Calla Lily 'Eyeliner' Zantedeschia 'Eyeliner' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Zantedeschia 'Eyeliner', commonly known as the calla lily 'Eyeliner', is a strikingly elegant perennial plant that boasts a unique and sophisticated look. This plant produces glossy, dark green leaves that create a lush backdrop for its standout feature: the flowers. The blooms of the 'Eyeliner' calla lily are characterized by their large, trumpet-shaped spathes that are crisp white in color with a distinctive purplish-black edge that appears as if it has been carefully drawn on with an eyeliner. These spathes gracefully wrap around the central, finger-like spadix, which typically shares a similar dark hue. The contrast between the white spathe and the dark edging adds dramatic flair to the plant, making it a popular choice for gardens and bouquets alike. The plant provides a continuous display of blooms during its flowering season, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Eyeliner Calla Lily, Calla Lily 'Eyeliner'
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Eyeliner' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as calla lily, specifically the cultivar Zantedeschia 'Eyeliner', is considered toxic to humans. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as burning and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat due to calcium oxalate crystals. Other possible consequences include difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the sap could also result in skin irritation.
To pets
Calla lily, or Zantedeschia 'Eyeliner', is toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Symptoms of poisoning in these animals can include oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing owing to calcium oxalate crystals. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to dehydration, a decrease in appetite, or more serious complications if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal - The Zantedeschia 'Eyeliner', commonly known as Calla Lily 'Eyeliner', features striking flowers with elegant cream edges that add aesthetic value to gardens and floral arrangements.
- Easy to Grow - Calla Lily 'Eyeliner' is comparatively easy to grow and care for, making it suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Extended Bloom Time - It has a long flowering period that can last from late spring to early summer, providing garden interest for an extended time.
- Container Gardening - This plant is ideal for container gardening, allowing it to be used to decorate patios, balconies, and indoor spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators - It attracts beneficial insects like butterflies, aiding in the pollination of other plants in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant - Once established, Calla Lily 'Eyeliner' is relatively drought tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Versatile Placement - This plant can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, offering flexibility in garden placement.
- Seasonal Cut Flowers - The blooms are suitable for cutting and often used in bouquets and floral decor due to their long vase life.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zantedeschia 'Eyeliner', commonly known as Calla Lily, can be used in themed gardens, such as black-and-white garden designs, due to its distinctive white flowers edged with a dark hue resembling eyeliner.
- In culinary terms, while not commonly consumed, the roots of Calla Lilies, once properly processed to remove toxins, have been historically used as a starchy addition to meals in some cultures.
- As part of educational activities, Calla Lilies can help teach about plant biology and reproduction due to their unique flower structure with the spadix and spathe.
- Calla Lily petals can be used in art projects, such as pressing them for flower art, or using the natural shape for stamping patterns.
- The Calla Lily's strong shape and structure can be used in modeling and sculpture classes to explore organic forms and inspire biomimicry designs.
- The Calla Lily can serve as a natural indicator plant for gardeners, as it requires a balance of sunlight and moisture; changes in its health can signal environmental conditions requiring attention.
- In photography, the elegant lines and contrast of the Calla Lily 'Eyeliner' make it a frequent subject for practicing macro and botanical photography skills.
- As a natural dye, the pigments from Calla Lily flowers can be used to color fabrics and inks in a deep cream to soft yellow hue, depending on the concentration.
- Thanks to their absorbent stem and petal properties, Calla Lilies can be used in science experiments to demonstrate capillary action and dyed water transport.
- During eco-friendly funerals, the biodegradable nature of Calla Lilies allows them to be used as part of natural burial practices, where they decompose alongside the body without harming the environment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Calla Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Calla Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Elegance: The Zantedeschia 'Eyeliner', commonly known as a Calla Lily, has a unique and sophisticated appearance, symbolizing splendid beauty and an air of elegance.
- Purity and Innocence: The Calla Lily's pristine, white flowers are often associated with purity and innocence, making it a popular choice in bridal bouquets and wedding decor.
- Faith and Purity: Due to their shape, that could resemble a trumpet, Calla Lilies are also linked with faith and purity in religious contexts, and are sometimes used to represent the resurrection in Christian Easter services.
- Rebirth and Resurrection: The Calla Lily's ability to emerge from a bulb into a beautiful flower symbolizes rebirth and resurrection, which is why it is often used during springtime celebrations.
- Admiration and Appreciation: Gifting someone a Calla Lily can express admiration and appreciation for their resilience and strength, much like the hardiness of the flower itself.
- Passion and Desire: While white Calla Lilies signify purity, Calla Lilies in other colors, particularly deep reds and purples, can convey feelings of passion and desire.
WaterCalla Lilies, including the 'Eyeliner' variety, prefer consistently moist soil, so watering should be done when the top inch of soil begins to dry out. The frequency of watering can vary depending on environmental conditions but typically ranges from once a week to every few days during active growth periods in Spring and Summer. Slowly pour water around the base of the plant until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot, which might be approximately 16-32 ounces for a medium-sized pot. During the dormant period in Fall and Winter, reduce watering to every couple of weeks, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightCalla Lilies like 'Eyeliner' thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. The best spot for this plant would be a location where it can receive filtered sunlight, such as near a window with sheer curtains or a south-facing window where direct sun can be avoided at the peak of the day. Avoid placing the 'Eyeliner' Calla Lily in full direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves, or in deep shade where it may not bloom well.
TemperatureCalla Lily 'Eyeliner' prefers temperatures between 65°F and 75°F, which are ideal for robust growth and flowering. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 85°F, but extreme temperatures outside this range can be harmful to the plant. Protect Calla Lilies from frost and ensure they are not exposed to cold drafts or excessively high temperatures to maintain health and flower production.
PruningPruning Eyeliner Calla Lilies involves removing spent flowers and yellow or brown leaves to encourage healthy growth and more blooms. Prune as needed throughout the growing season by snipping off the undesired parts at the base. The best time for significant pruning is after the blooming period ends and before the plant enters dormancy in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Calla Lily 'Eyeliner' should be rich, organic, well-draining, and slightly acidic to neutral with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix with peat, perlite, and compost is ideal for retaining moisture yet draining excess water.
RepottingCalla Lily 'Eyeliner' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years or once the plant outgrows its current pot, best done in spring before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingCalla Lily 'Eyeliner' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 70% for optimal growth and bloom development.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Calla Lily 'Eyeliner' in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Calla Lily 'Eyeliner' in partial shade and protect from intense afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleCalla Lily 'Eyeliner' begins its life as a rhizome, a type of underground stem that can produce the roots and shoots necessary for growth. The rhizome will sprout roots and a shoot which will develop into a stem and then unfurl its distinctive funnel-shaped spathes, which surround the central spadix where the tiny true flowers are situated. After pollination, which is typically aided by insects, the spadix will produce berries containing seeds, completing the reproductive phase. If conditions are not suitable for seed development or spread, the plant can also propagate vegetatively through division of the rhizomes, allowing a single plant to generate clones of itself. As the growing season wanes, the plant will enter a period of dormancy, with the above-ground foliage dying back and the rhizome resting underground. With the return of favorable conditions like warmth and moisture in a new growth cycle, the rhizome will once again sprout and the cycle will repeat.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Zantedeschia 'Eyeliner', also known as the Calla Lily 'Eyeliner', is commonly propagated through division, which is the most popular method. The best time to propagate this plant by dividing is in the late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. To propagate the Calla Lily 'Eyeliner' through division, carefully remove the plant from its pot or dig it up from the garden, ensuring to preserve as many roots as possible. Once out, the rhizome, which is the thickened stem base, can be divided into sections using a sharp knife. Each section should have at least one growth node or "eye" to ensure that it will develop into a new plant. After the rhizome is divided, the sections can be planted in pots filled with moist potting mix or directly in the garden at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.6 to 10.2 centimeters). Water the new divisions well and wait for growth to commence as temperatures rise in spring.
