The Flower of Elegance & Timeless Beauty

The calla lily is cherished as a flower of celebration and symbolizes purity. Originating in southern and eastern Africa, this bloom, formally known as zantedeschia aethiopica, marked the passage of winter solstice during days in ancient Rome. Romans planted the calla lily in the home at a time when it would bloom during winter solstice to brighten the indoors amid the darkest days of the year.

The exotic South African calla lily was introduced to the United States in the second half of the 19th century. It became a focal point of American art and a recurring motif in renowned aesthetic pieces, particular works by Georgia O’Keeffe. By the 1930s, O’Keeffe was even known as “the lady of the lilies” because of her numerous art pieces portraying the flower provocatively.

Calla Lily 101

The single-stem calla lily, known for its exquisite beauty grows as a single petal (or spathe) that’s shaped like a cone around a yellow stamen. Calla lilies bloom in a variety of colors; each with a significant meaning. Here’s what the hues of these angelic flowers symbolize:

Red Calla Lilies: desire, passion, courage, heat
Pink Calla Lilies: love, romance, gentleness
Purple Calla Lilies: accomplishment, dignity, tradition
Lavender Calla Lilies: femininity, refinement, grace, elegance
White Calla Lilies: purity, innocence
Yellow Calla Lilies: friendship, joy, lightheartedness
Orange Calla Lilies: energy, enthusiasm, confidence

Floral Centerpiece

Calla lilies make beautiful statements in flower beds and at weddings, but the flower can also create soft sophistication and aesthetic tranquility as a visual centerpiece in the home. Focus on simplicity  — two single long-stemmed calla lilies in a glass vase can evoke subtle charm and classic beauty in any space.

Of course, a bundle of several white calla lilies or a calla lily arrangement mixed and matched with other flowers, such as red roses, can also make an eye-catching decorative statement or serve as a beautiful sentiment. Home Guides by SFGate provides a step-by-step guide on how to properly care for cut calla lilies and keep the flowers looking fresh for as long as possible.

Alfresco Accents

Calla lilies grow from rhizomes, an underground subterranean plant stem, which makes the calla lily an excellent flower to plant and grow in a garden bed (or even on a sunny indoor windowsill in a container). Calla lilies are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.

Whether you’re sending a gorgeous bouquet of calla lilies for a special occasion or growing them in your backyard garden, these beauties will warm the heart and charm a space.

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