Black-and-white calla mix for containers and bouquets

Van Noort

Zantedeschia, mix

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From bulb to bloom

Common name‘Tuxedo Time’ calla lily mix
FamilyAraceae
GenusZantedeschia
CultivarTuxedo Time
Bulb typeTropical rhizomatous plant
Botanical nameZantedeschia, mix
Quantity per pack3 size 12/14 rhizomes

‘Tuxedo Time’ Calla Lily Mix (Zantedeschia) combines three carefully coordinated calla tubers to produce crisp white and onyx-black spathes in one planting. This graphic contrast suits modern arrangements, patio containers, and summer borders. Van Noort supplies three size 12/14 tubers and lists an established height of 40 cm, a spread of 30 cm, and upright growth. Green leaves, often marked with pale spots in hybrid callas, form a tidy clump below the flower stalks. The blend flowers in summer, and its strong stems are also attractive in cut arrangements. Exact component cultivar names are not specified.

Plant the tubers in spring after every danger of frost has passed, in sun or light shade. Set them approximately 8 cm deep and keep centres 30 cm apart, following Van Noort’s directions. Soil rich in organic matter, evenly moist, and freely drained supports steady growth without exposing tubers to rot. Water after planting, then maintain consistent moisture during active growth and flowering. For containers, use a drained pot at least 30 cm wide with an airy potting mix. Light applications of balanced fertilizer support leaves and new stalks without encouraging excessive soft foliage. Avoid standing water and cold, compacted soil.

In cold zones, grow this mix as an annual or lift the tubers before severe frost. After foliage yellows naturally, dig them carefully, allow them to dry briefly, then store them dry at 10 to 16°C until spring. Remove faded spathes and monitor aphids, spider mites, slugs, and rot in waterlogged soil. Every calla part contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion can cause intense irritation of the mouth and throat in people, cats, and dogs, so keep plants, cut flowers, and debris inaccessible. Contact a veterinarian promptly after pet exposure, especially when drooling, vomiting, swelling, or difficulty swallowing occurs.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Tropical perennial grown as an annual or overwintered
Hardiness
Zones 4 to 8
Planting and establishment

Planting guide

Planting & establishment

Planting depth

7 to 8 cm (about 3 in.), buds facing up

Spacing / density

space rhizomes 30 cm (12 in.)

Planting period

Late May or June in colder Canadian regions, once soil is warm

Propagation

Tuber planting; division may be possible during winter storage

Growing method

After the last frost, loosen rich freely drained soil or fill a drained container with an airy potting mix. Set every tuber approximately 8 cm deep with growth points facing upward, then keep centres 30 cm apart. Water to settle the soil without saturating it. Maintain even moisture as leaves and stalks emerge. Sun supports abundant flowering, while light afternoon shade reduces stress during very hot weather. Apply diluted balanced fertilizer while growth is active. Check moisture with a finger before watering and empty every saucer. Remove faded flowers, but retain foliage until it yellows. Before severe frost, move the container indoors or lift the tubers. Allow them to dry briefly and store them dry at 10 to 16°C. Check firmness monthly and discard soft tissue. Replant only healthy tubers the following spring. Keep the blend label with them so both colours remain coordinated. Wear gloves if skin is sensitive, wash hands after handling damaged plants, and keep all planting material inaccessible to children and pets because every part contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals. If shoots are slow to appear, check soil warmth and moisture without repeatedly disturbing the tubers. Slow emergence during cool weather does not necessarily indicate failure.
Soil and care

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

pH 6.0 to 7.5

Moisture

Even moisture without standing water

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Water deeply after planting, then keep soil evenly moist throughout active growth and flowering. Allow surplus water to drain, and never leave a container standing in a full saucer. Gradually reduce watering when foliage yellows at the end of the season. Keep tubers dry during winter storage. Constantly saturated soil greatly increases the risk of soft rot, while prolonged drought may reduce the number of flower stalks and cause leaves to wilt early. Check container moisture with a finger rather than following a fixed calendar.

Soil type

Soil rich in organic matter, loose, and freely drained is most suitable. It should retain enough moisture to support leaves and flower stalks without remaining saturated after rain or watering. Add mature compost to sandy ground and improve heavy clay with stable organic structure. In containers, use an airy potting mix in a drained pot. Avoid depressions, full saucers, and cold compacted soil because calla tubers are vulnerable to rot. A slightly acidic to neutral reaction, approximately pH 6.0 to 7.0, supports nutrient availability.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before planting or use enriched potting mix. Once leaves are well developed, apply balanced fertilizer at half strength every three to four weeks until flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes soft foliage at the expense of flower stalks. Stop feeding when leaves begin to yellow so tubers enter dormancy naturally. In containers, water before applying fertilizer to protect roots, and periodically flush the potting mix to prevent salt accumulation. Never exceed the product label rate, especially in small pots where roots are concentrated.

Seasonal care

In spring, plant after frost in warmed soil and water regularly until shoots emerge. Confirm that tubers are firm before planting and position their growth points upward. In early summer, keep soil moist, feed lightly, and inspect for aphids, slugs, or spider mites. Rotate containers weekly for balanced light and empty saucers after watering. During flowering, cut faded spathes at the base without removing green leaves. Harvest cut flowers with a clean tool and position the vase beyond reach. In late summer, gradually reduce fertilizer and allow foliage to replenish the tubers. After yellowing begins, decrease water. Before severe frost, move pots indoors or lift the tubers. Brush away dry soil gently, remove soft tissue, and allow the tubers to dry briefly. Store the labelled tubers in a dark, dry, ventilated place at 10 to 16°C. Check monthly and remove any mouldy material. The following spring, replant only firm tubers after frost danger has passed. Keep the coordinated mix together. Wear gloves when needed, wash hands after damaged tissue is handled, and always keep these toxic plants inaccessible to children and pets. During storage, do not wet the tubers or seal them in an airtight plastic bag. Gentle airflow limits condensation. Before replanting, inspect every tuber under good light and remove questionable tissue with a clean tool. Gradually acclimate stored containers before returning them outdoors, and wait until nighttime temperatures are reliably mild. Renew depleted potting mix before the next growing season.
Growing in containers

Container growing

Container growing

Recommended pot size

heavy pot, 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16 in.) in diameter and at least 30 cm (12 in.) deep for the three rhizomes
Choose a drained container 30 to 35 cm wide and deep for the three tubers, or divide them among several pots with adequate space. Add rich, airy potting mix, then set the tubers approximately 8 cm deep without stacking them. Water until surplus drains freely. Position the pot in sun or partial shade and rotate it weekly for balanced growth. Keep the mix moist, but always empty the saucer. Check moisture with a finger rather than following a fixed calendar. Feed at half strength every three to four weeks during active growth. Remove faded flowers and protect leaves from drying winds. In autumn, allow foliage to yellow, reduce watering, then place the pot in a frost-free space or lift the tubers and store them dry at 10 to 16°C. Inspect them monthly. The container, cut flowers, and drainage water must remain inaccessible to children, cats, and dogs. Do not combine callas with edible herbs in the same pot. Label stored tubers so the coordinated mix can be replanted together. On a windy patio, position the pot near a bright screen that protects stalks without greatly reducing sunlight. Raise the container slightly so water drains freely after heavy rain.
Growth and flowering

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

40 cm (16 in.)

Width / spread

30 cm (12 in.)

Flower color

Velvety black and pure white

Foliage color

Glossy green flecked with white

Foliage type

Evergreen in tropical climates; seasonal or dormant in colder Canadian regions

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Upright and compact

Fragrance

Subtle fragrance

Bloom period

Flowering occurs in summer when tubers are planted in spring after soil warms. The mix produces crisp-white and onyx-black spathes surrounding a central spadix. Every flower stalk rises above the green foliage and can be used in arrangements. Flower count and the proportion of both colours vary with each tuber’s vigour, warmth, light, watering, and fertilization. Remove faded spathes at their base to keep the clump tidy, but leave every healthy leaf to continue photosynthesis. Dense shade or excessive nitrogen may reduce flowering. Exact component cultivar names are not listed, so natural differences between flowers are expected.
Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Combine ‘Tuxedo Time’ with purple heucheras, silver lamb’s ears, small grasses, white begonias, or compact ferns according to available light. These plants create a textured background that emphasizes the two-colour spathes without hiding them. Select companions that prefer moist but drained soil and preserve 30 cm around each calla centre. Avoid very vigorous species that exhaust container moisture. No companion neutralizes Zantedeschia toxicity; in places visited by pets or young children, replace the calla with a verified non-toxic plant instead. Keep edible herbs and vegetables in separate containers to prevent accidental harvesting or confusion.

Garden use

For a contemporary display, plant ‘Tuxedo Time’ in a large matte-black or pale-grey container surrounded by restrained silver foliage. Use a drained 30 to 35 cm pot and set all three tubers approximately 8 cm deep without stacking them. White and onyx-black spathes then become the focal point. In a border, repeat several packages with 30 cm between centres and add compact grasses or heucheras to extend interest when callas are not flowering. Keep soil evenly moist, water at ground level, and remove faded flowers. Rotate containers regularly so stalks remain balanced and protect them from drying winds. Cut stems suit graphic arrangements, but flowers and vase water must remain inaccessible. Before frost, move containers indoors or lift the tubers. Allow foliage to yellow first so it replenishes stored reserves, then store the labelled tubers dry at 10 to 16°C. Replant only firm tubers in spring. This composition is unsuitable for play areas or gardens accessible to animals that chew plants. Choose a verified non-toxic alternative wherever exposure cannot be prevented. For a repeated planting, align containers or groups in a regular rhythm, but preserve access for watering, cutting flowers, and lifting the tubers in autumn.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How should Tuxedo Time calla lilies be planted?
Plant all three tubers in spring after every danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Choose full sun or partial shade with soil rich in organic matter, evenly moist, and freely drained. Set every tuber approximately 8 cm deep with growth points facing upward, and keep centres 30 cm apart. Water after planting to settle the soil, then maintain even moisture without standing water. For containers, use a drained 30 to 35 cm pot and airy potting mix. Balanced fertilizer at half strength supports growth. Keep tubers, leaves, and flowers inaccessible to children, cats, and dogs because every plant part contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals. Shoots emerge faster in warm soil, so avoid planting early into cold, saturated ground.
How should Tuxedo Time tubers be overwintered?
In regions colder than Zone 8, move the container indoors or lift the tubers before severe frost. First allow foliage to yellow naturally so it replenishes stored reserves. Then reduce watering, lift tubers carefully, and brush away dry soil without injuring them. Remove soft or diseased tissue, let the tubers dry briefly, and place them in dry, airy material in a dark location at 10 to 16°C. Keep the blend label and inspect the tubers monthly for mould or rot. In spring, replant only firm tubers after the last frost. Wear gloves if skin is sensitive, wash hands after handling damaged tissue, and keep all stored material inaccessible to children and pets. Do not store wet tubers in sealed plastic.
Are Tuxedo Time calla lilies toxic?
Yes. All Zantedeschia contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in leaves, stalks, flowers, roots, and tubers. A person, cat, or dog chewing the plant may experience intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, together with drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. Never consume any part or plant it in a container with culinary herbs. Keep cut flowers, vase water, stored tubers, and debris inaccessible as well. After animal exposure, contact a veterinarian promptly, especially when swelling, breathing difficulty, or trouble swallowing occurs. Wear gloves if sap irritates sensitive skin and wash hands after handling damaged tissue. These callas are not true lilies, but their common name does not make them safe.
When does the Tuxedo Time mix flower?
The mix flowers in summer after spring planting in warmed soil. Tubers produce upright stalks carrying crisp-white and onyx-black spathes around a central spadix. Exact timing, flower count, and the proportion of both colours vary with temperature, light, moisture, fertility, and each tuber’s vigour. For abundant flowering, provide several hours of sun, rich moist soil, effective drainage, and light feeding. Remove faded spathes at their base without cutting green leaves. Dense shade, cold saturated soil, and excessive nitrogen can reduce flowering. Exact component cultivar names are not listed, so natural variation is expected rather than a guaranteed number of flowers in each colour. Newly planted tubers may also begin at slightly different times.
Can Tuxedo Time be grown in a container?
Yes. Use a drained 30 to 35 cm pot for all three tubers and fill it with rich but airy potting mix. Set the tubers approximately 8 cm deep without stacking them, then water until surplus drains freely. Position the pot in sun or partial shade, rotate it regularly, and keep the mix evenly moist. Always empty the saucer to prevent rot. Apply diluted balanced fertilizer every three to four weeks during active growth. In autumn, allow foliage to yellow, reduce watering, and protect the pot from frost or store the tubers dry. Keep the container, cut flowers, and drainage water inaccessible to children and pets. Do not combine callas with edible plants in the same container because every calla part is toxic when chewed or swallowed.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Reported toxicity

Yes

Supporting wildlife

Small insects may visit the spadix, but this mix is grown primarily for ornamental value and is not a major food source for birds or butterflies. Calcium oxalate crystals make every part irritating and toxic when chewed by people, cats, or dogs. To support wildlife, add regionally suitable, non-toxic nectar plants positioned so the callas remain inaccessible to pets. Wildlife resistance does not prove safety for domestic animals.

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