Description

• Calla lily flowers grow singly at the top of stems reaching 1 to 2 feet high. The flowers are in bloom from late spring to early summer. Calla lily flowers are commonly white, but they also grow in pink, red, purple and yellow. The flowers have a distinct, narrow, cup-like shape and grow with a single petal per bloom. Hydrangeas grow on shrubs that reach from 4 to 12 feet in height and width. The flowers grow in large clusters, usually in shades of pink or blue, though sometimes flowers are green or white in color.
  
  

Cultivation

• Calla lilies are grown from tubers, or bulbs, which must be planted every fall or spring. Grow calla lilies in full sunlight to very light shade. The flowers bloom in late spring or early summer. Calla lilies are hardy to 25 degrees F. Hydrangeas must be grown in well-drained soil, and thrive best in partial shade. Full sunlight may scorch or burn hydrangea flowers. A 2-inch layer of woody mulch should be place underneath hydrangea shrubs to preserve soil moisture.
  
  

Care

• Calla lilies will die back each year. The bulbs may be dug up and stored for re-planting. Hydrangeas will also die back each year, but the plant will bloom again on the old wood. Hydrangea shrubs must be pruned every year after the flowers wilt. Avoid pruning away the buds that will become new flowers, as this may prevent blooming.
  
  

Unique Characteristics

• Hydrangeas are unusual flowers because gardeners may exercise some control over their color. The pH balance of the soil determines whether the flowers will bloom pink or blue. Soils with more acid will produce blue flowers; alkaline soils produce pink blossoms. Blue flowers appear in soil with a pH between 5 and 5.5. Higher pH values, 6 and above, result in pink flowers. Calla lilies are unique for their long, tubular shape, created with only one petal per flower, that tapers to a pointed end. Calla lilies are popular wedding bouquet flowers.