In my book, nothing quite equals a single unfurling Calla lily (Zantendeschia aethiopica) for pure elegance. She has many relatives, some with spotted leaves, some with interesting colors in the flowers (I quite like the nearly black one), but in this spot, with the dark foliage background, white is by far the most dramatic choice. I keep transplanting more of these in hopes of one day getting a full bouquet of them. There was a scene in the movie Frances where Jessica Lange (Oscar winner for this role) came in with an armload of white Calla lilies, just the flowering stems, no leaves, and put them in a tall glass vase…sublime. The movie was difficult to watch, dealing with a famous actress and her spiral into madness, but I would almost watch it again just for those lilies.
That Loree…first she got us all interested in spiky plants and now she has started a hard-to-resist meme featuring a favorite plant in the garden. It’s loosely organized: you can post weekly, monthly or follow any schedule that suits you. She doesn’t have any widgets, but you can link to Danger Garden to join in the fun. If you happen by on a different day, it will be easy to find her most recent “favorite” post in her archives, as she posts one weekly. I’ll be curious to see what your favorites are.
Oh Ricki…I’m a sucker for a big glass vase full of ivory Calla’s any day! Andrew bought me a black on a couple of years ago for a birthday and while the foliage has come back every year no flowers…maybe THIS is the year?
As for the heat…wow! Where did that come from?
White Calla’s are simply, graceful beauty. Thanks for explaining the favorite of the week! I may have to join in soon 🙂 Cheers
I love calla lilies too, they are so elegant and sensual. I love the black one too, but I think I’ve read they are less hardy.
Very elegant! Love white callas!
Let’s not forget Katharine Hepburn’s famous scene in which she says “The calla lilies are in bloom again. Such a strange flower, etc. etc.” Dated but fun to watch. Calla lilies are simply gorgeous but for me they act like a trap crop for Japanese beetles. So sad.
Loree~I remember that birthday gift. What a guy, that Andrew!
Jenni~I’ll be watching to see what you favor.
Alison~Guess that’s right…see Loree’s comment above.
Peter~It’s a love fest.
Sarah~KH is always fun to watch. Which movie was that? I’m thinking maybe ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’?
yes, pure elegance!
Stage Door
http://youtu.be/WNtz0r5pmXo
Wendy~Yep, that’s the word.
Peter~You came through yet again. I hereby dub thee official archivist/researcher.
I love Calla lilies too. Tried to get my oldest to use them for her wedding….guess my vote didn’t carry much weight. oh well, I have them in two places in my garden. 🙂
Janet~Oh, so perfect for weddings!