Many people treat calla lilies (Zantedeschia species) in gift pots as annuals and discard them when they finish blooming or when the leaves begin to yellow. However, the bulb is perennial and can be saved to bloom again. Calla lilies are hardy perennials in zones 7 - 10 and tender perennials in zones colder than that. It’s okay to plant the Calla outdoors after the last chance of frost; set it in the shade for two or three days and expose it to full sun gradually to harden the foliage. Once in the ground, provide plenty of moisture until frost threatens. Then dig up the plant and store in a cool dry place until the foliage browns. Remove the foliage and store the bulb in dry peat or sand at 60 to 70 degrees F. Replant in the spring when the danger of frost has passed. Start indoors in a pot for earlier bloom. The calla can be maintained as a potted plant all year indoors and out. In that case, bring the potted calla indoors in fall and withhold water completely until you want new growth.

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