Trimming a calla lily primarily involves removing spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain plant vigor. According to the provided reference, you should prune out the actual calla lilies themselves (the flowers).
Why Trim Calla Lilies?
Trimming, particularly the removal of spent flowers (often called "deadheading"), is crucial for several reasons:
- Encourage Re-bloom: As noted in the reference, "calla lilies will actually come back if you've done this early enough in the summer." Removing faded flowers redirects the plant's energy from seed production back into producing more blooms and foliage.
- Aesthetics: Removing dying or unsightly flowers keeps your plant looking neat and healthy.
- Plant Health: Preventing seed formation can prolong the plant's blooming period and overall lifespan by conserving its energy.
When and What to Trim
The primary focus for trimming calla lilies, based on the reference, is the removal of the flowers once they have faded.
1. Removing Spent Flowers (Deadheading)
- What to look for: Once a calla lily bloom starts to fade, change color, or droop, it's time to remove it. These are referred to as "the actual lilies themselves" that need to be "pruned out."
- When to trim: The reference specifically advises doing this "early enough in the summer" if you wish for the calla lilies to "come back" (re-bloom). This suggests that timely deadheading can lead to successive flushes of flowers within the same growing season.
2. General Maintenance Trimming (Beyond the Reference)
While the provided reference focuses specifically on the flowers, general plant care often involves:
- Yellowing or Damaged Leaves: Remove any leaves that turn yellow, brown, or appear damaged. This helps improve air circulation and prevents potential fungal issues.
- After Flowering Season (Dormancy): Once the blooming season is completely over and the foliage begins to die back naturally (usually in late summer or fall), you can trim back all the foliage to the ground. This prepares the plant for its dormant period.
Trimming Best Practices
For effective trimming of calla lilies, consider these tips:
- Tools: Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife. Clean cuts minimize damage to the plant and reduce the risk of disease.
- Cutting Point: When deadheading, cut the flower stalk close to the base of the plant.
- Safety: Calla lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be irritating. It's advisable to wear gloves when handling them.
By focusing on the timely removal of spent blooms, as highlighted in the reference, you can help your calla lilies redirect energy towards new growth and potentially enjoy a longer flowering season.
