If you're looking for a flower that basically looks like a sunset in a pot, you really can't go wrong with the paco calla lily. I've always felt that some flowers try a little too hard, but the Paco variety has this effortless, sophisticated vibe that works just as well in a rustic backyard as it does in a fancy ceramic planter on a modern patio. It's got this unique, warm peachy-orange hue that's hard to find in other spring-planted bulbs, and honestly, it's one of the easiest ways to add a splash of "wow" to your garden without having to be a professional landscaper.
Why the Paco Calla Lily stands out
There are plenty of calla lilies out there—whites, deep purples, even bright yellows—but the paco calla lily hits a different note. Its color is often described as a burnt orange or a rich amber, sometimes leaning toward a soft terracotta depending on the light. It's not a neon, "look-at-me" orange; it's more of a glow.
But the flowers aren't the only part doing the heavy lifting. One of my favorite things about this specific variety is the foliage. The leaves are a deep, lush green, but they're covered in these little white translucent spots. It almost looks like someone flicked a paintbrush at them. Even when the plant isn't in full bloom, those speckled leaves keep things interesting. They have a sword-like shape that adds a nice architectural element to garden beds, making them look great even in the "off" moments of the season.
Picking the right spot for your plants
Before you go digging holes, you've got to think about what the paco calla lily actually wants. Like most callas, these guys are big fans of the sun, but they aren't exactly fans of being baked alive in a desert.
If you live somewhere with relatively mild summers, full sun is perfect. However, if your afternoons feel like the inside of an oven, your Paco will thank you for a little bit of light afternoon shade. If they get too much harsh, direct heat, the edges of those beautiful orange blooms might start to look a little crispy, and nobody wants that.
Soil is the other big factor. These plants aren't super picky, but they absolutely hate "wet feet." If you plant them in a spot where water puddles every time it rains, the tubers will probably rot before they even get a chance to sprout. You want soil that holds a bit of moisture but lets the excess drain away. If your backyard soil is heavy clay, you might want to mix in some compost or peat moss to loosen things up, or just stick to containers where you can control the drainage perfectly.
The nitty-gritty of planting
When you get your paco calla lily tubers (which look like weird, lumpy brown potatoes), you might be a little confused about which way is up. Usually, you'll see some small "eyes" or bumps on one side—those are the growing points, so they should face the sky.
You'll want to plant them about three to four inches deep. If you're putting them in the ground, give them some elbow room—about 12 inches apart is usually the sweet spot. They like to spread out a bit as they grow. If you're doing the container route, you can squeeze them a little closer for a fuller look, but don't go overboard.
Spring is the time to get these in the dirt. You want to wait until the threat of frost has completely passed and the soil has started to warm up. If you put them in cold, soggy ground too early, they'll just sit there and sulk, or worse, turn to mush.
Keeping your Paco calla lily happy
Once they're in the ground and starting to grow, the paco calla lily is actually pretty low-maintenance. The main thing to remember is consistency. They like to stay hydrated, especially once they start flowering. I usually check the soil every few days; if the top inch feels dry, it's time for a drink.
Feeding them is also a good idea if you want the best possible show. A standard liquid fertilizer works wonders. Just look for something with a bit more phosphorus (that's the middle number on the bottle) to encourage those sunset-colored blooms rather than just growing massive leaves. A little bit of food every two or three weeks during the growing season is plenty.
One little tip: don't be afraid to cut the flowers! The paco calla lily makes an incredible cut flower. They last a surprisingly long time in a vase—sometimes up to two weeks if you change the water regularly. Plus, the more you cut them, the more the plant is encouraged to keep producing. It's a win-win.
Dealing with the winter chill
Here's the thing about calla lilies: they are essentially tropical plants. If you live in a warm climate (think USDA zones 8-10), you can usually just leave them in the ground and they'll come back next year like nothing happened. But for the rest of us who deal with snow and freezing temperatures, we have to do a little extra work.
Once the first light frost hits and the foliage starts to turn yellow or brown, it's time to dig them up. Be gentle—you don't want to stab the tubers with your shovel. Shake off the excess dirt, cut back the dead leaves, and let the tubers dry out in a cool, shady spot for a few days.
After they've "cured," I usually tuck mine into a box with some sawdust, peat moss, or even just wrapped in old newspapers. Keep them in a cool, dark, dry place like a basement or a closet that doesn't freeze. Then, come next spring, you can pull them out and start the whole process over again. It sounds like a chore, but for a flower as pretty as the paco calla lily, it's honestly worth the twenty minutes of effort.
Growing in containers vs. the ground
I'm often asked which is better, and the truth is, both have their perks. Growing the paco calla lily in the ground allows them to reach their full height and spread out, which looks fantastic in a border or a mixed flower bed. They pair really well with blue or purple flowers—think something like salvia or lavender—because the contrast with the orange is just stunning.
On the other hand, I think I actually prefer them in pots. There's something about the way the paco calla lily grows that makes it look like a piece of art. A large, dark-colored pot really makes that amber-orange color pop. Plus, if you have them in containers, you can move them around. If you're having a barbecue on the patio, you can move the pots to the "prime real estate" areas so everyone can see them. And when winter comes, you can just carry the whole pot into the garage instead of digging around in the dirt.
Troubleshooting common problems
Even though they're generally easy-going, you might run into a few hiccups. If your paco calla lily is growing tall but won't flower, it's usually one of two things: not enough light or too much nitrogen. Nitrogen makes leaves big and green, but it can "distract" the plant from making flowers.
If you see the leaves turning yellow before the season is over, you might be overwatering. Remember what I said about wet feet? If the soil stays soggy, the roots can't breathe. On the flip side, if the plant looks wilted and sad even though the sun isn't that hot, it's probably just thirsty.
Pests aren't usually a huge deal, but keep an eye out for slugs and snails. They seem to think calla lily leaves are a five-star buffet. A little bit of organic slug bait or even just a saucer of beer nearby usually takes care of that problem pretty quickly.
The joy of the Paco lily
At the end of the day, gardening should be fun, and the paco calla lily is a fun plant. It's rewarding because it grows relatively fast, and the color is so unique that it always sparks a conversation when people come over. It's got that "designer" look without the designer price tag or the high-maintenance attitude.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener with a massive backyard or someone with a small balcony and a couple of pots, giving the paco calla lily a try is a great move. It's hardy, it's beautiful, and it brings a warm, sunset-like glow to your space that's hard to beat. Just give it some sun, keep the water consistent, and enjoy the show. You really can't ask for much more from a flower.