High Country Gardens
Rocket Calla Lily
Best choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, deer-resistant summer color.
Experience the dramatic beauty of the 'Rocket' Calla Lily, featuring intensely saturated, deep maroon blooms and lush, heart-shaped foliage. These South African natives are remarkably easy to grow, thriving in sunny, moist conditions and blooming from mid-summer until frost. Perfect for creating eye-catching garden displays or elegant floral arrangements, they also make a stunning addition to container plantings. Their deer resistance and ability to attract pollinators add further appeal to these captivating lilies, bringing a touch of regal elegance to any space.
$11.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 3088
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-49%
Below average
Hardiness Zones
310
/ -
Who it's for
- Homeowners desiring consistent, season-long color in their garden
- Gardeners seeking a modern, sculptural aesthetic for their landscape
- Floral designers wanting long-lasting stems for home arrangements
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in colder climates avoiding extra seasonal maintenance
- Busy gardeners unable to maintain a strict watering schedule
- Pet owners and parents prioritizing a non-toxic home environment
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep maroon blooms provide a sophisticated, high-contrast focal point.
Ease of Cultivation
Remarkably low-maintenance for gardeners of all experience levels.
Pollinator Attraction
Reliably draws butterflies and hummingbirds to your outdoor space.
Versatility
Adapts perfectly to garden beds, containers, or cut flower arrangements.
Pest Resistance
Natural deer resistance keeps your garden display safe and intact.
Climate Adaptability
Wide zone range offers flexibility, though winter protection is required.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zones
3-10
Mature Height
10-14 inches
Planting Depth
4 inches
Spacing
3 bulbs per sq. ft.
Ships As
Bulb, Rhizome, Tuber
Soil Moisture Preference
Moist / Wet
Perennial in Zones
8-10 (with mulching in Zone 8)
Origin
South Africa
Features
- Striking deep maroon blooms
- Lush, glossy foliage
- Deer resistant
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Blooms mid-summer to frost
- Ideal for container planting
- Hardy to Zone 3
- Excellent for cut flowers
What customers say
Customers are consistently impressed with the exceptional quality and vigor of the Rocket Calla Lily bulbs. Reviewers frequently mention how quickly the plants establish and produce stunning, vibrant blooms that match descriptions. This reliability makes the variety a standout in garden beds, offering strong value for gardeners seeking dependable performance and visual impact. The deep color saturation and impressive height are frequently highlighted as key features, confirming the excellent quality of these bulbs.
Know before you buy
While the bulbs are hardy to Zone 3, they are only reliably perennial in Zones 8–10. In colder climates, you should treat them as annuals or lift the tubers in the fall to store them indoors over winter.
Rocket Calla Lilies prefer consistently moist to wet soil. Ensure they are planted in an area that does not dry out completely, or monitor container moisture levels closely during the heat of summer.
Yes, their compact 10–14 inch height makes them excellent for containers. Use a high-quality potting mix and ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent the tubers from rotting in overly saturated soil.
These lilies are considered deer resistant, making them a safer choice for gardens prone to browsing. While they are less likely to be targeted, they are highly attractive to pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
For a lush, dense display, we recommend a planting density of three bulbs per square foot. This spacing ensures the foliage fills in nicely while allowing enough room for the rhizomes to thrive.
You can expect the deep maroon flowers to appear from mid-summer and continue blooming until the first frost. This long flowering window makes them a reliable choice for late-season color.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$12