Calla Lily 'Mint Julip' Zantedeschia 'Mint Julip' (PBR)
ABOUT
Zantedeschia 'Mint Julip', commonly known as calla lily, has a notable appearance characterized by its elegant and distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers. The blooms of 'Mint Julip' calla lily are a soft and creamy shade, resembling the frothy, refreshing hues of its namesake cocktail. Each flower unfurls in a smooth, curved spathe enveloping a protruding spadix at its center, which often has a contrasting color that enhances the visual appeal. The sleek and waxy texture of the petals gives them a lush, polished look, with an almost translucent quality in the light. The foliage of the 'Mint Julip' calla lily is equally impressive, with broad, arrow-shaped leaves that are typically a rich, deep green. Some leaves may exhibit white or lighter colored speckles that add a touch of visual texture. The leaves are arranged in a rosette, creating a dense cluster at the base from which the flower stalks emerge gracefully. Overall, the 'Mint Julip' calla lily exudes a sense of sophistication and luxury, often making it a favored choice for ceremonial occasions and floral arrangements. It captures attention with its blend of simplicity and striking beauty, where both its blossoms and foliage contribute to its ornamental value.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Calla Lily, Arum Lily
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Mint Julep' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The Calla Lily, which includes the Zantedeschia 'Mint Julep' variety, is toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and a burning sensation in the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. Symptoms of poisoning may include difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration or difficulty breathing. Seeking medical attention is recommended if any part of the plant is ingested.
To pets
The Calla Lily, which includes the Zantedeschia 'Mint Julep' variety, is also toxic to pets. If ingested by animals such as cats or dogs, symptoms can be similar to those in humans, including irritation and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, even respiratory problems. Immediate veterinary care is advised if a pet consumes any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Southern Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Flowers: The Calla Lily produces striking trumpet-shaped flowers, adding elegance to any garden or floral arrangement.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for borders, pots, and as cut flowers, offering a range of uses for gardeners and florists.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for busy individuals.
- Attracts Wildlife: Can attract butterflies and bees, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is relatively drought-resistant, requiring less watering.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a prolonged blooming season from late spring to early fall.
- Bright Foliage: The glossy green leaves provide a vibrant backdrop, enhancing the visual interest of garden spaces.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
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 appearance of the calla lily, including its funnel-shaped flowers and vibrant green foliage, can be used by photographers as a natural prop for spring and summer-themed photo shoots.
- Print and Pattern Inspiration: Designers can draw inspiration from the elegant curves and hues of the calla lily for creating prints and patterns for textiles, wallpapers, and other decorative items.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not edible and should not be consumed, calla lily blooms can be used as temporary ornamental garnishes for upscale catering events or dining presentations.
- Memorial Plant: Calla lilies are often associated with reverence and respect, making them suitable for use as a remembrance plant at memorial services or grave sites.
- Educational Tool: Botanical educators might use the calla lily to explain complex flower structures or pollination strategies to students, given its unique floral shape.
- Art Subject: Due to its form and beauty, the calla lily is a popular subject among artists and can be used in paintings and sculptures.
- Wedding Décor: The calla lily is a popular choice for wedding bouquets and decorations due to its sophistication and elegance.
- Feng Shui: In feng shui, the calla lily might be used to add an element of softness and flow to a space, symbolizing the element of water.
- Jewelry Inspiration: The distinct shape of the calla lily can inspire jewelry designs, leading to pieces that echo its form in precious metals and stones.
- Dye Source: Though not a common use, the pigments found in calla lily petals might potentially be used as a natural dye for crafting or textile work.
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: The Zantedeschia 'Mint Julep', commonly known as Calla Lily, possesses an elegant bloom that represents beauty and grace in the language of flowers.
- Purity: The striking white color of Mint Julep Calla Lily is often associated with purity and innocence, making it a popular choice for bridal bouquets and religious ceremonies.
- Rebirth: Calla Lilies bloom in spring, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, which is why they are often used in celebrations that mark significant life transitions.
- Overcoming Challenges: The robust nature of the Calla Lily, which allows it to grow in a variety of conditions, represents the human ability to overcome difficult challenges.
- Divine Love: In Christian symbolism, the Calla Lily is associated with the Virgin Mary's purity and the resurrection of Jesus, representing divine love and spiritual purity.
- Marital Bliss: Due to its association with beauty and elegance, the Calla Lily is often used in wedding ceremonies to symbolize blissful marriage and enduring passion.
WaterThe calla lily should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not waterlogged. Typically, watering once a week with about a quarter to a half gallon of water is sufficient, but this can vary depending on temperature and humidity. It's imperative to reduce watering frequency once the plant begins to go dormant after flowering. During active growth in the spring and summer, keep the soil slightly moist at all times.
LightCalla lilies thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They should be placed in a location where they receive plenty of light but are shielded from the harsh direct sun, especially during the hot afternoon hours. An east- or west-facing window is often ideal for providing the right balance of light.
TemperatureCalla lilies prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit as they are not frost-tolerant. The ideal temperature range to promote flowering is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
PruningPrune calla lilies to remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance. Pruning is best done after flowering, usually in late summer. Cutting back the foliage after it has yellowed and died back naturally will help the plant conserve energy for the next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCalla Lily 'Mint Julep' thrives in well-draining, rich potting mix with a pH around 5.5 to 6.5. An ideal soil mixture might contain equal parts of loamy soil, sand, and peat moss or compost. Ensuring adequate drainage is key to prevent tuber rot.
RepottingCalla Lily 'Mint Julep' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it appears to be outgrowing its current pot. Spring is the ideal time for repotting this plant, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingCalla Lily 'Mint Julep' prefers a humidity range of about 60-70%. Consistently high humidity is beneficial for this plant, but adequate air circulation should also be maintained to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Calla Lily 'Mint Julep' in bright, indirect light with moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Place Calla Lily 'Mint Julep' in partial shade with shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA.
Life cycleThe common name of Zantedeschia 'Mint Julip' (PBR) is Arum Lily. Starting as a rhizome, it enters a period of dormancy during cooler months, conserving energy. With the arrival of warmer temperatures and increased daylight, the plant breaks dormancy and shoots emerge from the rhizome, heralding the growth stage. Leaves unfold and the arum lily grows both in foliage and height, and eventually produces distinctive spathes, which are often mistaken for flowers and contain the true, less conspicuous flowers. After pollination, which may be facilitated by insects attracted to the spathes, the plant produces berries that contain seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. Following seed set, the arum lily gradually enters senescence, returning to dormancy, ready to repeat the cycle in the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Zantedeschia 'Mint Julep', commonly known as Calla Lily 'Mint Julep', is usually propagated by dividing the rhizomes during its dormancy period, which is late autumn or early winter. To propagate, you should carefully dig up the clump of rhizomes after the foliage has died back, and gently separate them by hand, ensuring that each section has at least one eye, which is a growth point for next season's plant. After dividing, the rhizomes can be replanted immediately in well-draining soil, placing them about 4 inches (approximately 10 cm) deep and spaced about 12 inches (around 30 cm) apart, to allow room for growth. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage new growth in the spring.
