Can Calla Lilies Be Grown Outside

Calla lilies can absolutely be grown outside, and they thrive beautifully in garden beds, borders, and outdoor containers.

If you’re wondering whether calla lilies can be grown outside in your specific climate, the answer is yes, with a few simple considerations about temperature and planting location.

These elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers are surprisingly hardy when given the right outdoor conditions, and they reward gardeners with months of stunning blooms.

In this post, we’ll explore how calla lilies can be grown outside successfully, what they need to flourish, and how to care for them season after season.

Let’s dig into everything you need to know about growing these gorgeous plants outdoors.
 

Why Calla Lilies Can Be Grown Outside

Calla lilies can be grown outside in most regions, and they’re more adaptable than many gardeners realize.

These plants are native to southern Africa, where they grow naturally in marshy areas and along stream banks.

Because they’re rhizomatous perennials, they have underground stems that store energy and allow them to survive challenging conditions.

This resilience means calla lilies can be grown outside in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10 as true perennials.

In cooler zones, you can still grow calla lilies outside, but you’ll need to treat them as annuals or dig up the rhizomes before winter.
 

1. They’re Hardy in Warm Climates

For gardeners in warmer regions, calla lilies can be grown outside year-round without any special winter protection.

These areas provide the consistent warmth and humidity that calla lilies naturally love.

When calla lilies can be grown outside in zones 8-10, they often naturalize and spread happily on their own.

You can plant them once and enjoy their elegant blooms for years without replanting.
 

2. They Adapt to Cooler Zones

Even if you live in a colder region, calla lilies can be grown outside during the spring and summer months.

Plant them after the last frost date, and they’ll put on a spectacular show until autumn arrives.

When temperatures drop below freezing, you can dig up the rhizomes and store them indoors.

This simple process makes it possible for calla lilies to be grown outside in nearly any climate.
 

Where Calla Lilies Grow Best Outdoors

Now that you know calla lilies can be grown outside, let’s talk about the ideal location to plant them.

Location matters more than almost anything else when it comes to outdoor calla lily success.

Finding the right spot ensures strong growth, abundant flowers, and healthy foliage all season long.
 

1. Choose the Right Sunlight

When calla lilies can be grown outside, they prefer full sun in cooler climates and partial shade in hotter regions.

Morning sun with afternoon shade is often the perfect balance for most gardens.

Too much intense afternoon heat can cause the leaves to scorch and the flowers to fade quickly.

If you live in a hot climate, aim for a spot that gets about six hours of morning sunlight.
 

2. Ensure Well-Draining Soil

Even though calla lilies like moisture, they absolutely hate sitting in waterlogged soil.

A rich, loamy soil that drains well is ideal for outdoor calla lilies.

Before planting, amend your garden soil with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

If your soil is heavy clay, consider planting calla lilies in raised beds or containers instead.
 

3. Consider Planting Near Water Features

Calla lilies can be grown outside near ponds, streams, or water gardens with great success.

Their natural habitat includes marshy edges, so they’re right at home near water.

Just make sure the crown of the plant sits above the waterline to prevent rotting.

This placement gives them the constant moisture they enjoy without drowning the rhizomes.
 

How to Plant Calla Lilies Outside

Once you’ve chosen the perfect outdoor spot, planting calla lilies is a straightforward process.

Following a few key steps ensures your calla lilies can be grown outside successfully from the very start.
 

1. Plant at the Right Depth

When planting calla lily rhizomes outdoors, place them about 4 inches deep in the soil.

Space each rhizome roughly 12 to 18 inches apart to give them room to spread.

Position the rhizome with the growing tips facing upward, as planting them upside down can delay growth.

Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the rhizomes.
 

2. Water Regularly But Not Excessively

Calla lilies can be grown outside with consistent moisture, so plan to water them about once a week.

During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil evenly moist.

A layer of mulch around the plants helps retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool.

Just avoid overwatering, as soggy conditions can lead to rhizome rot.
 

3. Feed Them Throughout the Growing Season

To keep your outdoor calla lilies blooming vigorously, fertilize them every month during the growing season.

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength for best results.

Stop feeding once the blooms fade and the foliage begins to yellow in late summer.

This signals that the plant is preparing to go dormant for the season.
 

Overwintering Calla Lilies Grown Outside

If you live in a colder zone, overwintering is the key to enjoying your calla lilies year after year.

Calla lilies can be grown outside in summer even in zone 3, but they won’t survive freezing winter temperatures.

Proper overwintering keeps your rhizomes healthy and ready to replant next spring.
 

1. Dig Up the Rhizomes Before the First Frost

As soon as the foliage dies back after the first frost, carefully dig up the calla lily rhizomes.

Shake off excess soil and let them dry in a warm, airy location for a few days.

Once dry, trim away any remaining foliage and roots from each rhizome.
 

2. Store Them in a Cool, Dry Place

Place the dried rhizomes in a box or paper bag filled with peat moss or sawdust.

Store them in a cool, dark location where temperatures stay around 50 to 60°F.

Check on them periodically throughout winter and discard any that show signs of rot.

In spring, you can replant these stored rhizomes outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
 

Common Issues When Growing Calla Lilies Outside

Even when calla lilies can be grown outside successfully, you might encounter a few common problems.

Being aware of these issues helps you address them quickly before they affect your plants.
 

1. Pests That Bother Outdoor Calla Lilies

Aphids and spider mites are the most common pests that attack outdoor calla lilies.

These tiny insects suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and distorted growth.

You can wash them off with a strong spray of water or treat with insecticidal soap.

Slugs and snails may also munch on the foliage, especially in damp, shady spots.
 

2. Diseases That Affect Outdoor Plants

Bacterial soft rot and root rot are the main diseases that affect calla lilies grown outside.

These problems usually stem from poorly drained soil or overwatering.

If you notice mushy, discolored stems or foul-smelling rhizomes, remove the affected plants immediately.

Improving soil drainage and reducing watering frequency helps prevent these issues.
 

So, Can Calla Lilies Be Grown Outside?

Calla lilies can be grown outside, and they make a stunning addition to any garden.

Whether you’re in a warm climate where they return each year or a cooler region where you treat them as annuals, outdoor cultivation is absolutely possible.

With proper sunlight, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture, your calla lilies will thrive outdoors.

In colder zones, a little extra effort with overwintering keeps your plants coming back season after season.

So go ahead and plant those calla lilies outside, and enjoy their elegant, colorful blooms all summer long.

Your garden will thank you for it.