Zantedeschia elliottiana Flame - Calla Lily

Zantedeschia 'Flame', also known as Florist's Arum or Calla 'Flame', is truly flamboyant. Its spathes emerge golden yellow, then become covered with reddish-orange spots, gradually engulfing the inflorescence until it is completely saturated with dark red before finally turning green. A captivating spectacle, emerging from dark green foliage densely speckled with white, as beautiful as stained glass. This variety is slightly more susceptible to diseases and is best suited for experienced gardeners.

Zantedeschia 'Flame' is one of the many hybrids obtained through cross-breeding between two main species native to eastern and southern Africa, Zantedeschia rehmannii and Zantedeschia elliottiana. 'Flame' is an F1 Hybrid. It is a stemless species with large sagittate leaves, dark green and heavily speckled with transparent white. It reaches a medium size, measuring about 60cm (24in) in height. Like other hybrids, this plant requires specific growing conditions to flower. The flower, characteristic of arums, produces a highly ornamental spathe, almost 10cm (4in) in diameter, concealing a spadix that evolves from orange-yellow to deep red, perfectly matching the spathe. Its thick roots penetrate perpendicularly into the growing substrate, resembling fleshy and running rhizomes. In nature, these plants grow in marshes that usually dry up in summer, under year-round warm climates. The vegetation dries out, and the tuber enters a period of dormancy. This vegetative cycle must be strictly followed in cultivation. Florist's arums can live for many years if the cyclic resting period is properly observed.

Zantedeschia 'Flame' is particularly suitable for cultivation in large pots. It can also be planted in moist areas near a water source, in well-drained and fertile soil, with good sunlight. Cut flowers last particularly well in a vase, provided the water is changed daily and, for example, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of bleach, 2 teaspoons of lemon (or lime) juice, and 1/2 litre of warm water are added.