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Calla Lilies 101
Are you searching for the perfect flower and getting ready for your next planned event or wedding? Sometimes there is no right or wrong flower but a matter preference as to what fits your needs or what fits your personality. The 101 series is a series of articles helping to educate everyone with the contrasts of various flowers. You may want to read the others in this series as well as many other helpful articles.
There are four basic things to remember about calla lilies:
- Calla lilies are exquisite flowers with long trumpet-shaped blossoms and thick fibrous stems. A fresh calla is mostly open, but with the outer petal still reaching upward. The middle of the flower is clean, with no sign pollination. The flower shows good color with no bruising.
- Older callas have the outer petal curving downward, with the middle of the flower exposed. The middle shows signs of pollen. The flowers may also have bruising or discoloration, especially on the outer edges of the petal.
- Callas have thick, fibrous stems that act much like a sponge. The stems absorb and hold water. This is why callas have such a very long vase life. They are a very low-maintenance flower, but be sure to recut the stems every few days to allow fresh water to penetrate to the blossom. Calla stems sometimes turn to mush because the stems hold the water and the ends become clogged. They need a constant water flow to remain fresh.
- Flames colored calla lilies in a vase are elegant in their simplicity.
Here are some facts about calla lilies:
Names – Calla lily, Arum Lily, Zantedeschia.
Varieties – The most common is the tall white variety, two to three feet in length.
Colors – White, shades of yellow, pink to deep rose, orange to Chinese red, salmon, burgundy, black. There is also a green variety called “green goddess.”
Scent – None
Freshness– The flowers are open, but the outer petal (or spathe) still turns upward. The middle is clean and shows no pollination. Watch for bruising.
Vase Life – 10 days or more. Callas are designed to hold water.
Availability – All year, but late winter to late spring is the peak season.
Cost – Expensive
Meaning – Calla lilies symbolize magnificent beauty
Note – The white calla has long been a symbol of purity, and is widely used in weddings as well as funerals.
Arranging Tip – The calla lily is the epitome of elegance. These flowers can add drama to any combination, but have just as strong a presence used alone.
Other – Check the water level frequently, since calla lilies are heavy drinkers.
Here are some popular varieties you may be interested in:
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