Calla Lilies and Tiger Lilies

The tiger lily and the calla lily are two very diverse flowers. The tiger lily is a true lily, from the family Lilium. The calla lily, on the other hand, is not a lily at all. It belongs to the family Araceae and the genus zantedeschia. The tiger lily has a very showy orange blossom, while the calla lily has an understated, delicate look.

Origin

• The calla lily and the tiger lily come from different continents. The tiger lily originated in eastern Asia. The calla lily is native to the southern parts of Africa. For this reason, the calla lily is only hardy in the mildest winter regions. In other areas, it should be taken indoors in pots for the winter.

Considerations

• The calla lily prefers wet gardens. This perennial grows from a bulb called a rhizome. The large green leaves grown on a stalk 1-1/2 to two feet tall. The tiger lily, also from a bulb, is best planted near the back of the garden, as it grows up to four feet tall. It prefers full sun.

Features

• The tiger lily, or Lilium lancifolium, is a showy orange-red flower covered with black or brown spots or specks. It was common in Victorian gardens. The calla lily, or Zantedeschia aethiopica, is a more delicate, understated flower. This trumpet-shaped lily has a unique look, almost as if rolled from a sheet of paper. The calla lily is available in colors including white, pink and orange.

Warning

• Calla lilies are easy to grow in mild climates and pose no threat to nearby perennials. However, the tiger lily often carries a virus that can be passed onto other lilies. ”The Book of Outdoor Gardening” recommends planting tiger lilies alone in mass plantings or keeping them at least 30 feet from any other lilies.

Insight

• The tiger lily blooms in August or September. Though its flower is showy, this perennial is cultivated in the East for its edible bulb. The bulb has a flavor similar to that of a potato. The calla lily, which blooms in late spring, is cultivated for its simple, elegantly shaped flower. The white calla lily is often used in bridal bouquets and funeral arrangements.