Plant calla lily tubers in pots during March or April and grow them somewhere bright and frost-free. Alternatively, plant directly outside in May, once the risk of frost has passed.
Out of season
Deluxe
Dark, mysterious and wonderfully elegant, Calla 'Cantor' brings a sophisticated touch of drama to the summer garden. Its extraordinary, trumpet-shaped flowers unfold in the deepest shades of aubergine purple, becoming so dark towards their centres that they appear almost black. The smooth, gently curved spathes have a beautiful satin-like sheen, catching the light to reveal subtle variations of plum and rich violet. Unlike more brightly coloured calla lilies, Calla 'Cantor' relies on its remarkable depth of colour and sculptural form to create a lasting impression. Even the foliage has plenty of character, with elegant, arrow-shaped green leaves delicately sprinkled with creamy-white markings. Near-black Calla 'Cantor' looks particularly striking alongside white flowers, lime-green foliage and soft ornamental grasses, where its dramatic colouring can be appreciated to the full.
With its graceful upright habit and an eventual height of approximately 50–70cm, Calla 'Cantor' is a beautiful choice for sunny borders, patio containers and cutting gardens. This tender, tuberous perennial produces its elegant flowers throughout summer, bringing a wonderfully architectural quality to the garden. Plant Calla 'Cantor' in spring once the risk of frost has passed, choosing a warm, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist during active growth, without allowing the tubers to become waterlogged. In the UK, protect the black calla plants from cold weather by lifting and storing the tubers somewhere frost-free over winter. The long-lasting flowers are also particularly prized for cutting, adding an unmistakable sense of elegance to contemporary arrangements. With its velvety, near-black flowers and beautifully patterned foliage, Zantedeschia 'Cantor' is an unforgettable summer favourite.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Grow calla lilies in full sun or partial shade, sheltered from strong winds. They thrive in borders and containers filled with rich, free-draining soil or compost.
Space the tubers around 20–30cm apart. For containers, use fresh peat-free multipurpose compost and choose a sturdy pot with good drainage.
Position each tuber with its buds or ‘eyes’ facing upwards. Cover it with around 1cm of soil, or plant it on its side if you are unsure which way is up.
Water lightly after planting and avoid saturating the compost while the tubers remain dormant. Once shoots appear, water regularly and do not allow the soil to dry out.
Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally in autumn. Lift tender calla tubers and store them somewhere dry and frost-free, or move container-grown plants under cover for winter.
- Botanical name
- Zantedeschia 'Cantor'
- Flower colour
- Green, black
- Bulb size
- 16/+
- Established height
- 30-50cm
- Established spread
- 20-30cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Tender
- Leaf colour
- Black
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant spacing
- 16 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Exotic gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Partial shade
Full shade - Toxicity
-
Harmful if eaten
Skin/eyes irritant - Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Perfect for pots
Needs winter protection
Low maintenance
Thrives in full sun
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Calla 'Cantor' reviews
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