By Claire WhitakerUpdated November 2026
Are calla lily plants perennials? Yes, in most cases. Calla lilies (Zantedeschia species) are tender perennials that grow from rhizomes and return year after year in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10. In colder regions they behave as annuals or need to be dug up and stored indoors over winter.
Why calla lilies count as perennials
A perennial is any plant that lives for more than two years and regrows from the same root system each season. Calla lilies fit that definition. Their fleshy underground rhizomes store energy, send up new leaves in spring, and bloom in summer. When conditions allow, the rhizome clumps get larger each year, which is why established plantings in frost-free areas can fill a bed within a few seasons.
Shopping for one? See our guide: Perennials for Zone 6b: 10 Best Picks for Every Garden (2026).
The catch is that “perennial” describes the plant’s life cycle, not a guarantee of survival in every climate. Calla lilies come from southern Africa, where winters are mild and wet. They have little tolerance for hard freezes, so whether they come back depends mostly on where you garden.
Factors that decide whether your calla lily comes back
Three things matter most: winter temperature, soil drainage and how the rhizome was handled after bloom.
Hardiness zone
In zones 8 to 10, most calla varieties survive winter in the ground if the soil does not freeze solid. Zone 7 gardeners can often succeed with a thick layer of mulch and a sheltered site. In zone 6 and colder, the rhizomes usually rot or freeze, so treating them as annuals or lifting them is the safer plan.
Soil drainage
Calla rhizomes rot quickly in cold, soggy soil. Heavy clay that stays wet through winter is one of the most common reasons plants fail to return. Raised beds or amended soil with compost and coarse grit help water drain away from the roots.
Dormancy and rhizome health
After blooming, foliage yellows and dies back as the plant moves into dormancy. Letting the leaves ripen naturally feeds the rhizome for next year. Cutting foliage while it is still green weakens the plant and reduces next season’s flowering.
What to do about it
Whether you want calla lilies to return in the ground or in containers, these steps improve your results:
- Check your USDA zone and confirm your typical winter lows.
- Plant rhizomes 2 to 4 inches deep in well-drained soil with a pH near neutral.
- Water regularly during active growth, but avoid leaving the pot or bed waterlogged.
- Allow foliage to die back on its own after flowering, then stop watering once leaves are fully yellow.
- In zones 7 and colder, lift rhizomes after the first light frost, dry them for a week or two, and store them in peat or dry sawdust at around 50°F (10°C).
- Replant in spring after the last frost, when soil reaches roughly 60°F (16°C).
For container plants, a simpler approach works well. Move the pot into a cool garage or basement once the foliage dies back and keep the soil almost dry until spring. For more on general indoor care, see Houseplant Calla Lily Plant Care Indoors: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Related questions
Do calla lilies bloom every year?
Most do, provided they get enough light and a dormant rest period. If your plant has lots of leaves but no flowers, the cause is often too little sun or too much nitrogen fertilizer. Why Your Plants Are Not Flowering or Fruiting covers the common causes in detail.
Should I cut calla lily leaves after they yellow?
Wait until the foliage is completely brown and collapses easily. Cutting early removes the leaves that feed the rhizome. Brown, crispy leaf edges during active growth point to a different problem, which is covered in Why Plant Leaves Turn Brown and Crispy or Soft.
How often should I divide calla lily rhizomes?
Every three to four years is typical, when clumps become crowded and flowering slows. Divide during dormancy, when the rhizomes are dry and firm. The general process is explained in When and How to Divide Perennial Plants Successfully.
Why are my calla lily leaves turning yellow during growth?
Yellowing during active growth usually means overwatering, poor drainage or a nutrient shortage. Check the soil before watering and look for mushy rhizomes. Why Are Plant Leaves Turning Yellow? Causes and Fixes walks through diagnosis step by step.
Can calla lilies grow indoors all year?
Yes, with bright indirect to direct light and a rest period after blooming. Light levels matter a great deal here, so review Understanding Light Levels for Healthy Indoor Plants before setting up a spot.
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About Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our plant care Q&A guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
