Let’s Look at the Calla Lily In-Depth

If you’re like me, seeing those little green shoots in the dirt and feeling the sun on my face has kept my spirits high, even during this turbulent time. I hope if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere like me, you’ve been able to find joy from the blossoms and buds and birds.

Throughout the world, spring marks the end of winter and a return of warmth and growth, and it’s no wonder that it’s associated with rebirth and renewal! Everything seems to be springing to life (pun intended). While there are many popular flowers associated with spring, none has come to symbolize the idea of rebirth quite like the beautiful calla lily. 

Calla lilies originated in the southern part of Africa, but their popularity has spread them far and wide. Take a walk at the right time of year, and you’ll probably spot some growing in your neighborhood. People all over the world love them and have included them in celebrations and stories. They are intertwined with our history and culture. 

While white is one of the most commonly depicted colors for calla lilies, these blooms also come in dazzling shades of yellow, pink, orange, and purple. I’ve gathered some of these varieties onto my Pinterest board, which you can take a look at here and get inspired like I did! I absolutely love how the ombre ones shift from cream to coral-tipped or red to bright yellow. And those deep purple ones that are nearly black are always a show-stopper. The possibilities for a paper florist are nearly endless!

While admiring those beauties, you probably noticed that unique shape. Most of the flowers we’ve created at The Posey Box feature multiple petals. The calla lily has one, big petal wrapping around itself, which is scientifically not even an actual petal. This is called a spathe. Inside the spathe is a long spike, called the spadix. Just like the spathe, the spadix comes in many different colors depending on the variety.

Another important bit of information to pay attention to is how the calla lily blooms. Here are the stages:

• Bud. The spathe is closed, completely hiding the spadix, and has not yet reached its final length. The spathe is still tinged green, although hints of the final color are often visible.
• About to uncurl. The spathe is tightly wound around the spadix and has reached its final color.
• Partially open. The spathe slowly unwinds, its pointed tip reaching back to eventually create an almost teardrop shape when viewed from above. 
• Full bloom. The spathe has unwinded as much as it can, creating a wide opening for the spadix.
• About to die. The spathe begins to discolor.

As a paper florist, you probably know that including a variety of these stages in a bouquet can increase interest and help achieve a higher level of realism. Check out my Pinterest board for pictures of calla lilies in these different stages.

I hope that you have learned something new about the calla lily that will help you create even more vibrant and beautiful blooms. We at The Posey Box always love to see your creations, so don’t forget to share! #theposeybox

Calla Lily Photo Reference when you are creating the various bloom stages

• Research Notes: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Spathe-expansion-of-calla-lily-flower-stems-as-a-function-of-harvest-stage-and-days-after_fig1_288887173

• source: https://www.proflowers.com/blog/flower-glossary-calla-lilies

• Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Figure1-Harvest-stages-of-calla-lily-flower-stems-1-closed-spathe-cartridge-2_fig2_288887173