Calla palustris
water arum
A rhizomatous, marginal aquatic perennial with broadly heart-shaped, glossy leaves and white flower spathes to 25cm in length in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Calla are deciduous or partially evergreen herbaceous perennials growing in shallow water, with glossy dark green leaves and arum-like white spathes surrounding yellowish flower spikes, sometimes followed by dull red berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temperate regions
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, lime free soil in planting baskets in mud or in still or slow moving water no deeper than 25 cm, in full sun. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in late summer or by division of the rhizomes in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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