Calla lilies (Zantedeschia spp.) are herbaceous perennials in their native habitats, such as South Africa, where they thrive in warm, moist conditions. However, whether they return every year depends on the climate and care they receive. In USDA hardiness zones 8–10, calla lilies behave as perennials, regrowing from their rhizomes each spring. In colder zones (below zone 8), they are often treated as annuals or dug up and stored indoors during winter.
Calla lilies grow from underground rhizomes, which store energy for future growth. In favorable climates, these rhizomes survive winter and produce new shoots when temperatures rise. In colder regions, frost can damage or kill the rhizomes. To ensure perennial growth, gardeners in cold climates must dig up the rhizomes after the first frost, dry them, and store them in a cool, dark place until replanting in spring.
Calla lilies prefer mild winters and warm summers. In zones 8–10, they can remain in the ground year-round, with foliage dying back in winter and regrowing in spring. In colder zones, they require protection. Soil quality also matters: well-draining, fertile soil with consistent moisture encourages healthy rhizome development, increasing the chances of perennial regrowth.
To maximize the likelihood of calla lilies returning yearly, follow these care guidelines:
In perennial-friendly zones, calla lilies will show new growth in early spring. Look for emerging shoots near the base of the previous year’s stems. If no growth appears by late spring, the rhizomes may have died due to frost, rot, or insufficient dormancy conditions.
Several factors can prevent calla lilies from returning:
