Calla Lilies, Arum Lilies, Canna Lilies – they all look similar and seem to have a lot in common. Knowing which one you have in your landscape might be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. But despite their similarities, these beauties are still their own individuals.
Calla Lilies and Arums look similar, but Callas are a hybrid variety with some minor differences. Arum Lilies are hardy types and are larger and multiply faster. Calla Lilies are tender types. Arum Lilies are more tolerant of wet, shady environments than their sun-loving Calla Lily cousins.
In this article, we’ll do a deep dive into the differences between Calla Lilies and Arum Lilies and discuss how Canna Lilies fit into the mix. You’ll be able to identify these plants and tell them apart from one another, and you’ll also be able to choose the best one for your garden.
What Are Arum Lilies?
Arum Lilies are not true Lilies, but they are still flowering plants that produce captivating blooms. They are known for their heart-shaped or arrowhead-like leaves and chalice-shaped or hooded flowers. However, the part of the plant we typically recognize as the bloom is actually a modified leaf (or bract) called the spathe.
The spathe can vary in color, but they’re most often white to pale green, with the exception of a few more colorful cultivars. The spathe surrounds the spadix, a yellow spike growing from the center of the funnel-shaped bract. You’ll find the Arum Lily’s true tiny flowers on the yellow spike.
Arum Lillies, like Calla Lilies, typically bloom during spring. In the right conditions, Arum Lilies grow as perennials. In warm, wet conditions, Arums can grow as evergreens. They grow best in wet, sunny areas but can also tolerate full shade.
Calla Lily Vs. Arum Lily: What’s the Difference?
Calla Lilies and Arum Lilies look similar; both grow from rhizomes (or bulbs), and they are often mistaken for one another. So, you may wonder, “What is the difference between Arum and Calla Lilies?” It turns out that these two blooming beauties have more differences than similarities, starting with their genetics.
Classification
The differences between Callas and Arums really start with their botanical classification. Calla Lilies are part of the genus Zantedeschia, while Arum Lilies are members of the Arum genus. While this may not seem important, it’s the basis of all the other differences between these two plants. It also demonstrates that they are, at their core, different plant species despite their similarities.
Physical Differences
If you look at Calla Lilies and Arum Lilies side-by-side, you’ll certainly notice they’re not identical. Still, some of the differences are more subtle than others. Calla Lilies are known for their elegant and romantic “blooms.” But, like Arum Lilies, these aren’t their actual flowers. The graceful trumpet-shaped flower is actually the spathe, and it surrounds a central spadix.
In Calla Lilies, the spathe may be a variety of colors, ranging from classic white and soft pink to yellow or even deep purple. At the center of this is the cylindrical spadix, which protrudes from the spathe.
Arum Lilies are known for their hood-like spathe that wraps around a club-shaped spadix. Unlike Calla Lilies, Arums are typically cream-colored, white, or pale green. The spathe usually curves over the spadix, giving the bloom a unique and whimsical look.
This difference in the spathe’s shape and appearance is one of the main indicators of whether you’re looking at a Calla Lily or an Arum Lily. Remember, Arum Lilies are normally more prominent and may appear more flat or open, while Calla Lilies are smaller and more compact. Their cup shape is typically tighter than Arums.
In addition, Arum Lilies are typically larger than Calla Lilies. The Arum stalks will be taller, and the flowers and leaves will be bigger, but Calla Lilies have far more color variations.
Environment and Care Differences
If you’re looking to grow Calla Lilies or Arum Lilies (or both), there are some more differences you should know about. Calla Lilies thrive in rich, well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight. They’re ideal for growing in gardens or containers if you provide them with these conditions.
Arum Lilies, on the other hand, prefer rich and moist soil. They can tolerate far wetter conditions than Calla Lilies and prefer partial to full shade. Too much sun will harm your Arums, while Calla Lilies usually won’t grow well and bloom in full shade.
These differences are why Calla Lilies are referred to as “tender” varieties, while Arums are “hardy” types. Hardy types are typically bigger and will grow and spread more easily, while tender types are smaller and need more specific conditions to thrive.
Interested in learning more about the conditions your Calla Lilies need to thrive? Take a look at this article.
Fragrance and Scent Differences
One of the best reasons to plant flowers in your garden is for their sweet aroma and tendency to attract pollinators. So, what about Calla Lilies and Arum Lilies?
Calla Lilies typically emit a light, sweet floral fragrance. Depending on the cultivar, it may or may not produce an aroma strong enough for you to smell from afar. Still, if you cut them for a vase or arrangement, you should notice a subtle fragrance similar to fresh-cut gardenias or a light citrus scent.
Arum Lilies aren’t normally known for their fragrance. In fact, many species don’t produce a noticeable scent at all. Still, a few emit a light, earthy aroma, but this isn’t characteristic of all Arums.
That’s not to say that Calla Lilies are better suited to attract bees and butterflies. Neither plant is known for being an attractant for pollinators, and each has its own traits to invite beneficial insects to visit.
Cultural Differences
There’s a reason Calla Lilies are among the most popular flowers to use in wedding bouquets and arrangements. These elegant blooms are most often associated with beauty, purity, and elegance. You can spot Calla Lilies and references to them in art, literature, pop culture, weddings, and more. They are frequently used to symbolize love, devotion, and innocence.
On the other hand, Arum Lilies have a more complex cultural history. Throughout the years, Arums have been used to symbolize different things in various cultures. For example, Arum Lilies have been linked to good fortune, superstition, or even death due to their hood-like appearance.
So, these differences may be why you’re more likely to see Calla Lilies at a wedding and Arum Lilies at a funeral.
Canna Lily Vs. Calla Lily: What’s the Difference?
If the differences between Calla Lilies and Arum Lilies weren’t enough, there’s still another plant to consider. Canna Lilies are often confused for Callas because of their name, but these two have distinct characteristics.
Canna Lilies are part of the genus Canna, which is part of the Cannaceae family. That means these beauties are a completely different species than Calla Lilies, which are classified under the genus Zantedeschia and part of the Araceae family.
Physical Differences
At a glance, one of the most telling differences between Calla Lilies and Canna Lilies is their size and shape. Canna Lilies are known for their tall growth habits, with some varieties reaching a massive height of up to eight feet. Foliage is equally massive, with large, banana-like leaves that grow in a variety of colors.
Canna Lily blooms look like tall spikes and are sometimes described as “torch-like,” growing in vibrant colors ranging from red and orange to yellow or bright pink.
Calla Lilies, on the other hand, are much simpler and elegant in their appearance. They show off sleek, chalice-shaped blooms surrounding a central spadix. Color varieties are more limited and muted with Calla Lilies, but there are still some that grow in shades of deep purple or vibrant pink.
Environment and Growing Conditions
Calla Lilies and Canna Lilies enjoy similar growing conditions but with a few subtle differences. Both plants enjoy warm, sunny conditions and well-draining soil. However, Canna Lilies prefer more sunlight than Callas. To produce their showstopping blooms, Canna Lilies need more direct sunlight and are best suited for tropical climates.
Calla Lilies prefer filtered sunlight or partial shade. Too much direct sunlight will burn the foliage and stress the plant.
Putting It All Together
Not only are Arum Lilies and Calla Lilies not the same thing, but they’re also not even true Lilies! Then you add Canna Lilies into the mix, and it’s enough to make even the biggest gardening enthusiast scratch their head.
Despite their similar-sounding names and appearances, these plants all have their own unique characteristics and preferences, setting them apart from one another. Their differences start at the genetic level – each has its own genus and family classification. From there, it’s easy to spot some of the variations in their appearances and growth habits.
Canna Lilies tower over the other two with large, lush foliage and torch-like blooms. Arum Lilies captivate with hooded bracts forming a mysterious “flower,” while Calla Lilies bring elegance and simplistic beauty to the garden.
You’ll still be delighted with gorgeous blooms each spring and summer, no matter which one you plant or grow (or if you grow all three). So long as you provide the proper care and conditions, these beauties will be stunning additions to your garden. Choosing the right one really comes down to your own style preferences, the planting space, and how much sunlight the area will get.