Should Calla Lilies Be Pruned?

Calla lilies, also known as arum or pig lilies, are plants that add grace to perennial gardens, patio containers, and cutting gardens in the summer. They have an elegant tubular shape and fantastic colors, making them attractive to butterflies. Proper pruning is essential for their health and appearance. Calla lilies can be pruned year-round, but following specific guidelines is crucial.

In spring, remove dead leaves and stems after new growth emerges, and in summer, prune spent flower stems back to the rhizome once. If you grow calla lilies in zone 8 and above, you can leave the rhizomes in the garden to overwinter. There is no need to cut back calla lilies back in fall.

Pruning calla lilies is relatively easy and can be done with just a few basic tools. Regular pruning is not necessary, but only withered flowerheads and leaves that have turned yellow prematurely should be removed. Green foliage should never be cut off.

Calla lilies don’t drop petals like many other plants, so deadhead blooms and cut back stems as they bloom during the growing season. Dead-heading flowers encourage the plant to make more flowers, and if more flowers are desired, cut off the seed pod. Pruning calla lilies is a spa treatment for the plant, allowing it to redirect its energy towards new growth.