Outdoor Calla Lilies are indeed perennial plants that have the ability to come back and bloom year after year. They are native to areas with mild climates, such as Zones 8-10. In these regions, Calla Lilies can be reliably grown as perennials without much additional care.
However, in cooler zones where winter frosts are common, Calla Lilies may require some extra attention and care to survive the winter and come back in the following year. The cold temperatures and frost can damage the bulbs and foliage of the plant, making it necessary to take certain precautions to protect them.
One method to ensure the survival of Calla Lilies in colder zones is to dig up the bulbs before the first frost hits in fall. The bulbs can be carefully lifted from the ground, taking care not to damage them, and then stored in a cool, dry place over the winter. This can be done by gently removing any excess soil from the bulbs and placing them in a paper bag or container with dry peat moss or vermiculite. It’s important to keep the bulbs in a well-ventilated area and check them periodically to ensure they remain healthy.
Another approach is to mulch the Calla Lily plants heavily before winter arrives. This can be done by applying a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plants. The mulch helps insulate the soil and bulbs, protecting them from the freezing temperatures. It’s important to wait until after the first frost to apply the mulch, as this will allow the plant to naturally go dormant.
In some cases, gardeners in cooler zones may choose to treat Calla Lilies as annuals rather than perennials. This means that they grow the plants for a single season and then allow them to die completely. While this may seem like a waste, it can be a practical option for those who don’t want to go through the hassle of overwintering the bulbs or who want to experiment with different varieties each year.
While outdoor Calla Lilies are perennial plants that have the potential to come back year after year, their ability to survive and thrive in colder zones is dependent on the specific climate and the care provided. By taking proper precautions like digging up the bulbs or mulching heavily, gardeners can increase the chances of their Calla Lilies returning in the following year.
