There are many things to consider while planning for your wedding. One of these things is which flowers to use for your bouquet and decoration. The Calla Lily is a popular choice although you may think that Callas lack a little “it” factor. So are there any wedding flower alternatives to Calla lily?
Calla lilies are known to be perennial, marginal flowers. Flowers that share some of the same characteristics are Dahlia, stargazer lilies, and copper iris just to name a few.
There are many other flowers that can be added to this list. In the next section, I’ll discuss ten flowers that are similar enough to callas to be seen as wedding flower alternatives to calla lily. Stick around – I’ll also discuss these flowers’ planting conditions and colors!
What Flowers Are Similar to Calla Lilies?
There are quite a few flowers that share the same properties as calla lilies. Sword lilies, lily of the Incas, and daffodils are a few bulb perennial flowers like calla lilies.
1. Dahlia
The first flower we’re going to talk about is the Dahlia. Just like calla lilies, dahlias are perennial bulb flowers. They can bloom more than once after going dormant every winter. They prefer to grow in USDA zones 8 and up.
However, they can also survive in lower zones as long as you dig them up for winter.
Dahlias love the sun but they can’t stand hot weather. So if you’re living somewhere where the climate is too hot in the summer, it’s better to plant dahlias somewhere with a little bit of shade but away from too much wind.
Unlike calla lilies though, dahlias prefer regular, drained soil. So not too dry and not too moist. They can also grow to be 15 inches tall, with some reaching 8 feet tall.
Dahlias come in many different colors, all of them eye-catching and beautiful. They also share a lot of things with calla lilies. That’s why dahlias are one of the best choices to have in your wedding alongside calla lilies!
2. Copper Iris
Iris fulva, or copper iris, is another flower species that has quite a few similarities with calla lilies. Copper iris is a great choice if you want to plant a flower near any water body, such as a pond or stream. Copper iris enjoys bright sunlight and moist soil.
Like calla lilies, copper iris grows from rhizomes and can reach up to 3 feet tall. It can grow in USDA zones 6 and up, but would do better in a little shade if the weather is too hot.
Copper iris usually comes in different shades of red while its petals have a particular pendulous shape. Because of how appealing the flower looks, you’ll find that hummingbirds can be attracted to them.
That’s why in a garden wedding it’ll not only add to your garden’s beauty, but it’ll also allow cute birds to visit from time to time!
3. Sword Lilies
Also known as Gladiolus palustris, is another perennial bulb flower that is relatively easy to grow. It thrives in bright sun and can be grown in USDA zones 7 and up. Additionally, it can grow in drained soil and in temperatures 55 degrees Fahrenheit and up.
Sword lilies can be watered only once a week so taking care of them won’t be a hard task for beginners. Furthermore, they can add a lot of brightness and vibrancy to your garden with the many different colors they come in!
Sword lilies tend to grow up to 5 feet tall in full bloom. As for their flower shape, it’s usually droopy with funnel-shaped petals.
4. Lily of the Incas
Alstroemeria, better known as the lily of the Incas, is a perennial flower. It can grow in USDA zones 7-10, and just like all the previously mentioned flowers, it should be planted in a sunny place if the weather is warm. But in partial shade, if the sun is too harsh.
Lily of the Incas are better planted in well-drained soils when the temperature is warm —so around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It can usually grow to be a foot tall, and sometimes it can reach three feet. It comes in many different colors like pink, yellow, purple, and more.
The most appealing thing about the lily of the Incas is its petal colors. It usually has six petals per flower, with each petal having a few strips, or freckles in a darker tone near the base of the petal or at the tip. Its peculiar and colorful look would make it a great and unique addition to your wedding!
5. Daffodils
Next up, we’re going to talk about daffodils! Also referred to as narcissus. Like calla lilies, daffodils are bulb perennial plants. However, unlike calla lilies, they can stand colder climates with being okay to plant in zones 3 through 8.
Daffodils can be planted in well-drained soils and in sunny areas. But make sure to plant them in a partially shaded area if the sun is too harsh. They usually bloom in spring and their main color is yellow.
Daffodils can grow to be as tall as 15 inches with the flower having a trumpet-like shape. Because of their bright color, using them in spring can bring out a cheerful vibe at your wedding.
6. Stargazer Lily
The stargazer lily, or Lilium stargazer, is a perennial bulb flower that can grow up to four feet tall in USDA zones 4-9. They need to be planted in well-drained soil with direct sunlight.
Stargazer lilies usually bloom in midsummer and they do better in warmer climates. Since they enjoy well-drained soil, you should only water them when the soil is dry to the touch. Just like calla lilies, if you water them while the soil is moist, it’ll cause their bulb to rot.
Stargazer lilies’ red petals with white edges are what make them a great choice to add to your wedding bouquet. Not only do they look cute with their dual colors, but they also attract butterflies, allowing your wedding to gain a beautiful, spring vibe!
7. Canna Lilies
Canna, or canna lilies, are annual bulb flowers that enjoy more heated climates. They can grow up to 10 feet tall and are better planted in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Canna lilies prefer to have direct sunlight and moist soil to grow. The hotter the weather around them, the more water they’ll need to grow into healthy flowers. Though just like calla lilies, too much sun can damage them so it’s better to place them in a partially shaded area in this case.
Canna lilies come in different shades of yellow, red, pink, and orange, making them one of the best choices of flowers to have in your summer wedding!
8. Tulips
Tulips, also known as Tulipa, are another perennial bulb flower that you should definitely consider for your wedding.
Best planted in USDA zones 3 to 8, they can grow to reach around 24 inches tall. Since they can be planted in colder regions —unlike many of the flowers on our list— they can bloom in cold weather. So if you’re planning to have a winter wedding, then tulips are the flowers for you!
They come in many different colors except for blue so they’re as colorful as can be. And because of their adorable cup-shaped petals, no matter what flower arrangement you’re planning on using, tulips can fit right in!
9. Persian Buttercup
The Persian buttercup, or Ranunculus asiaticus, is another perennial plant and it can grow up to 2 feet tall.
Persian buttercups are known for their gentle, cream-like colors such as white, pink, purple, and yellow. Which makes them a perfect candidate for a wedding bouquet. They prefer to grow in USDA zones 8 to 10 meaning they thrive more in warmer climates.
Persian Buttercup’s petals are ruffled with multiple layers and these characteristics greatly add to their gentleness and appeal. Not to mention that they love the sun and usually bloom in the spring, making them an ideal choice to have in your spring wedding.
10. Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Last but definitely not least, we have a jack in the pulpit or Arisaema triphyllum. Unlike the other entries on this list, Arisaema triphyllum is a perennial plant that grows from a corm. It can live in USDA zones 3 up to 9 and prefers moist soil.
Arisaema triphyllum, though has many similar aspects to calla lilies, differs when it comes to where to plant it as it’s better to plant it in shade rather than in the sun like calla lilies. It usually grows to be around a foot or two long in spring.
It needs moist soil to survive so always check on it to see if it needs any watering. Check with your hand to see if the soil is dry and if it is, water it immediately.
Arisaema triphyllum’s colors are usually green with purplish strips inside. While the shape of its petals is the opposite of the calla lilies with its petals curling inwards to form a hood-like shape. Though that’s why it’d be a great contrast besides your colorful calla lilies!
Though Arisaema triphyllum is known to be quite toxic to animals and humans. Especially its berries and leaves so it’s best to wear a glove while handling.
Conclusion on Wedding Flower Alternatives to Calla Lily
Even though calla lilies are a beautiful flower to have in your bouquet, they’ll need a few flower companions to really bring out the beauty at the wedding. Though after seeing the calla lilies, you might start thinking that having another flower alternative would be a better option to have at your wedding.
And now that we’ve reached the end of the article, we hope that you’ve found the perfect flowers to include in your wedding besides the colorful calla lilies!