Flower Encyclopedia
Calla Lily
Zantedeschia aethiopica
A single sculptural curl of a bloom — elegant, modern, and unmistakably graphic.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
At A Glance
Typical vase life
7–14 days
Availability
Most of the year
Peak months
Year-round
Cost
Premium
Fragrance
Light
Pollen
Low
Care
Moderate
Out of water
4+ hours
Heat tolerance
Moderate
Cold tolerance
Moderate
Outdoor events
Good
Around pets
Use caution
Pets in the house? Use caution.
Calla lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals — despite the name, they are not true lilies, but chewing can cause intense mouth and throat irritation, drooling, and swelling in cats and dogs. Keep arrangements out of reach, and contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service if a pet chews on any part.
What It Means
Calla lilies stand for magnificent beauty, purity, and, in some traditions, resurrection and rebirth, which is why white callas appear at both weddings and funerals. Their clean, sculptural line has made them a symbol of understated elegance and sophistication.
Colors it comes in
white · cream · yellow · orange · pink · purple · burgundy · near-black
Coordinates beautifully with
white · deep green · charcoal · gold accents
Season & Sourcing
Available through most of the year, with the widest choice of the smaller colored minis in spring and summer. The large white variety is the most consistently supplied.
Vase life, honestly
Long-lasting when handled gently — a week or two is realistic. The fleshy stems can curl, soften, or split at the base in water, so keep water levels moderate and refresh often.
Fragrance
Faintly scented at most; any fragrance is subtle and easy to overlook.
Keeping It Alive
- 1Recut the fleshy stems at an angle and use a clean, sharp knife to avoid crushing them.
- 2Keep water levels shallow to moderate to slow stem softening and splitting.
- 3Refresh the water every two days and re-trim any mushy stem ends.
- 4Support long stems in a tall vase so the heavy heads stay upright.
- 5Keep them out of direct sun and away from ripening fruit.
What it costs: A premium flower, with the large white variety costing more per stem than the smaller colored minis. Their sculptural presence means a few stems go a long way.
Where It Shines
At weddings
A go-to for modern and formal weddings — a few large white callas make a striking, minimalist bridal bouquet, and colored minis work in centerpieces and boutonnieres. Their long, clean line photographs beautifully in tall arrangements.
In sympathy work
White calla lilies are a classic sympathy flower, reading as dignified, pure, and hopeful in standing sprays and vases. Their association with rebirth suits services and memorials.
Every day
An elegant gift when you want something more architectural than a rounded bouquet — a handful of callas in a tall vase feels contemporary and refined. Colored minis brighten everyday arrangements.
Pairs With
A Little History
Zantedeschia is native to southern Africa, and despite the common name it is not a true lily at all. It became an emblem of elegance in art and design — memorably in the paintings of Diego Rivera and Georgia O'Keeffe — and remains a symbol of clean, modern floristry.
Questions People Ask
Are calla lilies real lilies?
No — they are Zantedeschia, a different plant family from the true lilies. They do not pose the specific kidney danger true lilies carry for cats, but they contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and are still not safe for a pet to chew.
Why is my calla lily stem getting soft and curling?
The fleshy stems absorb a lot of water and soften or curl at the base over time. Keeping water levels shallow to moderate, refreshing it often, and re-trimming mushy ends all help.
How long do calla lilies last?
One to two weeks with gentle handling and clean water. Using a sharp knife to cut the stems, rather than crushing them, protects that long vase life.
Are calla lilies a concern around pets?
Yes — they contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth and throat irritation, drooling, and swelling if chewed. If a pet chews on any part, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service.
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