Is Deadheading Calla Lilies Necessary?

Deadheading calla lilies is an optional garden practice that involves the removal of dead flower heads. It is not necessary, but it can be beneficial for the overall health and appearance of the plant. Calla lilies need full sun to part shade and moist, rich, well-draining soil. They bloom for approximately six to eight weeks, depending on the size of the plant and the energy they require.

After blooming, deadheading calla lilies promotes new calla lily flowers by pulling out the entire stem at the base. Regular deadheading encourages the lilies to focus on making flowers rather than seeds. Deadheading is important for growing large, healthy rhizomes to plant for next year’s flowers. Spent flowers tend to turn yellow, so deadheading is essential.

Calla lilies are not considered cut-and-come-again species, but growers can keep their beds looking tidy through consistent deadheading. While pruning can work wonders for Calla Lilies, it is not a free-for-all practice. Over-pruning can do more harm than good, stunting growth and potentially damaging the leaves.

Calla lilies won’t need to be cut back when they are still healthy looking, which is often a matter of seasonal timing, coloring, and whether or not there is any disease. Deadheading calla lilies is not necessary, but it can be beneficial for the overall health and appearance of the plant.