A Guide to the Elegant World of 8 Calla Lily Types

The calla lily is an icon of grace and refined beauty. Its distinctive, trumpet-shaped bloom is a favourite for everything from bridal bouquets to sophisticated home decor. While many picture the classic white calla, a whole world of vibrant colour and form exists within its family. 

This guide explores the diverse types of calla lilies, delving into their stunning array of colours, popular varieties available in Singapore, and the special meanings each one holds, helping you choose the perfect bloom for any occasion.

The true joy in discovering the meaning of calla lilies and their magnificent colour palette. Modern cultivation has produced an incredible spectrum of shades, each with its own unique charm and symbolic meaning. 

From the purest whites to the deepest, near-black purples, there is a calla lily to convey every emotion and suit every style.

1. The Classic White Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

The white calla lily is the quintessential variety, the one that springs to mind for most people. Its large, elegant, and flawless white spathe embodies purity and sophistication. This is the hardier Zantedeschia aethiopica variety, which can grow quite tall and features lush green leaves. In the world of flowers, it is a timeless classic.

Its symbolism is deeply connected to purity, holiness, innocence, and rebirth. This is why it is an overwhelmingly popular choice for wedding bouquets and decorations, symbolising the pure love and new beginning of a marriage. In Singapore, it’s a staple for elegant hotel weddings and formal events. It is also used in sympathy arrangements to signify faith and resurrection. A well-known cultivar is the 'Green Goddess', which features a beautiful white spathe that blushes to green at its edges.

2. The Alluring Black Calla Lily

The black calla lily is a flower of immense drama and mystique. It is not truly black but rather a shade of such deep purple or maroon that it appears black to the naked eye. This intense, velvety colour makes it one of the most unique and sought-after blooms in floral design. It commands attention and adds a touch of modern, sophisticated glamour to any arrangement.

Varieties like 'Black Star', 'Odessa', and 'Schwarzwalder' are prized for their dark, saturated colour. The meaning of a black calla lily is tied to elegance, mystery, and power. It is perfect for making a bold statement and is often used in high-fashion events, artistic floral installations, and for individuals with a distinctive and dramatic sense of style.

3. Passionate Pink and Red Calla Lilies

Moving into the realm of romance, pink and red calla lilies offer shades that speak of love and admiration. These varieties bring a soft yet powerful warmth to the calla lily family.

Pink calla lilies represent admiration, appreciation, and gentle romance. They come in a variety of tones, from a soft, delicate blush to a more vibrant fuchsia. A bouquet of pink calla lilies is a wonderful way to show gratitude or to celebrate a budding romance. Cultivars like 'Captain Rosette' showcase a beautiful, clear pink that is both charming and elegant.

Red calla lilies are bolder and speak of deep love, passion, and courage. Their rich, ruby tones are captivating and make a powerful romantic statement, offering a modern alternative to the traditional red rose for anniversaries or Valentine's Day. Varieties such as 'Captain Murano' and 'Red Alert' provide stunning, deep red hues that are truly unforgettable.

4. Sunny Yellow and Orange Calla Lilies

For a dose of pure happiness and energy, look no further than the yellow and orange calla lily varieties. These bright, cheerful blooms are perfect for celebrations and for lifting spirits.

Yellow calla lilies radiate joy, growth, and gratitude. Their sunny disposition can brighten any room and bring a smile to anyone’s face. They are an excellent choice for celebrating friendships, new jobs, or sending get-well-soon wishes. Popular varieties include the brilliant 'Captain Ventura' and the softer 'Golden Chalice', both known for their vibrant colour and strong form.

Orange calla lilies are filled with confidence, enthusiasm, and warmth. The shades can range from a soft peach to a fiery, intense orange. These flowers are perfect for expressing excitement and encouragement. Varieties like 'Mango' and 'Flame' live up to their names, providing a burst of tropical energy that is especially fitting for our sunny Singapore climate.

5. Regal Purple Calla Lilies

Purple has long been associated with royalty, and purple calla lilies carry that sense of nobility and charm. Their exquisite shades, which range from soft lavender to deep, majestic violet, are truly captivating.

A purple calla lily symbolises royalty, fascination, and passion. Giving these flowers can signify that you find someone enchanting and unique. They are a popular choice for those who appreciate a touch of the extraordinary. The most famous purple-tinged variety is undoubtedly the 'Picasso', but other stunning cultivars like 'Amethyst' offer a solid, deep purple that is both rich and luxurious.

6. Unique Green Calla Lilies

While less common, green calla lilies have a subtle and natural beauty that is very appealing. Often, these are not a solid green but rather feature green tints on a white or cream-coloured spathe. They have a fresh, organic feel that speaks of nature and new life.

Green calla lilies symbolise growth, harmony, and renewal. They are a wonderful choice for celebrating new beginnings, such as a new home or a new venture. The 'Green Goddess' variety is a perfect example, with its elegant white bloom that transitions into a cool, refreshing green at its edges.

Popular Calla Lily Varieties

While knowing the colours is helpful, florists and flower enthusiasts often refer to calla lilies by their specific cultivar names. Certain varieties have become famous for their unique beauty, reliability, and stunning appearance in arrangements.

7. The Artistic 'Picasso' Calla Lily

The 'Picasso' calla lily is a true work of art, which is how it earned its name. This bicolour variety is breathtakingly beautiful. It features a creamy white or ivory spathe with a deep purple, almost-black, throat. 

The contrast is dramatic and looks as though an artist has brushed the colour into the centre of the bloom. Because of its unique and striking appearance, the 'Picasso' is highly sought after for artistic floral arrangements, bridal bouquets, and as a standout flower in a centrepiece. It is a variety that speaks of individuality and creative flair.

8. The Radiant 'Captain Ventura' Calla Lily

Among florists, the 'Captain' series of calla lilies is renowned for its quality, and 'Captain Ventura' is a shining star. This variety boasts a vibrant, clear yellow colour that is consistently beautiful. More importantly, it is known for having strong, sturdy stems and an excellent vase life, making it a reliable and practical choice for bouquets and arrangements. 

Its bright, sunny disposition makes it incredibly popular for adding a cheerful pop of colour to mixed bouquets, celebrating birthdays, or simply brightening up the home.

9. Miniature Calla Lilies

For more delicate floral work, miniature calla lilies are the perfect solution. As their name suggests, these are smaller versions of the standard calla lily, but they lack none of the elegance or beauty. Their petite size makes them ideal for intricate designs where a full-sized calla would be too overpowering. 

They are a popular choice for wedding boutonnieres, corsages, delicate posies, and smaller table arrangements. They come in the same wide range of colours as their larger counterparts, offering fantastic versatility for any floral design need.

Understanding the Calla Lily Family

Before exploring the beautiful varieties, it’s helpful to understand what a calla lily is. Its elegant form can be deceiving, as it holds a few botanical secrets. A deeper appreciation for this flower begins with knowing its true identity and origins.

What is a Calla Lily? The Zantedeschia Genus

First, a fascinating fact: the calla lily is not a true lily. It does not belong to the Lilium genus. Instead, it is part of the Zantedeschia genus, which originates from Southern Africa. What we perceive as the flower is technically not a flower at all. The colourful, trumpet-like structure is a modified leaf called a spathe. The actual flowers are tiny and found on the yellow spike in the centre, which is called a spadix.

The Zantedeschia genus is generally split into two main groups. The first is the larger, hardier species, Zantedeschia aethiopica, which is known for its big, white blooms and its preference for moist environments. The second group consists of the more colourful, hybridised varieties. 

These are more delicate and come in the breathtaking rainbow of colours that have become so popular in modern floristry. These hybrids are what we most often find in bouquets and arrangements in Singapore.

Bringing Calla Lilies into Your Home

Whether you have received a beautiful bouquet or are thinking of trying your hand at growing them, a little knowledge on flower care can help you enjoy your calla lilies for longer.

Calla Lilies as Cut Flowers

Calla lilies have a good vase life, often lasting for one to two weeks with proper care. To get the most out of your beautiful blooms, follow these simple steps. Upon receiving them, re-cut the stems at an angle with a sharp knife or scissors. 

This creates a fresh surface for water absorption. Place them in a clean vase with fresh water and flower food. Be sure to remove any leaves that fall below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth. Change the water every two days to keep it fresh and clean.

Growing Calla Lilies in Singapore

Growing calla lilies in Singapore’s tropical climate is possible, though they are most often enjoyed as potted plants that can be managed more easily. They grow from rhizomes, which look like bulbs. If you want to try growing them, it’s best to start with healthy rhizomes from a reputable nursery.

• Step 1: Choose a pot that has excellent drainage holes, as calla lilies do not like to sit in waterlogged soil.
• Step 2: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix.
• Step 3: Plant the rhizome about 10cm deep, with the "eyes" or growing points facing up.
• Step 4: Water the pot thoroughly after planting, and then water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Step 5: Place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. In Singapore, it’s important to protect them from the harsh, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves.

The Symbolism Behind the Colours

Choosing a flower is often about more than just its appearance; it’s about the message you want to send. The diverse colours of calla lilies allow for a rich language of symbolism, making them a thoughtful choice for any gift or event. Each hue has a different meaning for flowers.

Choosing Calla Lilies for the Right Occasion

To make it easy, here is a simple guide to matching calla lily colours with the perfect occasion:

• White: The ultimate choice for weddings and formal religious ceremonies. Also a respectful and beautiful choice for sympathy arrangements.
• Red: For expressing deep love and passion. Perfect for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or a significant romantic gesture.
• Pink: Ideal for showing appreciation, gratitude, and gentle affection. A lovely gift for a mother, sister, or dear friend.
• Yellow: A wonderful flower for celebrating friendships, achievements, or sending get-well wishes. It radiates pure joy.
• Purple: For when you want to convey a sense of awe, fascination, and royalty. A great choice for someone with unique and sophisticated taste.
• Black: For making a bold, dramatic statement. Perfect for high-fashion events or as a gift for someone with a strong, mysterious personality.

Conclusion On A Guide to the Elegant World of Calla Lilies

From the classic purity of white to the modern drama of black, the world of calla lilies is incredibly rich and diverse. Each colour and variety offers a unique personality, backed by powerful symbolism that can elevate any occasion. 

As one of the most sophisticated and meaningful flowers, the calla lily continues to capture our hearts with its sleek lines and graceful form. We hope this guide inspires you to explore the many beautiful types of calla lilies for your next bouquet, home arrangement, or special event. Their timeless beauty is a gift that will always be in style.

Express your care with a bouquet. A flower delivery in Singapore is a convenient way of sending your message.Do you want to give someone a meaningful flower bouquet? 

Contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you in achieving the perfect collection of blooms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Calla Lily

What Are the Different Types of Calla Lilies?

The main types of calla lilies fall into two groups. The first is the large, white, hardy Zantedeschia aethiopica. The second group includes the more colourful and tender hybrid varieties, which come in a vast spectrum of colours like pink, yellow, red, purple, orange, and even near-black. There are also popular named cultivars like the bicolour 'Picasso' and miniature varieties.

What Is the Most Common Calla Lily?

The most common and classic calla lily is the large, white Zantedeschia aethiopica. It is widely recognised and traditionally used in weddings and formal events due to its elegant appearance and symbolism of purity and innocence.

How Many Colours of Calla Lilies Are There?

Calla lilies are available in a stunning range of colours. Beyond the classic white, you can find them in shades of pink, yellow, orange, red, purple, green, and deep maroon or purple that appears black. There are also bicolour varieties, like the 'Picasso', which features two colours on a single bloom.

What Is the Most Beautiful Calla Lily?

Beauty is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, many people consider the 'Picasso' calla lily to be one of the most beautiful due to its unique artistic appearance, featuring a creamy white spathe with a deep purple throat. The classic white calla lily is also considered exceptionally beautiful for its timeless elegance.

Do Calla Lilies Come Back Every Year?

Yes, calla lilies are perennials, which means they can come back every year under the right conditions. They grow from rhizomes (bulb-like structures) that can be left in the ground in suitable climates or lifted and stored over winter in colder regions. In a tropical climate like Singapore's, they can often continue to grow year-round if cared for properly.

What Do Different Colour Calla Lilies Mean?

Different calla lily colours carry different meanings. White symbolises purity and innocence. Red signifies passion and love. Pink conveys appreciation and admiration. Yellow represents joy and gratitude. Purple is associated with royalty and fascination, while black symbolises mystery and elegance.