Calla Red Symphony

Calla ‘Red Symphony’ is a bold, glamorous Calla Lily with rich, velvety red blooms that instantly add drama to summer pots and borders. The sleek, sculptural flowers rise above glossy green foliage, creating a striking, modern look that works beautifully in contemporary containers, tropical-style displays, or mixed patio planting. Red Callas are especially eye-catching near doorways and seating areas, and they make superb cut flowers too—long-lasting and instantly stylish in arrangements.

Supplied as a bare root rhizome, ‘Red Symphony’ is easy to plant in spring and quickly gets going once temperatures warm, rewarding you with weeks of colour through summer.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant bare root Calla (Zantedeschia) in spring once the risk of hard frost has passed and the soil is warming. You can also start it earlier in a pot indoors or in a greenhouse for a head start.

Where to Plant:
Choose a position in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered spot. Callas are ideal for patio pots, containers and summer borders. They prefer moist but well-drained soil—avoid waterlogged conditions, especially in cooler weather.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant the rhizome about 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) deep, with the growing points (buds) facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) apart in borders, or plant one per pot for a bold container display.
• Soil Prep: Use a fertile, free-draining compost/soil. In heavy ground, improve drainage with grit. In pots, ensure good drainage holes.

Watering:
Water after planting, then keep the soil lightly moist as growth starts. Once established and in active growth, Callas enjoy regular watering—especially in containers—but never allow them to sit in water.

Aftercare Tips:

• Feed every 1–2 weeks during the growing and flowering season, especially in pots.
• Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to keep plants tidy.
• After flowering, allow foliage to continue growing to feed the rhizome for next year.
• In colder areas, lift and store rhizomes dry and frost-free over winter, or move containers to a protected place.

Top Tip:
Red Callas look incredible in high-contrast planting. Pair ‘Red Symphony’ with silver foliage, dark-leaved plants, or creamy whites for a really show-stopping container display.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

June - September

Height:
16–24" (40–60cm)

Position:
Full sun / partial shade (sheltered)

Tender Perennial:
Often grown as a summer plant in the UK (overwinter frost-free)