Calla 'Odessa'® – Planting and Care Guide

Calla 'Odessa'® is a stunning and sophisticated variety of Calla Lily, admired for its deep, velvety purple-black flowers and elegant, upright growth. Its dramatic blooms create a striking contrast in borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements. Flowering throughout summer, this award-worthy plant adds a touch of luxury and contemporary style to any garden.

Plant Information

• Botanical Name: Zantedeschia 'Odessa'®
• Common Name: Calla Lily
• Flower Colour: Deep purple-black
• Foliage: Glossy green, often lightly spotted
• Height: 40–60cm (16–24 inches)
• Spread: 30–45cm (12–18 inches)
• Flowering Period: June to September
• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil

Planting Advice

Plant Calla 'Odessa'® rhizomes in spring once the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures begin to warm.

In Borders

• Choose a sheltered position with plenty of sunlight or light shade.
• Incorporate compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil before planting.
• Plant rhizomes 8–10cm (3–4 inches) deep.
• Space plants 30–40cm apart to allow for healthy growth.
• Water thoroughly after planting.

In Containers

• Use a pot with adequate drainage holes.
• Fill with quality multipurpose compost enriched with organic matter.
• Plant rhizomes 8–10cm deep.
• Position containers in a bright location with protection from strong winds.

Care and Maintenance

Calla 'Odessa'® performs best when provided with consistent moisture and regular feeding during the growing season.

Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist during active growth.
• Water regularly, especially during warm weather.
• Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely.
• Reduce watering once flowering has finished and foliage begins to die back.

Feeding

• Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks during the growing season.
• Continue feeding until flowering ends.
• Avoid overfeeding, which may encourage excessive leaf growth.

Mulching

• Apply a layer of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture.
• Mulching also helps suppress weeds and improve soil quality.

Winter Care

Calla 'Odessa'® is only partially hardy and may require winter protection in colder regions.

In Mild Areas

• Apply a thick mulch over the crown in autumn.
• Ensure soil remains well-drained throughout winter.

In Colder Areas

• Lift rhizomes before severe frosts arrive.
• Allow them to dry for several days.
• Store in a cool, dry, frost-free place over winter.
• Replant outdoors in spring once temperatures rise.

Container-Grown Plants

• Move pots to a frost-free greenhouse, conservatory, or sheltered location during winter.
• Keep compost only slightly moist while dormant.

Pest and Disease Advice

Calla 'Odessa'® is generally easy to grow but may occasionally encounter:

• Slugs and snails feeding on young shoots
• Aphids on new growth and flower stems
• Root rot in poorly drained soils
• Leaf spot in damp, overcrowded conditions

Good drainage, proper spacing, and regular inspection will help maintain healthy plants.

Garden Uses

• Patio and terrace containers
• Contemporary garden designs
• Mixed summer borders
• Waterside planting schemes
• Cut flower gardens
• Elegant monochrome planting displays

Cut Flower Tips

• Harvest flowers when fully coloured but freshly opened.
• Use a sharp knife or secateurs to cut stems.
• Change vase water regularly to prolong flower life.
• Flowers can last up to two weeks indoors when properly cared for.

With its dramatic near-black blooms, elegant form, and long-lasting flowers, Calla 'Odessa'® is an exceptional choice for gardeners looking to create a bold and sophisticated display throughout the summer months

• Size
  2L

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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 DPD 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.
 

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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)

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