One of the most fascinating bulbs in my summer garden is the calla lily, a native of South Africa. Considering the garden is partial shade, nothing brightens a dim-like garden as the brilliant colors of a calla lily. Its large, elongated foliage surrounds ever so beautifully, the narrow, shaped, trumpet-like flowers resting beneath the Japanese loquat in my shade garden. The Calla lily is a rhizome; another form of the bulb family. A rhizome is an underground stem that grows horizontally. Ginger and Iris are examples of rhizomes.

In such a warm climate as Texas, calla lilies most certainly sing the tune of the tropics as its foliage is quite luscious during the very warm spells in our typical weather. Unlike its cousin, the Canna with its big bold flowers and large tall leaves, the Calla lily is quite subdued nestled among other favorite understory plantings such as hosta, coral bell and the exceptional annual-impatient. While gardeners in zones 8 and above can grow tender bulbs, corms, rhizomes and tubers year round, northern gardeners will need to dig and store these plants to overwinter them. Sorry guys.

Some gardeners plant calla lilies in container planters. This is a wonderful way to bring the tropics to those gardeners who reside up north or in colder parts of the world. Try putting them in a ceramic pot beside a pond and Whala! You’re in the tropics. Be sure to fill your container (drainage holes please) with a good quality, well-drained soil. These babies hate wet feet so be careful not to immerse them into much water else they will rot. Place the container where it will receive partial sun and wait for the exhibit of stunning foliage and striking color centered inside.

There are so many colors ranging from the hot, sizzling orange and red colors, to the deep, profound hues of burgundy and dark purples. If you are privy to pastels, they have a wide variety to select from as well. Calla lilies are one of the most prominent wedding flowers. So all soon to be brides, be sure to select this bulb as one of your florist selections. They will reward your wedding ceremony with such awe and exquisiteness.

To plant them, all you need to do is: (1) Plant outdoors in a location that gets bright, morning light; a partial shade location where the soil drains well or (an absolute gardening tip to live by), amend the soil with organic material 2-3 inches to improve the drainage. Nothing works better for any bulb like peat moss, compost, or decomposed manure. Calla lilies can thrive in soils that are too moist for many bulbs, but the soil cannot be excessively wet. All bulbs hate wet feet. (2) Dig a hole and plant 4-6 inches deep, and 2 ft. apart for tall varieties; 1 ft. apart for the dwarf types should you have a small garden. The rhizome should be facing upwards and then cover with soil.

Do not forget to water generously. Note: (for you northern gardeners, if the soil is still cold, wait until it warms before planting.) Since they are frost-sensitive, only in USDA zones 8 and 9 can they be left in the ground but in colder areas, dig them out after the first frost cleaning any excess dirt and allow to dry out for a couple of days. Then store in a dry area that is between 50 and 60 degrees F. Plant in the spring after the soil has warmed, as mentioned above and all danger of frost has passed.

Calla lilies are a wonderful bulb or rhizome to have in your summer garden. Its tropical, exotic flower and bold foliage will take you away to a hammock by the sea on an exclusive isle for you and yours only. Try them in your garden and be swept away by its tropical splendor.