Calla 'Grape Velvet'®

Description and Characteristics

Calla 'Grape Velvet'® is a striking, richly coloured Zantedeschia hybrid known for its deep, velvety purple blooms and lush green foliage. The flowers—actually modified leaves known as spathes—are elegant, chalice-shaped, and held upright on sturdy stems. Their dark, luxurious tone adds drama and sophistication to any garden or floral arrangement.

Mature plants typically reach a height of 50–60 cm and spread to about 30–40 cm, making 'Grape Velvet'® a perfect choice for containers, borders, cutting gardens, or formal planting designs. Its arrow-shaped foliage may be lightly speckled with white, adding texture and visual contrast even when not in bloom.

The flowering period extends from late spring to late summer (usually June to August), and like most modern Calla lilies, it offers excellent performance both in the garden and as a cut flower, where its dramatic hue and long vase life are highly prized.

• Deep purple to almost black spathes with velvety texture

• Upright growth and bold green (sometimes spotted) foliage

• Blooms from early to late summer

• Ideal for containers, flower beds, and cutting gardens

• Hardy in USDA Zones 8–10; lift and store tubers in colder climates

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

‘Grape Velvet’® is easy to grow with sun, moisture, and well-drained soil. It is best treated as a summer-flowering tender bulb, planted in spring after the risk of frost has passed.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun in temperate climates

  • In hot areas, provide light afternoon shade to protect the blooms from fading

• Soil Preferences:

  • Thrives in well-drained, fertile, and moisture-retentive soil

  • Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) is ideal

  • Enrich planting sites with compost or well-rotted manure before planting

• Watering Needs:

  • Water consistently during the growing season, especially in dry weather

  • Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy

  • Reduce watering in autumn once leaves begin to yellow and plants go dormant

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser (e.g. 10-10-10) in early spring

  • Boost with a liquid feed every 2–3 weeks during flowering for best performance

  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote foliage at the expense of flowers

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Remove spent blooms to encourage new flowers and maintain appearance

  • Allow foliage to die back naturally to feed the tubers before dormancy

• Winter Care:

  • In Zones 8–10, cover with mulch to protect from light frosts

  • In colder climates, lift tubers after first frost, dry for a few days, and store in peat or vermiculite in a frost-free location (5–10°C)

Design Uses, Companions, and Floral Qualities

‘Grape Velvet’® is a standout cultivar that delivers intense colour and vertical interest. Its rich tone and elegant form are suited to both modern and classic planting designs.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Ideal for formal borders, tropical-style gardens, and contemporary displays

  • Excellent in container groupings on patios or terraces

  • Works well in mass plantings, especially in contrasting colour schemes

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with soft pinks, whites, silvers, and chartreuse foliage

  • Combine with heuchera, ornamental grasses, salvias, or dahlias

  • In containers, plant with trailing verbena or calibrachoa for added drama

• Cut Flower Use:

  • Outstanding vase life: 7–10 days

  • Cut stems when the spathe is just fully open and firm

  • Remove lower leaves and keep in clean water to maintain freshness

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally resistant to deer and rabbits

  • Watch for aphids or spider mites in dry conditions

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent tuber rot or fungal issues like botrytis

• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.