Zantedeschia aethiopica
Best vibrant blooms for enhancing garden aesthetics.
This striking herbaceous perennial bulb is celebrated for its mid-summer white flowers and lush, iris-like foliage. It thrives in full sun to part sun and prefers rich, moist soil, showing excellent tolerance for wet conditions and even standing water, making it ideal for rain gardens. While it attracts pollinators, parts of the plant may be poisonous. With a medium to fast growth rate and medium maintenance, it provides multiple seasons of interest as a beautiful specimen planting.
$50.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
977
/ 4603
#977 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
+72%
Above average
Plant Min Zone
6
/ b
Who it's for
- Home gardeners seeking sophisticated, visually impactful floral displays
- Decorators and gardeners desiring adaptable plants for diverse settings
- Busy individuals wanting beautiful plants without constant fuss
Who should skip it
- Pet owners and families with young children needing safe garden choices
- Gardeners in cold climates seeking year-round outdoor plant performance
- Individuals in drought-prone areas or those preferring low-water landscaping
Performance breakdown
Wet-site adaptability
Unmatched performance in rain gardens and areas with standing water.
Pollinator appeal
Fragrant blooms act as a reliable magnet for local butterflies.
Maintenance demand
Requires consistent moisture and winter protection to thrive long-term.
Visual impact
Lush tropical foliage provides a striking architectural presence in landscapes.
Pest resistance
Strong defense against rabbits and deer keeps the foliage intact.
Climate versatility
Limited by strict hardiness zones and sensitivity to extreme cold.
Key Specs
Plant Min Zone
6b
Plant Max Zone
10b
Sunlight
Full Sun, Part Sun
Water / Rainfall
Average, High
Soil Quality
Average, Rich
Bloom Season
Summer, Late Summer
Flower Color
White
Spring Foliage Color
Green
Know before you buy
Yes, Zantedeschia aethiopica is an excellent choice for wet areas. It is highly tolerant of standing water and performs exceptionally well in rain gardens or at the base of retaining walls where moisture collects.
For the best results, plant it in a location that receives full sun to part sun. A south-facing exposure is often ideal to support its growth and mid-summer flowering.
No, parts of this plant may be poisonous if ingested. It is best to plant it in an area where pets and small children are not likely to come into contact with it.
Because it is hardy in zones 6b through 10b, you should apply a thick layer of winter mulch to protect the roots from cold. Around the first fall freeze, you can trim the perennial to the ground as it does not provide winter interest.
This plant is resistant to rabbits and deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens where these animals are a common nuisance.
You can expect this plant to reach a mature height of approximately 4 feet and a width of about 3 feet. Its fast growth rate means it will fill out its designated space relatively quickly.
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$50