Can Calla Lilies Grow in Northern New Hampshire?

Calla lilies need warm climates.

Calla lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) are not true lilies, but perennial plants that produce large, distinctive flowers. The calla lily is native to Southern and Eastern Africa and needs a warm climate to thrive.

Significance

Calla lilies cannot grow as a perennial in Northern New Hampshire as an outdoor plant. They cannot tolerate frost at all and will perish if exposed to cold temperatures.

Geography

Calla lilies grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 through 10. Northern New Hampshire is located in zones 3 and 4. USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10 only go as far north as Georgia and extend west to Texas.

Considerations

People in Northern New Hampshire who want to grow calla lilies can successfully grow them as indoor plants or greenhouse plants. Also, they can grow them outside in the summer as long as they bring the bulb inside before it gets cold.

References

• Floridata: Zantedeschia Aethiopica
• The United States National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map