This fall’s ‘it’ flower: Calla lilies

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This fall’s ‘it’ flower: Calla lilies

September 03, 2008

With their beauty, longevity and versatility, calla lilies are one of autumn's "in" blooms, florists say.

Or as Katharine Hepburn's character so famously uttered in "Stage Door" (1937): "The calla lilies are in bloom again. Such a strange flower, suitable to any occasion. I carried them on my wedding day, and now I place them here in memory of something that has died."

Many fall brides are also carrying them and enjoying their distinctive elegance. But why callas and why now?

"They're a great flower to cross over from one season to the next, from summer to fall to winter, because they're available in such a wide range of colors," says Tom Simmons, president of Three Bunch Palms Productions threebunchpalmsproductions.com in Palm Springs, CA.

Rich new hues like russet, grape and burgundy are particularly appealing for fall. Of course, you'll also see them in the more traditional tones of yellow, orange and cream.

Additionally, callas offer excellent longevity and, says Simmons, their prices have come down.

Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, farrellsflorist.com, says he too has seen an increase in demand. "Calla lilies are very popular for fall, especially weddings. There's so much to choose from."

The calla lily, also called lily of the Nile, may be popping up on trend alerts, but their classic features mean they transcend fleeting fads. Symbols of rebirth, they have long been a favorite with artists such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'Keeffe, to name a few.

Meanwhile, for all you trivia buffs: In the comment box below, write the name of Katharine Hepburn's character in "Stage Door" and I'll send you a 10% off coupon for Teleflora flowers.

Flower Fact of the Day: Speaking of cool colors, check out the chocolate cherry sunflower pix on You Grow Girl: yougrowgirl.com.

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Comments

Flower Arranging Toolkit | Reply
September 3, 2008

I agree with Tom about the longevity of Callas. I arrange flowers for film and television and many regular "english garden" flowers just cannot take the heat of the lights. I know that when I use Callas my arrangements are going to last. I love reading your blog - Thanks

Melanie Lee | Reply
September 7, 2008

One of my favorite flowers and one that I no longer can have in my house as I recently found out they are poisonous to my cats. I have relinquished myself to admiring them in photos amd in art work.