How To Get Rid Of Calla Lilies In My Yard

You can get rid of calla lilies in your yard by digging them up, smothering them, or using targeted herbicides, but persistence is key.

Getting rid of calla lilies isn’t a one-and-done job because these plants store energy in their rhizomes.

If you’ve been struggling with how to get rid of calla lilies in my yard, you’re not alone, as they spread aggressively through underground roots.

The best strategy to get rid of calla lilies depends on how many you have and whether you want to keep the area chemical-free.

In this post, we’ll cover the most effective methods to get rid of calla lilies, including manual removal, smothering techniques, and chemical options.

Let’s dive into the practical steps you can take today.

Why Getting Rid of Calla Lilies Takes Effort

Getting rid of calla lilies requires understanding why they’re so stubborn in the first place.

Calla lilies aren’t true lilies, but they are hardy perennials that thrive in moist, well-drained soil.

The plant’s rhizomes can break off easily, and even a small piece left behind will regrow into a new plant.

That’s why many people asking how to get rid of calla lilies in my yard end up fighting them for multiple seasons.

The key to success is removing the entire root system, not just the visible foliage.

1. Calla Lilies Spread by Rhizomes, Not Just Seeds

When you get rid of calla lilies by pulling the leaves, you’re only removing the top growth.

The real problem lies in the fleshy rhizomes that spread horizontally just below the soil surface.

These rhizomes can travel several feet from the parent plant, sending up new shoots as they go.

If you’re trying to get rid of calla lilies, you must dig deep enough to find and remove every single rhizome.

Even a thumbnail-sized piece left in the dirt will regenerate within weeks.

2. They Regrow From Tiny Fragments

One of the most frustrating aspects of calla lily removal is how easily the rhizomes snap.

When you pull on the stems, the rhizome often breaks, leaving a chunk buried in the soil.

That fragment will then send up new growth, making it seem like you never tried to get rid of calla lilies at all.

To avoid this, water the area thoroughly a day before digging, as moist soil helps the roots come out intact.

3. Existing Plants Can Reseed Themselves

Even if you successfully dig up all the rhizomes, calla lilies can still return from seeds.

The plants produce clusters of berries after flowering, and those seeds drop into the soil.

If you want to get rid of calla lilies permanently, you need to deadhead the flowers before they form seeds.

This simple step prevents new plants from popping up where you’ve already cleared.

Manual Methods to Get Rid of Calla Lilies

The most reliable way to get rid of calla lilies is by digging them out by hand.

This method is labor-intensive but gives you the best chance of complete removal.

Here’s how to get rid of calla lilies manually without damaging your lawn.

1. Dig Deep and Wide With a Garden Fork

Start by loosening the soil around the entire clump of calla lilies.

Use a garden fork to dig at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches outward from the base.

Carefully lift the entire root ball out, shaking off loose soil so you can spot any broken rhizomes.

Then sift through the dirt with your hands to catch any small pieces you might have missed.

This is the most thorough way to get rid of calla lilies, but it’s also the most tiring.

2. Solarize the Area to Kill Remaining Roots

After you’ve removed what you can, you can get rid of calla lilies by solarizing the soil.

Clear the area of all plant debris, then water the soil deeply.

Cover the spot with a thick, clear plastic tarp, weighing down the edges with rocks or soil.

Leave the tarp in place for at least six weeks during the hottest part of summer.

The trapped heat will cook any remaining rhizome fragments and seeds, making your job much easier.

3. Smother With Cardboard and Mulch

If you don’t want to dig, you can get rid of calla lilies by smothering them.

Cut the lilies down to ground level first, then lay down a thick layer of wet cardboard.

Overlap the cardboard edges to prevent any light from reaching the soil.

Then pile on 4 to 6 inches of mulch on top to hold the cardboard down and block sunlight.

Without light, the calla lilies will weaken and die off after several months.

Chemical and Natural Herbicide Options

If manual removal seems overwhelming, you might be wondering if chemicals can get rid of calla lilies faster.

Herbicides can work, but they require careful application and multiple treatments.

Let’s look at your options for chemical and natural approaches.

1. Use a Glyphosate-Based Herbicide

Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that kills calla lilies down to the roots.

However, it also kills grass and any other plants it touches, so you must apply it carefully.

Spray the foliage on a dry, windless day, making sure to coat the leaves thoroughly.

Wait about two weeks, then check if the plants are turning yellow and dying.

You may need to reapply the herbicide a few times to fully get rid of calla lilies.

Always follow the label instructions and wear protective gear when handling chemicals.

2. Try a Vinegar Solution for a Natural Approach

For a home remedy, you can get rid of calla lilies with a strong vinegar solution.

Mix one gallon of white vinegar with one cup of salt and a few drops of dish soap.

Spray this mixture directly onto the calla lily leaves on a sunny day.

The acetic acid in vinegar will dry out the foliage, but it often won’t kill the rhizomes.

This method is best for spot-treating young plants, not for complete eradication of established clumps.

3. Boiling Water as a Heat Treatment

If you want to avoid chemicals entirely, boiling water can help get rid of calla lilies.

Pour a pot of boiling water directly onto the center of the plant and the surrounding soil.

The heat will scald the leaves and potentially damage the rhizomes just beneath the surface.

However, this method rarely kills the deepest roots, so you’ll need to repeat it frequently.

Boiling water is safest when used in garden beds where you don’t mind killing nearby plants.

Preventing Calla Lilies From Coming Back

Once you’ve managed to get rid of calla lilies, you need to take steps to keep them from returning.

Prevention is just as important as removal when dealing with these resilient plants.

Here’s how you can keep your yard calla lily-free.

1. Install a Physical Barrier Underground

One effective way to prevent regrowth is to bury a barrier around the edges of the area.

Use a heavy-duty plastic or metal edging that extends at least 12 inches deep.

This stops the rhizomes from creeping back into your cleared space from neighboring areas.

Even if you’ve successfully gotten rid of calla lilies, the underground barrier offers long-term insurance.

2. Monitor and Remove New Shoots Immediately

You should check the cleared area every couple of weeks for any new calla lily shoots.

As soon as you spot a tiny leaf poking through the soil, dig it out right away.

These young plants are easier to get rid of calla lilies from because their rhizomes are small.

The quicker you act, the less chance they have to establish a strong root system.

3. Plant Competitive Ground Covers

Another prevention tactic is to plant dense ground covers that outcompete calla lilies.

Aggressive plants like creeping Jenny or certain ornamental grasses will fill the space quickly.

Once the ground cover is established, it will shade the soil and make it hard for calla lilies to germinate.

This natural competition makes it much harder for them to return.

So, How to Get Rid of Calla Lilies in My Yard?

You can get rid of calla lilies by digging out the rhizomes, smothering the area, or using targeted herbicides.

The most effective approach combines deep manual removal with a persistent follow-up routine.

Getting rid of calla lilies completely will take time because they are tough, resilient plants.

Whether you choose to dig them up, smother them, or spray them, consistency is the only way to win.

We hope this guide has helped you figure out how to get rid of calla lilies in your yard.

Now it’s time to grab your gloves and get to work.