Bulbs - Calla Lily
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  (January) I recently relocated from Southern California and brought a large potted geranium and a large potted calla lily. So far, they have both survived in the garage (they were outside before this last "cold snap"). Should I put them into the ground? How do I keep them alive until spring?

  In the spring, the calla lily can be permanently planted, but the geranium will not over winter outside year-round. Moving it into the garage for the winter is always an option. They should be fine in the garage until spring. Give them a little water, but just enough to keep them alive.

  (June) Can you tell me the specific care for a potted Calla Lily? I received it as a gift and the blooms are now gone. The leaves are tall but still green and starting to droop. Should it be set outside and can I expect repeat blooms someday?

  Calla lilies have regained some popularity in recent years. They are attractive foliage plants, even when they are not in bloom. Plant them outdoors where they get some filtered sunlight or morning light. I would avoid full afternoon sun. These plants have been surviving our winters--at least from central Arkansas south, and re-blooming every season. Plant it outside, mulch it and fertilize lightly.

  (December) Last spring I purchased a small ginger plant at Benton's spring fling. It grew quite large during the summer and I repotted it into a large container. I have now brought it inside and it is approx. 5 feet tall. Recently, however, I read that ginger is a perennial in our zone. Is that correct and if so, may I plant it in the ground in springtime and leave it there? Also, I have a large calla plant that I have in a container and have brought inside. What is the overwintering procedure for this plant?

  It depends on which ginger plant you have as to how hardy it is, but many of the ornamental gingers will overwinter outdoors in central Arkansas without much problem. I have even had some overwinter in containers on my deck, which is not as easy to do. Plant yours outdoors next spring, and as winter approaches, mulch it after a hard killing frost. I would say the same approach for calla lilies. We have had excellent results in the past few years leaving them in the ground from central Arkansas south. Make sure you allow these plants to experience a hard killing frost before adding extra mulch, so that they are dormant before winter sets in.

  I would like some information on calla lilies. Can they be divided, and if so, when? They are getting more sunlight now than when I first planted them. We had to remove a tree near there. Will this make a difference?

  Calla lilies are not the most winter tolerant bulb around. I would say central Arkansas is about as far north as they will survive. Any division should be done in the spring after bloom. If you divide them now, they would not be as winter hardy. Many people lift and store their calla lily bulbs to insure winter survival. They need sunlight to bloom their best, but appreciate some protection from hot, afternoon sun.

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