Calla Lilies in Connecticut (Zone 7): Lift & Store or Choose Hardy Bulbs

A CT (Zone 7) gardener wanted to buy calla lily bulbs. Seller said Zone 8–11 only.

Seller Is Right

Callas (Zantedeschia hybrids) are not reliably hardy in Zone 7. Winter freeze kills rhizomes.

Bulb	Bloom	Notes
Daffodils (Narcissus)	Mar–May	Deer-proof, perennial, many colors
Tulips	Apr–May	Treat as annuals or choose species/perennializing types
Hyacinths	Apr	Fragrant, formal
Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)	Apr	Blue carpets, indestructible
Scilla (Squill)	Mar–Apr	Early blue stars, naturalizes
Crocus	Mar	First color, bee food
Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata)	Mar	Tiny jewels, early
Asiatic Lilies	Jun–Jul	Hardy, easy, many colors
Oriental Lilies	Jul–Aug	Fragrant, taller
Daylilies	Jul–Aug	Not bulbs, but essential perennials
Formosa Lily (L. formosanum)	Aug	Easter lily look, late bloom surprise

Skip the callas. Plant hardy bulbs in October. Enjoy decades of spring color.

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