People love calla lilies because they have beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers and graceful leaves. They are often used in gardens and flower arrangements. But did you know that there are a lot of other flowers that look a lot like the calla lily?
From arums to anthuriums, peace lilies to Peruvian lilies, there are numerous calla lily lookalikes that can mimic the beauty of a true calla. While similar in appearance, each has its own distinct features when it comes to color, size, growing conditions and uses.
If you like the way calla lilies look but want to try something different, Here are 12 beautiful flowers that can be used instead of calla lilies.
1. Arum Lily
The arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), sometimes known as the calla lily, is a close relative of the true calla lily. Native to southern Africa, it displays the classic calla shape – a trumpet-shaped white spathe with a yellow spadix in the center. However, arum lilies can grow much larger, up to 1 meter tall, preferring wet habitats like ponds and stream banks. They are also toxic if ingested.
2. Peace Lily
A favorite houseplant, the peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) is known for its glossy leaves and elegant white blooms that resemble a calla lily. Though not a true lily, its flowers consist of a spadix surrounded by a showy white spathe. Peace lilies are durable indoor plants that can help purify indoor air. They stay smaller than calla lilies, reaching only 1-3 feet in height.
3. Flamingo Flower
With flashy tropical blooms, the flamingo flower (Anthurium andraeanum) offers a wide range of spathe colors beyond white calla lilies. Its heart-shaped leaves and spike-like spadix are similar to calla lilies, but the waxy spathes come in bright reds, pinks, oranges and other shades. Popular as houseplants and cut flowers, flamingo flowers bring exotic color to indoor spaces.
4. Jack-in-the-Pulpit
With its hooded spathe and spike-like spadix, the unique Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) flower looks like a calla lily. But it is different because its leaves are split into three parts and its spathe is striped green or purple. Jack-in-the-pulpits are native to North American forests and make an interesting addition to shaded gardens.
5. Golden Calla Lily
For those seeking a calla lily with a burst of color, the golden calla lily (Zantedeschia elliottiana) offers bright yellow spathes instead of white. It reaches around 2-3 feet tall, thriving in sunny spots with well-drained soil. The golden calla lily provides a cheerful, sunny look compared to the more subdued white calla lily.
6. Pink Calla Lily
Subtly blending white and pink, the pink calla lily (Zantedeschia rehmannii) features pastel pink spathes that retain the graceful calla shape. Pink calla lilies are smaller than the white variety, growing 1-2 feet tall, and prefer partial shade. Their soft color offers a delicate take on traditional calla lilies.
7. Peruvian Lily
Though not a true lily, the Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria spp. flower that looks like a calla lily and has funnel-shaped blooms on tall, leafy stems But while calla lilies have single spathes, Peruvian lilies have clusters of smaller, brighter flowers in colors like pink, orange, purple, yellow, and more. These long-lasting cut flowers are ideal for bouquets.
8. Lily of the Nile
The lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus) may remind you of a calla lily with its elegant white flowers, but it blooms in spherical clusters on tall stalks rather than individual spathes. Sometimes called African lily, its strap-like leaves form attractive clumps. Lily of the Nile adds height and drama to gardens when in bloom.
9. Canna Lily
Though not a true lily, the tropical canna lily (Canna indica) flaunts large, brightly colored blooms that attract attention. Its flowers consist of wide, overlapping petals in fiery shades of red, orange, yellow and pink. Canna lily’s huge leaves and towering height also stand out in gardens.
10. Torch Lily
Also known as red hot poker, the torch lily (Kniphofia uvaria) sends up spires of tubular, tightly packed flowers reminiscent of calla lily spathes. But torch lily blooms start out red and transition to yellow, creating a bold, bicolor effect over time. Torch lilies lend height and vibrant color to sunny garden beds.
11. Blackberry Lily
The blackberry lily (Belamcanda chinensis) gets its name from the blackberry-like seeds that form after its flowers fade. Its blooms consist of six orange-red tepals that flare open to reveal spots and a central golden column containing pollen and nectar. Though not a true lily, its trumpet shape and orange color give it calla lily vibes.
12. Rain Lilies
A group of plants nicknamed “rain lilies,” including zephyranthes and habranthus species, produce delicate, trumpet-shaped blooms after summer rainstorms. Their flowers resemble miniature calla lilies in white, pink, yellow and orange hues. Rain lilies make excellent container plants and add cheerful color to gardens in warm climates.
With so many calla lookalikes to choose from, you can enjoy elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers in a diverse range of colors to suit your space and growing conditions. Mix and match different calla lily alternatives for a custom look and explore all the possibilities beyond the classic white calla lily.
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