Calla 'Picasso' ®

Description and Characteristics

Zantedeschia 'Picasso', commonly known as Calla Lily 'Picasso', is a stunning bicolour cultivar prized for its striking purple and creamy white flowers. The elegant, trumpet-shaped spathes feature deep violet-purple centres that fade into creamy ivory or pale green edges, creating a dramatic and artistic two-toned effect—hence the name 'Picasso'. It is a favourite among gardeners, florists, and designers for its bold colouring, compact habit, and excellent performance in both containers and beds.

'Picasso' grows to about 50–60 cm in height and spreads 30–40 cm, forming clumps of lush, arrow-shaped green leaves often speckled with white. It blooms from early summer through late summer (June to August), producing long-lasting, upright blooms on sturdy stems.

This variety also performs very well as a cut flower, making it ideal for floral arrangements and summer bouquets.

• Distinctive bicolour blooms: purple centres with creamy white rims

• Strong, upright stems and lightly speckled green foliage

• Long bloom period: June to August

• Ideal for beds, borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements

• Height: 50–60 cm; Spread: 30–40 cm

• Hardy in USDA Zones 8–10; treat as tender bulb in colder climates

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Calla Lily 'Picasso' is easy to grow and rewards regular care with dramatic blooms. It prefers warm, sunny conditions and rich, well-draining soil. Though it is not frost-hardy, the tubers can be overwintered and replanted annually.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun in temperate climates

  • Tolerates partial shade in hot summer regions to protect blooms from fading

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires moist but well-drained, fertile soil

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

  • Add compost or organic matter at planting time to enrich the soil

• Watering Needs:

  • Water consistently during the growing season to keep soil evenly moist

  • Avoid letting soil dry out completely, especially in containers

  • Reduce watering after flowering ends and foliage begins to yellow

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser at planting time

  • Supplement with liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks while in bloom

  • Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen-rich products, which may reduce flowering

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Remove spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and promote further blooming

  • Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering to feed the tubers

• Winter Care:

  • Not frost hardy—lift and store tubers after first frost in Zones 7 and colder

  • Dry tubers thoroughly, then store in dry peat or vermiculite in a cool, dark, frost-free place (5–10°C)

  • In Zones 8–10, apply mulch in autumn to protect the crown if left in the ground

Design Uses, Companion Plants, and Cut Flower Benefits

Calla 'Picasso' adds both refinement and boldness to garden designs with its unique colour palette and upright form. It fits beautifully into formal borders, exotic-themed gardens, and modern container arrangements.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Perfect for containers, mixed borders, and tropical-style plantings

  • Great as a focal point or in drifts for dramatic effect

  • Ideal for formal gardens, florist beds, or cut flower plots

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with cannas, dahlias, salvia, coleus, agapanthus, or ornamental grasses

  • Complements silver or burgundy foliage for high contrast

  • In containers, surround with trailing lobelia, bacopa, or calibrachoa

• Cut Flower Features:

  • Excellent vase life: 7–10 days

  • Harvest when the spathes are fully coloured but still firm

  • Strip lower leaves and change water regularly to maximise freshness

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally pest-resistant, but may attract aphids, slugs, or snails

  • Avoid overly wet soil to prevent tuber rot or fungal problems such as botrytis

  • Ensure good air circulation and proper spacing

• 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.