Florist’s Guide to Calla Lilies: Varieties and Colours
Calla lilies (Zantedeschia spp.) are among the most elegant and sculptural flowers available to florists. Though commonly referred to as lilies, they are in fact not true lilies but members of the arum family, closely related to anthuriums. Their trumpet-shaped blooms, smooth stems, and wide colour range make them a favourite in weddings, luxury arrangements, and contemporary floral design. This Ellermann Flower Boutique guide provides an overview of the different varieties, the spectrum of colours, and the best uses for calla lilies in floristry.
Characteristics of Calla Lilies
Spathe and Spadix: Like anthuriums, the “flower” of the calla lily is a spathe — a curved, funnel-like bract that surrounds a central spike (spadix). The spathe has a matte to satiny texture and a natural sense of movement that lends arrangements fluidity and grace.
Stem: Calla lilies feature long, straight, unbranched stems that are ideal for creating clean, vertical lines in arrangements. Their natural height and elegance make them particularly suitable for tall vase displays.
Vase Life: When properly conditioned, calla lilies last between 7 and 10 days in arrangements. Though not as long-lived as anthuriums, their refinement and beauty make them highly desirable for short-term displays and special occasions.
Symbolism: Calla lilies are associated with purity, sophistication, rebirth, and marital bliss. In some traditions, they also symbolise resurrection, making them appropriate for both weddings and funerals.
Principal Varieties of Calla Lilies
Large-flowered Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
These are the classic, tall callas with white spathes and long green stems, often reaching 60–90 centimetres in height. They are iconic for their simple purity and are used extensively in wedding bouquets, formal arrangements, and sympathy designs.
Coloured Calla Lilies (Hybrid Zantedeschia Hybrids)
Breeders have produced an extensive range of smaller calla lilies in a palette that includes yellow, pink, red, purple, orange, and even nearly black shades. Their spathes are usually smaller (7–12 cm) and stems shorter (30–50 cm) compared to the large-flowered whites. These hybrids are highly sought after for their versatility and ability to complement contemporary colour trends.
Miniature Calla Lilies
Compact and delicate in scale, miniature callas are particularly valued for wedding work such as boutonnieres, corsages, and handheld bouquets. Their shorter stems and smaller blooms make them manageable in more intricate designs where standard callas would dominate.
Specialty Varieties with Variegated Foliage
Some hybrid calla lilies produce striking spotted or speckled leaves, which can be incorporated into designs as foliage elements. This adds further texture and visual variety to arrangements.
Calla Lily Colours and Florist Applications
White Calla Lilies
The most classic and timeless variety. White callas symbolise purity, innocence, and reverence, making them the flower of choice for weddings, baptisms, and sympathy arrangements. Their versatility allows them to be styled in both minimalistic, modern designs and traditional, romantic bouquets.Yellow Calla Lilies
Associated with joy, optimism, and friendship. Yellow callas are bright and uplifting, often used in summer arrangements or cheerful event décor. They pair well with sunflowers, roses, and other warm-toned blooms.Pink Calla Lilies
Ranging from soft blush to vibrant rose, pink callas evoke love, femininity, and gratitude. They are highly popular in wedding bouquets, particularly in pastel-themed or romantic colour palettes.Red Calla Lilies
Symbolising passion and energy, red callas are bold statement flowers. They work beautifully in modern arrangements for Valentine’s Day, dramatic centerpieces, or festive holiday décor.Orange Calla Lilies
Warm, fiery shades of orange and coral suggest enthusiasm, vitality, and creativity. These are especially suited to autumn arrangements, sunset-inspired weddings, and tropical themes.Purple Calla Lilies
Deep purples represent elegance, mystery, and royalty. Dark-toned callas are highly sought after for moody, luxurious floral arrangements, evening events, and statement bouquets.Black and Near-black Calla Lilies
Cultivars such as ‘Black Star’ and ‘Odessa’ produce spathes so deep in colour they appear black. These are favoured in avant-garde floral work, gothic weddings, and high-fashion arrangements where drama and uniqueness are paramount.Bi-coloured Calla Lilies
Some cultivars feature spathes that are streaked, edged, or blended with multiple colours, such as yellow with a red throat or white with purple edges. These varieties create visual intrigue and are excellent focal flowers for contemporary or unconventional designs.
Florist Handling and Care
Conditioning
Trim stems with a clean, sharp knife rather than scissors, as calla stems are delicate and can split easily. Place them immediately in clean water with floral preservative.Hydration
Calla lilies take up water most effectively when stems are kept deep in water. Ensure hydration before use, especially if the flowers have been dry-packed during shipping.Storage
Store calla lilies at 2–5°C. Unlike anthuriums, they tolerate cooler conditions well. However, avoid extreme cold which may damage the spathes.Stem Fragility
Stems are prone to bending or breaking under pressure. Handle gently, and when wiring or taping for bouquets, use supportive techniques to maintain their structure.Design Notes
Calla lilies are often used as line flowers, creating strong vertical or sweeping curves in arrangements. Their natural elegance means they work beautifully as single stems in minimalist designs, or grouped for dramatic impact. They combine seamlessly with roses, orchids, hydrangeas, and tropical foliage, and also look striking against contrasting textures such as grasses or berries.
Trends in Contemporary Floristry
Minimalist Modernism: Single stems in slender glass vases or clustered monochrome arrangements that emphasise form over fullness.
Wedding Elegance: Cascading bouquets of white or blush callas remain a staple for brides, while coloured callas are increasingly chosen for themed weddings.
High-fashion Floristry: Black and deep purple callas feature prominently in dramatic, editorial-style arrangements.
Seasonal Styling: Yellow and orange callas for summer and autumn celebrations, while whites and reds dominate winter holiday décor.
Sustainable Design: With their long, unbranched stems and ability to be showcased singly, calla lilies support floristry trends that favour fewer stems used more impactfully.
