Calla Lilies, with their trumpet-shaped blooms and lush foliage, are a sight to behold. But what if you want to move these beauties to a new location? Fear not, dear gardener, for we have got you covered. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of transplanting Calla Lilies, from digging up the roots to watching the blooms flourish in their new home.
Understanding Calla Lilies
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of transplantation, let's take a moment to appreciate the plant we're dealing with. Calla Lilies, despite their name, aren't actually lilies. They're a part of the Araceae family, which makes them cousins to the peace lily and philodendron. These plants are native to South Africa, which means they love a good dose of sunshine and well-drained soil.
Calla Lilies are perennial plants, meaning they can live for more than two years. They bloom in late spring to early summer, and their flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and even black. The plant's leaves are just as attractive, with their deep green color and heart-shaped form.
Why Transplant Calla Lilies?
Transplanting Calla Lilies can be necessary for a variety of reasons. Perhaps your garden's layout has changed, or the lilies are outgrowing their current space. Maybe you're moving house and can't bear to leave your beloved plants behind. Or perhaps you're simply in the mood for a change. Whatever the reason, Calla Lilies are generally quite forgiving when it comes to transplantation, as long as you follow some basic guidelines.
It's also worth noting that transplanting can be a great opportunity to divide your Calla Lilies. These plants multiply through their rhizomes, and over time, they can become crowded. By dividing them during transplantation, you can ensure healthier growth and more abundant blooms.
When to Transplant Calla Lilies
Timing is crucial when it comes to transplanting Calla Lilies. The best time to do this is in early spring, just before the growing season begins. This gives the plants plenty of time to establish themselves in their new location before they start to bloom.
However, if you missed the spring window, don't despair. Calla Lilies can also be transplanted in the fall, after they've finished blooming. Just make sure to do this before the first frost, as these plants don't appreciate the cold.
How to Transplant Calla Lilies
1. Prepare the New Location
Before you start digging up your Calla Lilies, make sure their new home is ready. Choose a location with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
Next, dig a hole that's about twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your Calla Lily. This will give the roots plenty of room to spread out and establish themselves.
2. Dig Up the Calla Lily
Now comes the fun part: digging up your Calla Lily. Start by watering the plant thoroughly a day or two before you plan to transplant it. This will make the soil easier to work with and reduce transplant shock.
When you're ready to dig up the plant, use a garden fork or spade to gently loosen the soil around the base of the Calla Lily. Be careful not to damage the roots as you do this. Once you've loosened the soil, you should be able to lift the plant out of the ground with ease.
3. Divide the Calla Lily (Optional)
If your Calla Lily has become crowded, now is the perfect time to divide it. Simply break apart the root ball into smaller sections, each with at least one shoot or bud. Be gentle during this process to avoid damaging the roots.
Dividing your Calla Lily not only promotes healthier growth, but it also gives you more plants to enjoy or share with friends. It's a win-win situation!
4. Plant the Calla Lily
Place your Calla Lily (or lilies, if you've divided them) in the prepared hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the base of the plant.
Once the Calla Lily is planted, water it thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Then, all you have to do is wait for your Calla Lily to settle into its new home and start producing those gorgeous blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I transplant Calla Lilies in the summer?
While it's possible to transplant Calla Lilies in the summer, it's not ideal. The heat and dry conditions can cause stress to the plants and hinder their recovery. If you must transplant in the summer, make sure to water the plants thoroughly before and after the move, and provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
2. How often should I water my transplanted Calla Lilies?
Calla Lilies like moist, but not waterlogged, soil. After transplanting, water the plants thoroughly, and then keep the soil consistently moist until the plants are established. Once established, you can reduce watering to once a week or so, depending on the weather.
3. My transplanted Calla Lilies are wilting. What should I do?
Wilting is a common sign of transplant shock. Make sure your plants are getting enough water, but not too much. If the soil is dry, water the plants. If it's waterlogged, let it dry out a bit. If the wilting continues, consider providing some shade to protect the plants from the heat.
Conclusion
Transplanting Calla Lilies may seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of preparation and care, it can be a rewarding experience. So roll up your sleeves, grab your garden tools, and get ready to give your Calla Lilies a new lease on life. Happy gardening!
