Calla lilies are known for their graceful, trumpet-shaped blooms and sleek, elegant appearance, making them a popular choice for gardens, bouquets, and floral arrangements.
However, many other flowers share similar characteristics, whether in shape, colour, or structure. If you’re searching for a calla lily look alike for your garden or décor, it’s important to know what sets them apart.
This article explores 30 flowers that resemble calla lilies and highlights their key differences, helping you choose the right alternative based on appearance, growing conditions, and unique features.
1. Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
The Arum Lily, often referred to as the calla lily, is native to southern Africa. It features large, arrow-shaped, dark green leaves and produces striking white spathes surrounding a yellow spadix. This plant thrives in moist environments, such as stream banks and pond margins, and can grow up to 1 meter tall.
While similar in appearance to the common calla lily, the Arum Lily is distinguished by its larger size and preference for wetter habitats. Additionally, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, containing calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe discomfort.
2. Italian Arum (Arum italicum)
The Italian Arum is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe and parts of the Mediterranean. It showcases glossy, arrow-shaped leaves with distinctive pale veins and produces creamy white spathes in the spring. Following the flowering period, it develops clusters of bright red berries.
Unlike the calla lily, the Italian Arum's foliage emerges in the fall, persists through winter, and dies back in the summer. This plant can be invasive in certain regions and is considered toxic, causing skin irritation and other ailments upon contact or ingestion.
3. Black Calla Lily (Arum palaestinum)
The Black Calla Lily, also known as Solomon's Lily, is native to the Middle East. It is noted for its dark purple, almost black spathes that envelop a central spadix, creating a dramatic contrast against its green foliage.
This plant typically blooms in the spring and prefers well-drained soils in partially shaded areas. The deep coloration of its spathes sets it apart from the traditional white calla lily. As with other arum species, it contains toxic compounds and should be handled with care.
4. Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
Native to North America, the Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a unique woodland plant. It features a hooded spathe, often green or purple-striped, that covers a club-shaped spadix.
The plant's trifoliate leaves and the distinctive "pulpit" structure differentiate it from the calla lily. It thrives in moist, shady environments and produces bright red berries in the fall. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic if ingested.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
The Peace Lily is a popular houseplant, admired for its glossy, dark green leaves and white spathes that resemble the calla lily. It is native to tropical regions of the Americas and prefers low-light conditions, making it ideal for indoor settings.
The Peace Lily is distinguished by its ability to improve indoor air quality. Unlike the calla lily, it is not cold-hardy and must be kept indoors in cooler climates. While it is less toxic than other arum species, ingestion can still cause discomfort, so caution is advised around pets and children.
6. Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum)
The Flamingo Flower, also known as the painter's palette, is native to Colombia and Ecuador. It features large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves and striking flowers, which consist of a colorful, waxy spathe (often mistaken for the flower) and a spadix (a spike of tiny flowers).
The spathe ranges in color from bright red, pink, and orange to white, making it highly decorative. Unlike the calla lily's more subdued hues, the Flamingo Flower offers a broader color palette.
Additionally, while calla lilies have a single spathe that curls gracefully, anthuriums display a flatter, more open spathe. Both plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, making them toxic if ingested, so caution is advised around pets and children.
7. Green Goddess (Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess')
'Green Goddess' is a captivating cultivar of the common calla lily. It showcases creamy white spathes that transition to vibrant green toward the center, strikingly contrasting with its lush green foliage. This unique coloration sets it apart from the typical white calla lily.
The plant thrives in moist, humid conditions and can be an excellent addition to ponds and water gardens. Its distinctive green-centered blooms offer a fresh take on the classic calla lily appearance.
8. Crowborough (Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Crowborough')
'Crowborough' is a cultivar of the arum lily, known for its hardiness and suitability for cooler climates. It produces large, pure white spathes and can grow up to 90 cm tall.
This variety is particularly popular in regions with cooler climates, such as Ireland, Britain, and the northwestern United States, as it can withstand lower temperatures better than some other cultivars. The 'Crowborough' cultivar is often chosen for its resilience and the classic beauty of its white blooms.
9. Pink Mist (Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Pink Mist')
'Pink Mist' is a delicate and elegant cultivar of the arum lily. It features pure white flowers with delicate pastel pink centers, offering a subtle yet elegant appearance.
This variety is particularly suited for ponds and water gardens, as it thrives in moist, humid conditions. The soft pink hues of 'Pink Mist' provide a gentle contrast to the typical white spathes of standard calla lilies, making it a unique addition to any garden.
10. Red Desire (Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Red Desire')
'Red Desire' is a striking cultivar of the arum lily, known for its distinctive red spadix, which contrasts beautifully with its white spathes. This unique coloration sets it apart from other calla lily varieties, which typically feature yellow spadices.
The 'Red Desire' cultivar is less common and may be harder to find, but its unique appearance makes it a sought-after addition for collectors and enthusiasts looking to add a touch of the unusual to their gardens.
11. White Sail (Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Sail')
'White Sail' is a striking cultivar of the common calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), renowned for its robust growth and abundant blooms. It features large, pure white, trumpet-shaped spathes that stand out against its dark green, arrowhead-shaped foliage.
This cultivar is particularly noted for its upright habit and the sheer number of flowers it produces, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking a dramatic display.
While it shares the classic white coloration with the standard calla lily, 'White Sail' distinguishes itself through its prolific flowering and vigorous growth, often reaching heights of up to 1.2 meters.
Ideal for borders, containers, or as a focal point in garden beds, it thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. Its resilience and striking appearance make it a standout choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
12. Spotted Calla Lily (Zantedeschia albomaculata)
The Spotted Calla Lily (Zantedeschia albomaculata) is distinguished by its unique foliage and charming blooms. Its leaves are lance-shaped and adorned with distinctive white spots, providing visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
The flowers, or spathes, range from white to pale yellow and are often tinged with a hint of pink or purple at the throat, encircling a central yellow spadix. In contrast to the common calla lily's uniformly green leaves and larger white spathes, the Spotted Calla Lily offers a more delicate and varied color palette.
This species typically grows to about 60 centimeters in height and prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture. It's well-suited for garden beds, borders, and containers, adding a touch of elegance and subtle color variation to planting schemes.
13. Golden Calla Lily (Zantedeschia elliottiana)
The Golden Calla Lily (Zantedeschia elliottiana), also known as the Yellow Calla Lily, is celebrated for its vibrant, golden-yellow spathes that bring a cheerful brightness to gardens and floral arrangements. Its heart-shaped leaves are often speckled with white spots, adding to its ornamental appeal.
This species typically reaches heights of up to 90 centimeters and flourishes in well-drained soils with ample sunlight.
Unlike the classic white calla lily, the Golden Calla Lily offers a warm, sunny hue that can create striking contrasts when planted alongside other perennials. It's an excellent choice for gardeners looking to introduce bold color into their landscapes or for use as eye-catching cut flowers in bouquets.
14. Pink Calla Lily (Zantedeschia rehmannii)
The Pink Calla Lily (Zantedeschia rehmannii) is prized for its graceful, trumpet-shaped spathes that range in color from soft pastel pinks to deeper rose hues.
Its slender, lanceolate leaves lack the white spotting seen in some other species, presenting a uniform green backdrop that accentuates the delicate coloration of the blooms.
Typically growing to about 40 to 60 centimeters in height, this species prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, making it versatile for various garden settings.
The Pink Calla Lily's subtle yet captivating color distinguishes it from the traditional white calla lily, offering gardeners a means to introduce gentle color variations into their planting designs. It's particularly effective in borders, containers, and as a charming addition to cut flower arrangements.
15. Nerine Lily (Nerine bowdenii)
The Nerine Lily (Nerine bowdenii), while not a true calla lily, shares a similar elegance and is often considered a look-alike due to its striking floral display.
It produces clusters of funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, coral, or white, each with gracefully recurved petals that create a spidery, delicate appearance. The strap-like, glossy green leaves emerge after the flowers have bloomed, which is a reverse of the typical flowering pattern seen in calla lilies.
Nerine lilies generally bloom in late summer to autumn and prefer well-drained soils with full sun exposure. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established and can add a splash of color to gardens when many other plants have finished flowering.
Their unique flowering habit and vibrant colors make them a distinctive and valuable addition to diverse planting schemes.
16. Fairy Lantern (Calochortus albus)
The Fairy Lantern, also known as the white globe lily, is native to California. It features nodding, globe-shaped flowers that are typically white but can also be pink or pale yellow. The blooms are encased in three petals and three sepals, giving them a lantern-like appearance.
Unlike the upright, open form of the calla lily, the Fairy Lantern's blossoms are more enclosed and hang downward. This plant thrives in shaded woodlands and rocky slopes, preferring well-drained soils. Its unique flower shape and growth habit make it a distinctive addition to gardens, especially in naturalistic settings.
17. Pink Rain Lily (Zephyranthes carinata)
The Pink Rain Lily, also known as the rosepink zephyr lily, is native to Mexico, Colombia, and Central America. It produces funnel-shaped, bright pink flowers that emerge after heavy rains, a trait that gives the plant its common name.
The flowers are solitary and borne on scapes about 10 to 30 cm tall. In contrast to the larger, more substantial blooms of the calla lily, Pink Rain Lilies have smaller, more delicate flowers. They are often used in gardens as annuals or container plants and can overwinter in warm climates.
18. Atamasco Lily (Zephyranthes atamasca)
The Atamasco Lily, also known as the rain lily or Easter lily, is native to the southeastern United States. It features white, funnel-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring, often following rainstorms. The flowers are about 5 to 7.6 cm long and are borne on hollow, leafless stems.
Unlike the calla lily's larger, more robust flowers, the Atamasco Lily's blooms are more delicate and ephemeral. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soils and is often found in bottomland forests and wet meadows.
19. Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria spp.)
The Peruvian Lily, also known as the lily of the Incas, is native to South America. It produces clusters of vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers in various colors, including pink, orange, purple, red, and white. The blooms often feature speckled throats and are borne on leafy stems.
While the calla lily has a single, large spathe, the Peruvian Lily's flowers are smaller and borne in clusters. This plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. It's commonly used in floral arrangements due to its long vase life and vibrant colors.
20. Canna Lily (Canna indica)
The Canna Lily, native to tropical and subtropical regions, is known for its large, banana-like leaves and striking flowers. The blooms come in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink, and are borne on tall, sturdy stems.
Unlike the calla lily's simple, elegant form, the Canna Lily's flowers are more flamboyant and ruffled. This plant thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soils. It's often used in garden borders and as a focal point in landscape designs due to its bold foliage and vibrant flowers.
21. Torch Lily (Kniphofia uvaria)
Also known as the Red Hot Poker, the Torch Lily is native to South Africa and boasts striking, torch-like flower spikes that transition from red to yellow as they mature. The plant forms clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves and can reach heights of up to 4 feet.
Unlike the singular, smooth spathe of the calla lily, the Torch Lily produces dense clusters of tubular flowers that create a vibrant, elongated inflorescence. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a robust addition to gardens seeking vertical interest and a burst of warm colors.
22. Ginger Lily (Hedychium coronarium)
The Ginger Lily, or Butterfly Ginger, is cherished for its fragrant, white blossoms that resemble butterflies in flight. The plant features broad, lance-shaped leaves and can grow up to 6 feet tall.
While the calla lily displays a singular, curved spathe, the Ginger Lily presents clusters of delicate, butterfly-like flowers atop tall stems. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, making it suitable for gardens that emulate tropical environments.
23. Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
Commonly known as Taro, this plant is recognized for its large, heart-shaped leaves that can add a lush, tropical feel to any garden.
While it doesn't produce calla lily-like flowers, its foliage offers a similar bold and architectural presence. Taro thrives in wet or boggy conditions and can even be grown in shallow water, contrasting with the calla lily's preference for well-drained soil.
24. Elephant Ear (Alocasia spp.)
Elephant Ear plants are admired for their substantial, arrowhead-shaped leaves that can reach impressive sizes. The foliage is typically glossy and can vary in color from deep green to almost black.
While the calla lily is known for its distinctive flowers, Elephant Ears are primarily grown for their dramatic foliage. They prefer partial shade and consistently moist soil, making them ideal for creating a tropical ambiance in shaded garden areas.
25. White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)
The White Bird of Paradise is a striking plant that features large, banana-like leaves and white flowers with a blue tongue, resembling a bird in flight. It can grow quite tall, reaching heights of up to 20 feet in suitable climates.
Unlike the calla lily's modest stature and singular blooms, the White Bird of Paradise offers a more substantial and architectural presence. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it a dramatic focal point in larger garden spaces.
26. Cobra Lily (Darlingtonia californica)
The Cobra Lily, native to Northern California and Oregon, is a carnivorous plant known for its unique, hooded leaves that resemble a striking cobra poised to strike.
Unlike the calla lily's open spathe, the Cobra Lily's pitcher-shaped leaves have a bulbous hood with a forked appendage, creating a tubular trap for insects.
This plant thrives in boggy, nutrient-poor soils and requires cool, flowing water to keep its roots cool. Its distinctive appearance and carnivorous nature make it a fascinating addition for gardeners interested in unique plant species.
27. Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus)
Also known as African Lily, the Lily of the Nile is native to South Africa and is cherished for its large, rounded clusters of funnel-shaped blue or white flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer. The plant's strap-shaped, evergreen leaves form dense clumps, providing a lush, green backdrop to its vibrant blooms.
In contrast to the singular blooms of the calla lily, the Lily of the Nile produces multiple smaller flowers in a spherical arrangement atop tall, sturdy stems. This plant is drought-tolerant, prefers full sun, and is often used in borders, containers, or as an accent plant in gardens.
28. Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)
Lilyturf, also known as Monkey Grass, is a hardy, grass-like perennial that produces spikes of small, violet-purple or white flowers resembling grape hyacinths. Its arching, evergreen foliage forms dense clumps, making it an excellent groundcover.
Unlike the upright, singular blooms of the calla lily, Lilyturf's flowers are smaller, clustered along a spike, and rise just above the foliage. This plant is highly adaptable, tolerating a range of soil types and light conditions, and is often used for edging, groundcover, or erosion control.
29. Hosta (Hosta spp.)
Hostas are shade-loving perennials known for their lush, broad leaves that come in various shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns. While primarily grown for their attractive foliage, hostas also produce tall stalks of bell-shaped flowers in white, lavender, or purple during the summer.
In contrast to the calla lily's prominent blooms, hostas offer subtle floral displays, with their foliage serving as the main attraction. They thrive in shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil and are popular choices for woodland gardens, borders, and groundcovers.
30. Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb's Ear is a low-growing perennial admired for its soft, velvety, silver-gray leaves that resemble a lamb's ear, offering a unique textural contrast in gardens. It produces small, fuzzy spikes of purple-pink flowers in late spring to early summer, though the foliage is the primary attraction.
Unlike the calla lily's smooth, glossy leaves and prominent blooms, Lamb's Ear provides a muted color palette and tactile interest. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it an excellent groundcover or edging plant in various garden settings.
Conclusion About Flowers That Look Like Calla Lily
Calla lilies are loved for their sleek, trumpet-shaped blooms and elegant presence, but they’re not the only flowers that can achieve this look.
From arum lilies and peace lilies to anthuriums and Peruvian lilies, there are plenty of calla lily look alike options that cater to different preferences, growing conditions, and floral arrangements.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers That Look Like Calla Lily
Does A Calla Lily Look Alike Last As Long As A Real Calla Lily In Floral Arrangements?
It depends on the specific flower. Some alternatives, like peace lilies and anthuriums, can last longer than calla lilies, while others may have a shorter vase life. Proper care, such as keeping flowers hydrated and in a cool environment, can help extend their freshness.
Is A Calla Lily Look Alike A Good Choice For Funeral Or Sympathy Arrangements?
Yes, many calla lily alternatives, such as peace lilies and arum lilies, are commonly used in funeral or sympathy arrangements due to their elegant and solemn appearance. They symbolise peace, remembrance, and respect, making them a meaningful choice.
Can A Calla Lily Look Alike Be Grown In Pots Or Containers?
Yes, several calla lily lookalikes, including peace lilies and Peruvian lilies, thrive in pots. Ensure proper drainage, indirect sunlight, and regular watering to keep them healthy.
Do All Calla Lily Look Alike Flowers Have The Same Vase Life?
No, different flowers have varying vase lives. While calla lilies typically last 7–10 days, some lookalikes, such as anthuriums, can last up to two weeks with proper care, while others may wilt sooner.
Should I Choose A Calla Lily Look Alike Over A Real Calla Lily For Wedding Bouquets?
It depends on the look, budget, and durability required. Some alternatives, like Peruvian lilies, offer a similar elegance at a lower cost, while others, like anthuriums, may last longer in hot weather. If longevity and affordability matter, a lookalike could be a better option.
