Calla lilies are known for their elegant trumpet-shaped blooms and graceful foliage, making them a popular choice in gardens and floral arrangements. But did you know there are many other flowers that closely resemble the classic calla lily?
From arums to anthuriums, peace lilies to Peruvian lilies, there are numerous calla lily lookalikes that can mimic the beauty of a true calla. While similar in appearance, each has its own distinct features when it comes to color, size, growing conditions and uses.
If you love the look of calla lilies but want to explore some alternatives. here are 12 stunning flowers that can serve as calla lily stand-ins
1. Arum Lily
The arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), sometimes known as the calla lily, is a close relative of the true calla lily. Native to southern Africa, it displays the classic calla shape – a trumpet-shaped white spathe with a yellow spadix in the center. However, arum lilies can grow much larger, up to 1 meter tall, preferring wet habitats like ponds and stream banks. They are also toxic if ingested.
2. Peace Lily
A favorite houseplant, the peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) is known for its glossy leaves and elegant white blooms that resemble a calla lily. Though not a true lily, its flowers consist of a spadix surrounded by a showy white spathe. Peace lilies are durable indoor plants that can help purify indoor air. They stay smaller than calla lilies, reaching only 1-3 feet in height.
3. Flamingo Flower
With flashy tropical blooms, the flamingo flower (Anthurium andraeanum) offers a wide range of spathe colors beyond white calla lilies. Its heart-shaped leaves and spike-like spadix are similar to calla lilies, but the waxy spathes come in bright reds, pinks, oranges and other shades. Popular as houseplants and cut flowers, flamingo flowers bring exotic color to indoor spaces.
4. Jack-in-the-Pulpit
The unique Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) resembles a calla lily with its hooded spathe and spike-like spadix. But its three-part leaves and striped green or purple spathe sets it apart. Found in woodland habitats in North America, Jack-in-the-pulpit makes an unusual addition to shaded gardens.
5. Golden Calla Lily
For those seeking a calla lily with a burst of color, the golden calla lily (Zantedeschia elliottiana) offers bright yellow spathes instead of white. It reaches around 2-3 feet tall, thriving in sunny spots with well-drained soil. The golden calla lily provides a cheerful, sunny look compared to the more subdued white calla lily.
6. Pink Calla Lily
Subtly blending white and pink, the pink calla lily (Zantedeschia rehmannii) features pastel pink spathes that retain the graceful calla shape. Pink calla lilies are smaller than the white variety, growing 1-2 feet tall, and prefer partial shade. Their soft color offers a delicate take on traditional calla lilies.
7. Peruvian Lily
Though not a true lily, the Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria spp.) mimics calla lilies with its funnel-shaped blooms on tall, leafy stems. But unlike the single spathes of calla lilies, Peruvian lilies produce clusters of smaller, colorful flowers in pink, orange, purple, yellow and more. These long-lasting cut flowers are ideal for bouquets.
8. Lily of the Nile
The lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus) may remind you of a calla lily with its elegant white flowers, but it blooms in spherical clusters on tall stalks rather than individual spathes. Sometimes called African lily, its strap-like leaves form attractive clumps. Lily of the Nile adds height and drama to gardens when in bloom.
9. Canna Lily
Though not a true lily, the tropical canna lily (Canna indica) flaunts large, brightly colored blooms that attract attention. Its flowers consist of wide, overlapping petals in fiery shades of red, orange, yellow and pink. Canna lily’s huge leaves and towering height also stand out in gardens.
10. Torch Lily
Also known as red hot poker, the torch lily (Kniphofia uvaria) sends up spires of tubular, tightly packed flowers reminiscent of calla lily spathes. But torch lily blooms start out red and transition to yellow, creating a bold, bicolor effect over time. Torch lilies lend height and vibrant color to sunny garden beds.
11. Blackberry Lily
The blackberry lily (Belamcanda chinensis) gets its name from the blackberry-like seeds that form after its flowers fade. Its blooms consist of six orange-red tepals that flare open to reveal spots and a central golden column containing pollen and nectar. Though not a true lily, its trumpet shape and orange color give it calla lily vibes.
12. Rain Lilies
A group of plants nicknamed “rain lilies,” including zephyranthes and habranthus species, produce delicate, trumpet-shaped blooms after summer rainstorms. Their flowers resemble miniature calla lilies in white, pink, yellow and orange hues. Rain lilies make excellent container plants and add cheerful color to gardens in warm climates.
With so many calla lookalikes to choose from, you can enjoy elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers in a diverse range of colors to suit your space and growing conditions. Mix and match different calla lily alternatives for a custom look and explore all the possibilities beyond the classic white calla lily.
Calla lilies White calla lily
Calla lilies or callas (Zantedeschia species) are not true lilies. They are related to jack-in-the-pulpit and Caladium. Unlike jack-in-the-pulpit, they are not hardy in Minnesota.
The tuber-like rhizomes of callas must be dug up and stored inside over the winter. They can be potted in late winter and cared for like a houseplant until temperatures are warm enough for them to grow outside.
Callas have a broad, trumpet-shaped flower called a spathe that wraps around the finger-like spadix. The spathe is a modified leaf and may be white, yellow, peach, orange, red, pink, purple or bicolored.
The spadix holds the tiny, true flowers. Its leaves are arrowhead-shaped and solid green or green with silver or white flecks. Pink calla lily
Zantedeschia aethiopica, the white calla, is native to Africa where it is considered a weed. The flowers can be quite large, with a spathe up to 10 inches long and a yellow spadix. It has also become naturalized in warm parts of the U.S., such as in California, where it is an invasive species. Because it is not hardy in Minnesota, invasiveness is not a concern here.
- Callas thrive in deep, moist, rich soil in full sun.
- While they will grow in part shade, calla lilies will bloom more profusely in full sun.
- White callas will grow in boggy or alkaline soils.
- Plant rhizomes four to six inches deep and one to two feet apart.
- Fertilize in spring after planting them, using a 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 fertilizer.
- A soil test is recommended every three to five years for lawns and gardens.
Callas may be grown as houseplants in a sunny window or under grow lights. However, for the best performance, callas should be planted in the garden or in containers outside in the summer where they should bloom from July through August. You can also enjoy calla lilies as cut flowers indoors.
Canna lilies Canna lilies
Canna lilies or cannas (Canna x generalis) are native to tropical and subtropical areas. They are not hardy in Minnesota.
Like callas, their rhizomes must be dug up in the fall after frost has blackened the foliage.
- Cannas grow 1 1/2 to 5 feet or more, depending on variety.
- Their large, glossy leaves are 6 to 12 inches wide.
- The exotic leaves come in bronze, purple, burgundy, bright green, dark green or even multicolored, so cannas are ornamental even without their flowers.
- Their blossoms are clustered at the top of flower spikes that can be up to one foot long.
- Blossom size varies with the species planted.
- Cannas are available in red, rose/pink, yellow, orange, salmon and red with yellow.
- They make excellent plants for large containers, in raised beds and as background plants. The flowers of some varieties are attractive to pollinators including hummingbirds and bumble bees.
Calla Lily Care Guide – Picking, Placing, and Parenting Your Plant
FAQ
What flowers are similar to calla lilies?
From arum lilies and peace lilies to anthuriums and Peruvian lilies, there are plenty of calla lily look alike options that cater to different preferences, growing conditions, and floral arrangements.
What flowers look like lilies but aren’t lilies?
- Amaryllis. Amaryllis is a captivating bulbous plant renowned for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that closely resemble true lilies. …
- Daylily. …
- Crinum Lily. …
- Belladonna Lily. …
- Spider Lily. …
- Peruvian Lily. …
- Canna Lily. …
- Calla Lily.
What’s the difference between a calla lily and a canna lily?
Callas flower in the summer and once done flowering, they need a dormant period. Canna lilies attract butterflies and hummingbirds and are listed as deer resistant. The white variety with the bright yellow spadix is familiar to most of us. However, callas can be pink, yellow, orange, maroon, or coral in color.
What is the difference between calla lilies and Italian arum?
Calla lilies look like Italian arum, but they lack white striped leaves. However, the difference is apparent once Italian arum produces berries.