Black and Purple Calla Lilies: Varieties, Growing and Bouquets

This article was prepared with the support of UFL flower delivery. The calla lily, or Zantedeschia, is a member of the arum family from South Africa. The classic white calla (Zantedeschia aethiopica) became a symbol of weddings and mourning, while coloured hybrids with yellow, pink, burgundy, purple and almost black "flowers" have made callas a fashionable choice for modern bouquets.

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Why some callas look black

What we call a calla flower is actually a spathe, a modified leaf wrapped around a spadix that carries the true tiny flowers. Its dark colour comes from a high concentration of anthocyanins. There are no truly black callas: in good light you can see that they are deep burgundy, aubergine or purple. The colour is richer in sun and after cool nights.

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Popular dark and purple varieties

• 'Schwarzwalder' is one of the darkest, a black burgundy.
• 'Odessa' is a deep purple-black, popular as a cut flower.
• 'Hot Chocolate' is a chocolate burgundy with a velvety sheen.
• 'Naomi Campbell' and 'Captain Palermo' are dark purple, for bouquets and containers.
• 'Night Cap' is a rich purple.
• 'Picasso' has a white spathe with a purple heart.

Dark callas look stunning with white roses, cream lisianthus and silvery foliage. For more lilac and violet ideas see our guide to purple flowers.

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How to grow coloured callas

Coloured callas (hybrids of Zantedeschia elliottiana and Z. rehmannii) grow from tubers and, unlike the white calla, dislike wet soil. They are grown in the garden as summer flowers or in pots.

1. Pre-sprouting. In March–April plant the tuber buds up, 5–8 cm deep, in light compost and keep it warm, barely watering until shoots appear.
2. Position. Sun or light shade during the hottest hours. In shade dark varieties fade and flower less.
3. Planting out. Plant outdoors after the frosts, in mid to late May, 25–30 cm apart.
4. Watering and feeding. Water moderately without waterlogging; feed with a flowering-plant fertiliser every 2 weeks once buds form.
5. Autumn. When the leaves yellow (usually in October, before frost), lift the tubers, dry them for 1–2 weeks and store in a dry place at 5–10 °C.

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In a pot the routine is the same: after flowering reduce watering gradually, let the leaves die back and keep the pot in a cool place for 2–3 months. Read more in our calla lily care guide.

How to make callas last in a vase

• Recut the stems at an angle with a sharp knife and put them straight into clean, cool water.
• Use only 5–10 cm of water: soft calla stems turn mushy faster in deep water.
• Change the water every 1–2 days and keep the vase away from sun, radiators and fruit.
• With good care callas last 7–14 days.

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Symbolism and occasions

The white calla stands for purity and new beginnings, which is why brides love it. Dark callas symbolise elegance, strength of character and mystery: they suit lovers of the unusual, black-and-white weddings, evening and autumn arrangements, and Halloween. If you are unsure how a dark bouquet will be received, add light flowers so it looks festive rather than gloomy.

Important: all parts of calla lilies contain calcium oxalate and are toxic to cats and dogs, and the sap irritates skin, so wear gloves.

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FAQ

Are there truly black calla lilies?

No. The darkest varieties are very deep burgundy or purple; in photos and dim light they look black.

Can I leave the tubers in the ground over winter?

Not in Ukraine: coloured callas do not survive frozen soil.

Why is my calla not flowering?

Usually because of too little light, planting too deep, too much nitrogen or no rest period.

Want to impress with a striking bouquet? Order an arrangement with flower delivery in Kyiv from UFL and our florists will pick callas in the shade you need.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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