How to Care for an Arum Lily
Arum lilies, also commonly called calla lilies, are a frost-tender, moderately aquatic, flowering plant. This clumping plant grows 24 to 36 inches tall and produce a simple elegant white flower on each fleshy green stalk. Plant arum lilies at the edge of a pond or in a boggy area where other flowers are difficult to grow, or plant em mass in a shaded border area or under landscape trees and large shrubs. A low-maintenance plant, arum lilies will return each year from the spreading underground root system.
Dig holes 3 to 4 inches deep in damp soil or boggy soil. Space multiple arum lilies 18 inches apart. Plant arum lilies 12 inches deep or less in the mud at the edge of ponds and water gardens.
- Arum lilies, also commonly called calla lilies, are a frost-tender, moderately aquatic, flowering plant.
- Plant arum lilies at the edge of a pond or in a boggy area where other flowers are difficult to grow, or plant em mass in a shaded border area or under landscape trees and large shrubs.
Place one section or root, called a cormel, in each hole with the roots down and any green shoots pointing up.
Cover each cormel with 3 to 4 inches of soil and pat the area down gently. Water the soil over each arum lily to a depth of 5 to 6 inches to settle the soil.
Water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. Soak the soil 6 to 8 inches deep at each application. If the arum lilies are planted in boggy soil or at the edge of a water garden, no additional water is required.
Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of seasoned manure or compost in a circular area 8 inches wide around each arum lily to provide additional nutrients. Plants in an aquatic environment do not require additional nutrition.
- Place one section or root, called a cormel, in each hole with the roots down and any green shoots pointing up.
- Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of seasoned manure or compost in a circular area 8 inches wide around each arum lily to provide additional nutrients.
Cut out the flower stalks at the ground when they turn brown and fade. Cut the whole plant down to 1 inch above the ground in late fall or early winter.
Tip
Arum lilies are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 11. In colder climates, dig up the cormels in the fall and store them in a dry area above 60 degrees and. Replant in the spring after the last frost date has passed.
Arum lilies last a long time as cut flowers in arrangements.
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Writer Bio
Eulalia Palomo has been a professional writer since 2009. Prior to taking up writing full time she has worked as a landscape artist and organic gardener. Palomo holds a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies from Boston University. She travels widely and has spent over six years living abroad.
