Before exploring color symbolism, it is essential to understand the calla lily from a botanical perspective. Contrary to its common name, the calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is not a true lily. It belongs to the Araceae family, the same family as peace lilies and philodendrons. The plant's striking "flower" is not a single petaled bloom but a complex inflorescence. The colorful part we admire is actually a specialized leaf called a spathe, which is a large, funnel-shaped bract that wraps around and protects the true flowers. These true flowers are tiny and are arranged on a central, finger-like structure called a spadix. The spathe's primary botanical function is to attract pollinators to the tiny flowers on the spadix. The vibrant colors of cultivated Zantedeschia hybrids have been selectively bred for aesthetic purposes, moving beyond the classic white of the species. These colors are determined by pigments present in the spathe's cells.
The most common and naturally occurring color is white, particularly in Zantedeschia aethiopica. From a plant biology standpoint, the pure white spathe is highly effective at reflecting light, making it exceptionally visible to pollinators, especially in low-light conditions. This visibility is a key evolutionary advantage. The white coloration is due to the absence of pigments in the upper cell layers; light is reflected by air spaces between the cells. This inherent purity and simplicity have led to its strong symbolic associations with innocence, purity, and faith. The plant's elegant, upright growth habit and the graceful curve of its spathe further contribute to its perception as a symbol of magnificent beauty and rebirth, often used in religious ceremonies and weddings to represent new beginnings.
Yellow and orange calla lilies, such as the varieties Zantedeschia elliottiana (yellow) and various hybrids, get their warm hues from pigments called carotenoids. Carotenoids are the same pigments that give carrots, marigolds, and daffodils their color. In nature, these bright colors are highly attractive to specific pollinators, including bees and certain beetles, who see these wavelengths clearly. The abundance of yellow and orange in the plant kingdom during spring and summer links these colors to feelings of warmth, energy, and growth. Consequently, yellow calla lilies have come to symbolize gratitude, joy, and friendship, while the more intense orange varieties represent enthusiasm, confidence, and a zest for life, reflecting the vibrant energy of the sun that fuels plant photosynthesis.
The pink, rose, and deep red calla lilies are results of extensive hybridization. Their colors are primarily due to anthocyanins, a class of pigments that can appear red, purple, or blue depending on the cellular pH. Anthocyanins can also act as a natural sunscreen for the plant, protecting its tissues from damage by excessive light. These rich, warm tones are less common in the wild for this genus, making them visually striking. The depth of color, reminiscent of a blush or a deep passion, translates symbolically into themes of love, romance, and femininity. A light pink calla lily often signifies admiration and gentleness, whereas a deep red or burgundy variety conveys powerful emotions of desire, passion, and unwavering courage, much like a rose of the same color.
Purple and near-black calla lilies are among the most dramatic. The purple color is also created by anthocyanin pigments. In some plants, high concentrations of anthocyanins can create such a deep purple that it appears almost black, a phenomenon seen in varieties like 'Black Star' or 'Picasso'. From a botanical view, these dark pigments can help absorb light and heat in cooler climates, potentially providing a slight growth advantage. The rarity and mystique of these dark hues in the garden have endowed them with strong symbolic meaning. They are often associated with royalty, nobility, and mystery, a connection dating back to the historical rarity and expense of purple dye. They can also symbolize elegance, uniqueness, and a sense of the enigmatic, reflecting the intriguing complexity of the plant kingdom itself.
