Calla Lily 'Picasso' Zantedeschia 'Picasso' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Calla Lily 'Picasso' is a distinctive and elegant plant characterized by its unique funnel-shaped flowers, which are commonly referred to as spathes. The spathes exhibit a striking two-tone color palette, combining a creamy-white base with deep purple margins that seem to be brushed on artistically, giving the plant an overall look of sophistication reminiscent of a painting - hence the name 'Picasso'. This contrast creates a captivating visual appeal. Inside these attractive spathes, there is a finger-like projection which is usually yellow in color. This adds another layer of interest and contrast to the flowers. The leaves of the Calla Lily 'Picasso' are lush and arrow-shaped, presenting a glossy green hue which serves as the perfect backdrop for the dramatic spathes. These leaves may also display scattered white spots, adding to the plant's decorative nature. The overall habit of the plant is tidy and clump-forming, making it an attractive addition to any setting where its ornate blooms can be showcased effectively.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Picasso Calla Lily, Calla Lily 'Picasso', Arum Lily 'Picasso'
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Picasso' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Calla Lily, which includes Zantedeschia 'Picasso', is considered toxic when ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe mouth and throat irritation, leading to difficulty swallowing, burning sensation, and in severe cases, swelling that can impede the airway. If large amounts are eaten, symptoms might also include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in some individuals.
To pets
Calla Lily, identified as Zantedeschia 'Picasso', is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Similar to its effects on humans, the plant's ingestion can lead to symptoms such as oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, it can cause difficulty breathing due to swelling of the airways. Prompt veterinary attention is recommended if a pet ingests any part of the plant.
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
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Beauty: Adds visual appeal with striking purple and white bicolored flowers and lush green foliage.
- Long Blooming Season: Produces flowers for an extended period, often from late spring through summer.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to various growing conditions and relatively easy to maintain.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for pots and containers, ideal for balconies and patios.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, can withstand periods of dry weather.
- Versatile Landscaping: Can be used in a variety of garden styles, including formal and informal designs.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are excellent for making long-lasting cut-flower arrangements.
- Deer Resistance: Often avoided by deer, which can be an advantage in areas with deer pressure.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Calla Lily 'Picasso' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, giving them a range of colors from soft hues to deep purples depending on the concentration and fabric treatment.
- Ink production is another unusual use; the pigments in the Calla Lily 'Picasso's' spathe can be used to create organic and unique inks for art and writing purposes.
- This plant can function as an educational tool for botany students to study hybridization and flower structure due to its distinctive coloration and form.
- Calla Lily 'Picasso' could serve as an aid in photography lessons or practice, with its striking appearance offering a captivating subject for photographers to capture the interplay of light and color.
- They can be used in eco-friendly jewelry making, where dried parts of the flower are incorporated into pendants or earrings, offering a sustainable adornment option.
- The plant could be a natural ingredient in handmade papers, adding its fibers and colors to create unique textures and patterns.
- Calla Lily 'Picasso' leaves can be used in floral art, such as creating living sculptures or as components in avant-garde fashion designs.
- As a natural pest repellent: when planted among vegetable gardens, the Calla Lily 'Picasso' may help in distracting or repelling certain pests due to their specific scent or plant compounds.
- The Calla Lily 'Picasso' can be used in color therapy practices, where the hues are believed to influence mood and emotional well-being.
- It can also be a motif in interior design, where its sophisticated pattern and color are used as inspiration for textiles, wallpaper, or color palettes in home decor.
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: Calla lilies, including the Zantedeschia 'Picasso', are often associated with purity due to their clean, trumpet-shaped blossoms which are frequently used in religious ceremonies and weddings.
- Beauty: The unique pattern and elegance of the 'Picasso' calla lily represent beauty and sophistication, making it a popular choice in floral arrangements for special occasions.
- Resurrection and Rebirth: The calla lily in general symbolizes resurrection and rebirth, as it is often used during Easter and has a shape that resembles a trumpet, thus heralding in the new.
- Magnificence and Admiration: With its striking purple and white hues, the 'Picasso' variety of calla lily signifies magnificence and admiration, reflecting the awe it inspires in onlookers.
- Overcoming Challenges: Calla lilies can also symbolize triumph over adversity since they are hardy flowers that can grow in a variety of environments, paralleling resilience in life.
WaterThe Calla Lily 'Picasso' should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, approximately once a week, depending on environmental conditions. Use room temperature water and aim to provide a consistent moisture level without overwatering which can lead to rot. During the plant's growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently, and always reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Establish a watering routine where you provide about one to two gallons of water every week or two during active growth, adjusting based on the plant's response and your specific climate.
LightThe Calla Lily 'Picasso' thrives in bright, indirect light. It can also tolerate some direct morning sunlight but should be protected from harsh midday and afternoon sun that can scorch its leaves. A spot near a north or east-facing window would be ideal, ensuring the plant receives ample light without the intense exposure of direct, hot sunlight.
TemperatureCalla Lily 'Picasso' prefers temperatures between 65°F and 75°F during the day, with a drop to around 55°F to 65°F at night. This plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of 50°F, but should not be exposed to temperatures below this as it could be damaging. Maintain the ideal temperatures to encourage healthy growth and flowering, avoiding drafts and sudden temperature changes.
PruningPrune your Calla Lily 'Picasso' to remove any brown or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking healthy and to encourage new growth. This should be done as needed throughout the year. The best time for major pruning is after the plant has finished blooming, typically in late summer or fall, to prepare the plant for its dormant period. Cut back any spent flower stems to the base to promote the next season's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCalla Lily 'Picasso' thrives in fertile, well-draining soil, with a preferred pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. A mix consisting of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sand or perlite provides optimal conditions for healthy growth. Regular addition of organic matter like compost can also enhance soil structure and fertility for this plant.
RepottingCalla Lily 'Picasso' should be repotted every two to three years or when it becomes root-bound. The best time for repotting is in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one to give the bulbs room to grow.
Humidity & MistingCalla Lily 'Picasso' prefers a moderate humidity level, ideally between 40% to 60%. If the air is too dry, especially indoors, using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant can help increase surrounding moisture levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Picasso' in bright, indirect light and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant 'Picasso' in partial sun and well-draining soil, protected from wind.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleZantedeschia 'Picasso', commonly known as Calla Lily 'Picasso', begins its life as a rhizome, a type of underground stem that stores energy for the plant. In the spring, new growth emerges from the rhizome, with leaves and a flower spike called a spadix, surrounded by a colorful spathe, maturing through the summer. After the flowering period, which typically occurs in late spring to summer, the plant enters a dormancy phase, especially in climates with cooler winters. During dormancy, the foliage yellow and die back, and the plant conserves energy within the rhizome. In warmer climates, or when grown indoors, the plant may not require a dormancy period and can retain its leaves year-round. Following dormancy or continuous growth, the cycle repeats as new growth begins the next season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Zantedeschia 'Picasso', commonly known as the Picasso Calla Lily, is typically propagated through the division of its rhizomes. This involves unearthing the rhizomes from the parent plant once it has entered dormancy, which usually occurs in late autumn or early winter. The rhizomes are then broken or cut into sections ensuring that each section contains at least one growth point or "eye." These sections are subsequently planted at a depth of around 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 - 10 cm) in well-draining soil with the growth points facing upwards. Given the proper care and favorable growing conditions, these new sections will develop into full plants in the coming growing season. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing exact clones of the parent plant.
