I bought my first calla lilies on clearance at the end of the season last year. I dried them and put them in my dad's cool, dry basement for the winter. I also won some that were named either 'regal purple' or 'royal purple' on e-bay. I recieved nice corms? bulbs? not sure what they are but they were big and looked like flatened bulbs with proliferations on either side. I have several questions on how to get them going, and I am thinking it might be about that time...

1. Should I plant them with the eye-looking area up?

2. How deep under the soil should I plant them in a container?

3. Should they be started inside for earlier bloom?

4. I always thought they preferred shade, but now am hearing they need sun--which is correct?

5. What are good companion plants for them?

6. Are these hardy in my zone, or should I bring them in every winter? I have a neighbor who has some that come back every year, but I wasn't sure if there are different types with different hardiness ratings.

I think that is it!! I will add to this post later if I think of any other questions. Any help anyone can give me in answering these questions would be so much appreciated. Thank-you in advance!!