Calla Lily 'Odessa' Zantedeschia 'Odessa' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Zantedeschia 'Odessa', commonly known as the Calla Lily 'Odessa', is a striking plant known for its elegant and dramatic appearance. It boasts rich, velvety-black flowers that are shaped like trumpets, which gracefully curve at the top forming a characteristic funnel shape. These blooms are set against a backdrop of glossy, arrow-shaped green leaves that often feature white speckling. The deep, dark color of the Calla Lily 'Odessa' is one of its most intriguing traits, appearing almost otherworldly in its beauty. The flowers have a smooth texture and an almost waxy sheen which can appear to change intensity in different lighting conditions, from deep purple to a true black. The foliage of the Calla Lily 'Odessa' contributes to the plant’s overall lush look, supporting the regal display of flowers that rise above the leaves on sturdy, elegant stems. The leaves themselves can captivate the onlooker with their patterned appearance and the way they seem to cradle the plant's base, adding to its cultivated charm. As part of its growth habit, the plant produces these captivating flowers that are not only visually stunning but are also sought after for cut-flower arrangements due to their long-lasting and exotic appeal. With its unique color palette and sophisticated silhouette, Zantedeschia 'Odessa' is a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of drama and elegance to their floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Calla Lily, Arum Lily
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Odessa' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The Zantedeschia 'Odessa', commonly known as Calla Lily, contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to humans. If ingested, Calla Lily can cause symptoms such as burning and swelling of the lips, mouth, and throat, difficulty swallowing, and stomach pain or diarrhea. In severe cases, it may lead to difficulties in breathing due to swelling and can be potentially life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
To pets
Calla Lily is also toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The presence of calcium oxalate crystals can cause similar symptoms in pets as in humans. If a pet ingests any part of a Calla Lily, they might experience oral irritation, pawing at the mouth, drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, the swelling can obstruct the airways, which could be life-threatening and would require immediate veterinary care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Black
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a touch of elegance with its deep purple, almost black flowers and lush foliage.
- Easy Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: Produces flowers for an extended period, usually from late spring to late summer.
- Attracts Wildlife: Invites beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden, promoting pollination.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for pots, which allows for cultivation in small spaces like balconies.
- Versatile Use: Can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, beds, and as standalone specimens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, has a good level of drought tolerance, requiring less frequent watering.
- Deer Resistant: Naturally resistant to grazing by deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer are a problem.
- Cut Flowers: Stems are long-lasting when cut, making Calla Lily great for floral arrangements.
- Propagates Easily: Can be easily propagated by dividing rhizomes, allowing gardeners to expand their collection.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Material: The striking dark blooms of Calla Lily 'Odessa' can be dried and used in floral arrangements or for art projects such as creating natural dyes or pressed flower decorations.
- Photography Prop: With its unique beauty, the Calla Lily 'Odessa' can serve as an excellent subject for still life photography, adding a touch of elegance to any photo.
- Educational Tool: This variety of calla lily can be used in botanical studies due to its distinctive characteristics, serving as an example for plant structure and hybridization lessons.
- Event Decorations: The elegant Calla Lily 'Odessa' can be used in its live form as centerpieces and decor for weddings, banquets, and other formal events.
- Thematic Gardening: These plants can be used to create a "black garden" theme, pairing with other dark-flowered or foliaged plants for a striking visual effect.
- Fashion Inspiration: Designers may use the deep purple-black hue and form of Calla Lily 'Odessa' as inspiration for clothing design, including prints or shapes inspired by the flower.
- Special Occasion Gifts: Due to its unique appearance, Calla Lily 'Odessa' can be cultivated and gifted as a living plant for occasions that call for a luxurious or distinctive touch.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not edible, the flowers of the Calla Lily 'Odessa' can be used as non-toxic decorations on cakes and dishes for special occasions—always ensuring they don't come into direct contact with the food.
- Color Symbolism: The Calla Lily 'Odessa' can be incorporated into gardens or arrangements that play on color symbolism, with its dark tones representing mystery or elegance in cultural contexts.
- Illuminated Displays: The flowers and foliage of the Calla Lily 'Odessa' can be strategically placed amongst lights in a garden to create dramatic nighttime displays, as the dark hues contrast well with illuminated surroundings.
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- Purity: The Zantedeschia, commonly known as Calla Lily, often symbolizes purity due to its clean, trumpet-shaped blossom that looks untouched and untainted.
- Elegance: The sleek and graceful form of the Calla Lily embodies sophistication and elegance, making it a popular choice for weddings and formal events.
- Beauty: The Calla Lily's unique shape and wide range of colors represent magnificent beauty in the world of flowers, conveying an appreciation for refined beauty.
- Rebirth and Resurrection: In Christian symbolism, the Calla Lily is associated with the resurrection of Jesus because of its trumpet shape, which resembles a trumpet sounding the return of Christ. It is often used in Easter services for this reason.
- Faith and Purity of Heart: The white Calla Lily, in particular, stands for faith and purity of heart; its chasteness represents the clear intentions and morality of the beholder or receiver.
- Overcoming Challenges: Due to its hardiness and ability to bloom in a variety of conditions, the Calla Lily can also be seen as a symbol of triumph over adversity and the strength to overcome challenges.
- Devotion: The Calla Lily is also commonly associated with deep devotion and loyalty between partners, partly because of its perennial nature, where it blooms and returns year after year.
WaterThe Calla Lily 'Odessa' should be watered thoroughly, allowing for the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This will typically mean watering once a week, but frequency can vary based on temperature and humidity. When watering, apply water directly to the soil until it begins to run out of the drainage holes, indicating the soil is saturated. It is important not to let the plant sit in standing water as this can lead to root rot. Depending on the size of the pot, this might equate to about 16-32 ounces each time you water.
LightCalla Lily 'Odessa' thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. The best placement for this plant is near a window that offers morning light or filtered afternoon light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves. If the light is too dim, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
TemperatureCalla Lily 'Odessa' prefers a comfortable room temperature between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from temperatures below this range. Maintaining temperatures within this range will promote healthy growth and blooming.
PruningPruning the Calla Lily 'Odessa' is mainly done to remove spent flowers and yellowed leaves. Pruning encourages the plant to focus its energy on new growth. Cut the dead material at the base with clean, sharp shears. Pruning is best done after the blooming season or when necessary to maintain the plant's appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for Calla Lily 'Odessa' should be rich, organic, and well-draining with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of two-thirds loam and one-third perlite or sand can promote good drainage and aeration, which is crucial for the bulb's health and to prevent root rot.
RepottingCalla Lily 'Odessa' typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in spring before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingCalla Lily 'Odessa' thrives in moderate to high humidity, ideally between 50% to 70%. Maintaining sufficient humidity is important especially when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist, protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
USDA 9
Life cycleCalla Lily 'Odessa' begins with a dormant rhizome, which, when planted and with the arrival of warm temperatures, germinates and produces a rosette of leaves. As the plant establishes, it sends up a tall flower stalk, known as a spadix, surrounded by a striking, dark purple spathe. After pollination, which is usually performed by insects attracted to the spadix, the plant may produce a cluster of berries containing seeds. Following the flowering period, the leaves begin to yellow and the plant enters a period of dormancy, where the above-ground foliage dies back. During dormancy, the rhizome survives underground and stores energy for the next growing season. With the return of favorable conditions, the cycle resumes as the rhizome sprouts anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Zantedeschia 'Odessa' (PBR), commonly known as the black calla lily, is typically propagated by division, which is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. To propagate by division, the plant's tubers are carefully dug up and cleaned of any soil. The tubers, which are the swollen, underground stems, should be divided by gently pulling apart the sections, ensuring that each section has at least one growth point or "eye." These sections are then replanted about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil and spaced approximately 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart. The new plants will generally bloom the following season if the divisions are made correctly and the tubers are kept in favorable growing conditions.
