrant splash of color to portraits and still life imagery.
- Textile Design: Artists and designers can take inspiration from the patterns and colors of calla lily flowers to create unique fabric prints, wallpapers, or other decorative elements.
- Edible Gold Leaf Embellishment: When crystallized with edible gold leaf, the non-toxic parts of the calla lily may serve as an extravagant decoration for gourmet dishes and luxurious desserts.
- Crafting: The sturdy stems and cone-shaped flowers of the calla lily are ideal for crafting, allowing creative individuals to make floral arrangements, wreaths, or to incorporate into paper making and other art projects.
- Pond Plant Accents: Calla lilies, when used in water gardens, can add an unexpected artistic touch, as their flowers and foliage create reflections and accents amidst water features.
- Educational Tool: Biology teachers can use calla lilies to demonstrate flower anatomy to students, as well as to discuss pollination and plant lifecycle topics.
- Event Theming: Calla lilies can provide inspiration for event themes, giving a sophisticated and coordinated look to celebrations such as weddings, galas, or corporate functions.
- Feng Shui: According to Feng Shui principles, placing calla lilies in certain areas of the home can create a harmonious and balanced environment, contributing to the overall energy flow.
- Art Medium: Calla lily petals can be used by artists as a natural medium for painting, by pressing or manipulating them onto canvases to create organic shapes and textures.
- Jewelry Making: Dried or preserved parts of the calla lily can be fashioned into unique pieces of botanical jewelry, such as pendants, earrings, or brooches.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCalla lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCalla lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity and innocence: As a member of the Calla Lily family, 'Captain Violetta' often symbolizes purity and innocence because of its elegant and graceful form.
- Beauty: This variety, with its deep violet hues, is especially associated with beauty and appreciation for unique charm, as Calla Lilies in general are often admired for their attractive flowers.
- Overcoming challenges: The Calla Lily's ability to bloom in a variety of conditions can symbolize resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Rebirth and resurrection: In Christian symbolism, the trumpet-shape of the Calla Lily flower is associated with the archangel Gabriel and is often connected to themes of resurrection due to its Easter season bloom.
- Eternal life: Additionally, 'Captain Violetta', like other Calla Lilies, may convey the message of eternal life, metaphorically, because of their use in Christian Easter services.
- Magnificent and overwhelming beauty: Due to its vibrant color and striking appearance, 'Captain Violetta' is sometimes a symbol for a beauty that is magnificent and overwhelming.
WaterCalla lilies, including 'Captain Violetta', prefer moist soil and should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering once a week, but may increase to twice per week during hot, dry periods. When watering, do so early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce water evaporation. Apply water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves, with approximately one to one and a half gallons of water per plant, ensuring even soil moisture but avoiding waterlogging.
LightCalla lilies like 'Captain Violetta' thrive in partial sunlight to full sun. The best spot for these plants is one where they can receive morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates. They can tolerate full sun as well, but the soil should be kept consistently moist if placed in such a bright location.
Temperature'Captain Violetta' Calla lilies perform best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and should be protected from frost. It's important to avoid exposing these plants to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, as excessively high temperatures can stress the plant.
PruningCalla lilies, like 'Captain Violetta', should be pruned to remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and appearance. Pruning is typically done after blooming, which encourages more blooms in the next growing season. Cut the dead material at the base without harming the main stem or foliage, and prune at the end of the growing season to prepare the plant for dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Calla Lily 'Captain Violetta' thrives in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter, such as a blend of peat, perlite, and compost. The ideal pH for this plant is between 5.5 and 6.5.
RepottingCalla Lily 'Captain Violetta' should generally be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and to accommodate growth as the rhizomes expand.
Humidity & MistingCalla Lily 'Captain Violetta' prefers high humidity levels of about 60-70%, but can tolerate lower levels if not too dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleZantedeschia 'Captain Violetta', commonly known as Calla Lily, begins its life cycle with the germination of a rhizome under warm and moist soil conditions. Once sprouted, it grows into a foliage stage, producing broad, arrow-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a tall, elegant spadix wrapped by a striking violet spathe, marking the flowering stage which is prominent in spring and summer. After pollination, typically by insects attracted to its vivid colors, the plant enters the fruiting stage, where it produces berries containing seeds. Once the seeds are dispersed, if conditions are favorable, they may germinate and the cycle starts anew. During winter or unfavorable conditions, the plant goes dormant, retreating back to its rhizome until the environment is conducive for growth again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Zantedeschia 'Captain Violetta', commonly known as Calla Lily, can be propagated through division, which is the most popular method. The best time to propagate Calla Lilies by division is after the plant has finished flowering and has gone into dormancy, usually late autumn or early spring. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of tubers from the soil and gently separate them by hand, ensuring that each division has at least one growth point or "eye". Replant the divisions immediately at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (about 7.5 to 10 centimeters) in well-draining soil, spacing them approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to establish them. This method allows for the rapid increase of plants and preserves the characteristics of the parent plant.
