How to Grow Calla Lily Captain Romance
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Calla Lily Captain Romance
Zantedeschia hybrid 'Captain Romance'
flowerCaptain Romance is a stunning hybrid calla lily featuring deep burgundy to near-black spathes with a striking golden-yellow spadix. This dramatic cultivar produces elegant, arrow-shaped flowers that are prized for cut flowers and ornamental garden displays. It reaches 24-32 inches in height and blooms prolifically throughout the growing season.
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Example Calla Lily Captain Romance timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Calla Lily Captain Romance
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Calla Lily Captain Romance blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Calla Lily Captain Romance dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; can be grown in cooler zones as a container plant or annual
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Planting & Sprouting
2-3 weeksRhizome is planted and develops initial shoots and roots
Ensure soil is moist but well-draining. Maintain temperatures between 60-70°F. Plant in spring after frost danger passes.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksGlossy, arrow-shaped green leaves emerge and develop; plant establishes strong foliage
Maintain consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure adequate light. Remove any yellowing leaves.
Budding & Pre-Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin to form within leaf axils; spathes start to develop
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Switch to higher phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooming. Maintain humidity around 60-70%.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (or longer with proper care)Deep burgundy spathes with golden-yellow spadix open and display full color; flowers appear continuously
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Continue fertilizing every 2-3 weeks.
Decline & Dormancy
4-8 weeksFlowering slows as temperatures drop or day length decreases; foliage may yellow
Gradually reduce watering. Stop fertilizing. Cut back foliage to 2 inches once it dies back completely. Store rhizomes in cool, dry conditions over winter in cold climates.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil or miticide if severe
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab, spray with insecticidal soap, isolate infected plants
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil
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Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, use sterile soil, apply fungicide if caught early
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Remove affected rhizomes, sterilize tools, improve air circulation, avoid wounding rhizomes
Uses
Ornamental Use Only
CulinaryCalla lilies are NOT edible and should never be consumed. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals which cause irritation. They are grown purely for their stunning ornamental flowers. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdCaptain Romance's deep burgundy spathes with golden spadix are exceptional for high-end floral arrangements, wedding bouquets, and formal displays. The long stems and dramatic coloring make them a florist favorite. [source]
Dried Flower Crafts
CraftCalla lily flowers can be dried and preserved for long-lasting floral arrangements, pressed flower crafts, and decorative displays that retain their striking coloration. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe prominent spadix and nectar production attract pollinators including bees and butterflies, making Captain Romance a valuable addition to gardens supporting beneficial insects. [source]
Traditional Medicine (Non-Edible)
MedicinalHistorically used in some traditional medicine systems for skin conditions (external application only), though modern use is limited due to potential irritation from calcium oxalate crystals. Should be approached with caution. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers with a sharp knife just above the soil line when the spathe is fully open and colored. Harvest in early morning for longest vase life. Cut flowers typically last 5-7 days in a vase with fresh, cool water. For continuous blooms, remove spent flowers promptly. Calla lilies are excellent as cut flowers and can be dried for floral arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite their common name 'Calla Lilies,' these plants are not true lilies—they belong to the Araceae family (arum family) and are more closely related to philodendrons and anthuriums than to lilies.
- 🌱 The distinctive 'flower' is actually a spathe (modified leaf) surrounding a spadix (a spike of tiny true flowers); the spadix in Captain Romance displays a striking golden color that contrasts dramatically with the deep burgundy spathe.
- 🌱 Captain Romance is a hybrid cultivar developed through breeding programs to achieve the unique deep burgundy color and golden spadix combination, making it a relatively modern addition to calla lily varieties compared to the species forms.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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