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Zantedeschia aethiopica ’Green Goddess’

Family: Araceae (Arum family)

Common names: Arum Lily (E); ihlukwe (Z); Varkoor (A);

Native to: Southern Africa
Bulb, Groundcover, Perennial
An attractive, large-leafed perennial.

Zantedeschia aethiopica ’Green Goddess’

EVERGREEN

FULL SUN

SEMI-SHADE

SEMI FROST HARDY

MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS

HIGH WATER REQUIREMENTS

FAST GROWER

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

0.5m x 0.4m

MAXIMUM SIZE:

1.2m x 1m
FLOWERING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Zantedeschia aethiopica ’Green Goddess’

DESCRIPTION

This hybrid arum is a very hardy plant with large, dark green leaves that are heart-shaped.  What looks like the flower is actually a spathe (modified leaf) that shields the tiny yellow flowers borne on a long stalk.  The spathe is green for towards the tip and white closer to the stalk.  The ratio of green to white is approximately equal.

The green stripes on  the flower spathes of ‘Green Goddess’ allow the flowers to last much longer than the natural white form.  ‘Green Goddess’ also has a wider spathe that opens wider and has the tendency to develop curvy fringes at the edge of the spathe.

Mass plantings of these plants in semi-shade provide a wonderful effect.  They flower throughout the year and the flowers can be cut for the vase as the flower is long-lasting.

Even when not in flower, the leaves give a magnificent, rich tropical feel to the garden.  The plant can tolerate extreme cold but will go dormant until it warms up.  If affected by frost, it will recover.

 

NATURAL HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION
Marshy places.
WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Attracts bees and other insect pollinators.
Zantedeschia aethiopica is the host plant for the Hummingbird Hawk Moth caterpillar. If you notice that the leaves are being eaten, investigate and you may find a large (10-12cm), well camouflaged caterpillar. Although the caterpillar will seem to destroy the plant, it will recover from this. In fact, this will allow it to go dormant for a period and then recover more vigorously.
WATER REQUIREMENTS
Water moderately throughout the year.
MAINTENANCE
The arum lily is low maintenance. Do not remove the flower stalk once the flower dies as it will reveal succulent berries which become yellow when ripe and are attractive to birds.
LANDSCAPING USES
A fantastic plant to add to the edge of a pond, a stream bank, marshy area or an area where an overflow of excess water collects.
It can be planted in semi-shade in a cut-flower garden or added to a mixed bed.
GARDEN THEMES
Forest, Rockery, Tropical, Water
FLOWERS
The tiny yellow flowers are borne on a long stalk that is shielded by a green and white flower spathe (modified leaf).
FOLIAGE
The Arum lily has large, dark green, heart-shaped leaves. The leaf margin is entire and the pointed tip is downward curved.
FRUIT
The fruit is a tight collection of green capsules which mature to yellow. They form at the base of the flower stalk and are shielded by the spathe.
SEED
The seed capsules each contain up to 20 flat white seeds, approximately 3mm in diameter.
PESTS & DISEASES
The Arum lily is a host plant for the Hummingbird Hawk Moth caterpillar which will feed on the leaves, but the plant will recover without any intervention required.

Arums are particularly susceptible to bulb rot which is caused by a fungus that flourishes as soon as the soil compacts or the plants get too much water in hot weather. To solve the problem, cut the plants 10cm above the ground, remove the bulbs and work over the area with compost to loosen the soil before replanting the bulbs. Mix a fungicide and water the plants lightly with the solution. Repeat the treatment according to the fungicide instructions.

16 responses

  1. Hi Dirk

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    You’d have to check with your local plant nursery for stock.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  2. Where can I find Zantedeschia ‘green goddess’ plants? I am desperately looking for some. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  3. Hi Shirley

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook and congratulations on your propagation successes.

    Depending on your growing conditions, you can expect your Green Goddesses to start flowering in about 2 years.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  4. I planted the seeds in pots about three months ago.
    They are looking quite healthy and about 15 cm tall. I will plant them out in the garden in spring.
    Anyone know how long before they flower?

  5. Hi Ann

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    It’s a pity that there is no universal rule for plant propagation and we have to learn by trial and error which give us the joys and challenges of gardening.

    Here’s my most successful method:
    1. Leave the dead flowers on the plant. The flower spathe will curl over the flower head to protect it whilst the seeds are maturing.
    2. When the seed capsules turn yellow, they soften and you can easily remove them from the stalk.
    3. Gently squeeze the capsule and creamy-white seeds will be revealed.
    4. These can be sown directly in the ground or in a pot with a seedling mix.

    All the best.
    Flourish!
    Glenice

  6. Hi Glenice
    I have several plants now two years old flowering and with seeds. There is now a brown growth from the seeds. What do I do to ensure I get more plants please? Last year I picked the “flower”/leaf with the seeds whilst green, thought they would dry to plant but went mouldy. My one has flowered since June and the seeds on 3 of them have this brown growth from it about 3cm long as in your photo above. I haven’t interfered with the roots.
    Last year I picked the three leaves which lasted a month in my vase but this year I would like to cultivate more on or from the plant. Thank you. Ann (I have photos)

  7. Hi

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    I’m not in direct contact with any nurseries in KZN, but try
    – The Indigenous Nursery. (Pietermaritzburg); or
    – Twinstreams (Mthunzini); or
    – Simply Indigenous Nursery (Marina Beach)

    If they don’t have, perhaps they can redirect your search.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  8. please supply the nursery in kwazulu natal where I can buy bulbs of the green goddess arum lily

  9. Hi Owen

    You could try
    Growwild Nursery in Kyalami or
    Random Harvest in Muldersdrift.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  10. Hi Glenice,

    I would really like to buy some green goddess bulbs. I live in Parktown, Johannesburg. Could you kindly advise where i can source the same?

    PS: I have read the posts where you advised others to check with local nurseries but i am not very familiar with Johannesburg and so that is a bit of a challenge for me.

    Thank you in advance.

  13. Hi Sue

    You’d need to contact a grower who is aware of all the exporting protocols.

    Perhaps Hadeco can assist you?

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  14. Hello i would like to send bulbs overseas as a gift. Would you be able to supply bulbs for me please?
    Regards sue white

  15. Hi Joanie

    Thanks for visiting plantbook.

    Your local indigenous nursery should be able to assist you with this plant. If not, let me know and I may be able to help you.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

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