Zantedeschia elliottiana Red Alert - Calla Lily

The 'Red Alert' Zantedeschia or 'Red Alert' Calla Lily is a brightly coloured variety of fleshy Arum commonly used by florists. Its raspberry-red flowers, delicately infused with yellow, emerge from a beautifully speckled white foliage. Adding a touch of exoticism to the surroundings of a body of water, this tuberous plant will have the most impact when displayed in a pot submerged in shallow water on the terrace. To flower and thrive, it requires both warmth and a soil that is moist and rich. The non-hardy rootstock must be protected from cold and humidity in winter.

Zantedeschia 'Red Alert' is one of the many hybrids that have been created by cross-breeding two main species native to Eastern and Southern Africa, namely Zantedeschia rehmannii and Z. elliottiana. Vegetation emerges from the ground in spring, in the form of large arrow-shaped green leaves, which are highly decorative outside of the flowering period. They are medium green in colour, glossy, and heavily speckled with white. This Calla Lily measures between 50 and 60cm (20 and 24in) in height. Like other hybrids, this plant requires specific growing conditions to flower, from June to August. The flower, characteristic of the Araceae family, takes the form of a highly ornamental spathe, almost 10cm (4in) in diameter, concealing a small golden yellow spadix at its black heart. The spathe is flamed with orange-red and yellow on the outside, becoming more red towards the inside. The thick roots of this Calla Lily penetrate the growing medium perpendicularly, resembling fleshy and trailing rhizomes. In nature, this plant grows in marshes that typically dry up in summer, under hot climates all year round. Vegetation dries up, and the tuber enters a period of dormancy in a fairly dry soil. This growth cycle must be strictly respected in cultivation. Florist's Arums can live for many years if the cyclical resting period is well respected.

Zantedeschia 'Red Alert' is especially suitable for container cultivation, which allows it to be protected during winter and control the moisture of the growing medium. It can also be planted in cool areas, near a body of water, or even partially submerged during flowering. Create chic and colourful bouquets with its flowers, along with fern leaves, freesias, or lilies in harmonious colours, for example.