Canna Care Must-Knows
In their native habitats, cannas are often seen growing close to and even in the water. These plants also do fine in regular garden soil as long as they get consistent moisture, especially in warmer climates. Cannas are also heavy feeders. When planted in the ground, they’ll need plenty of compost and other organic matter, as well as an occasional dose of liquid fertilizer (per label directions). A slow-release fertilizer keeps cannas relatively happy when they’re planted in containers, but regular doses of liquid fertilizer help them look their best. As a group, cannas tolerate a variety of sun conditions. Older varieties and species tolerate shade, but full sun brings out the best leaf color and flower show. Cannas growing in warm southern climates need a bit of afternoon shade to keep foliage from bleaching. Taller varieties need full sun to prevent flopping, which necessitates staking. In areas where cannas are not winter hardy, they can be stored for the following year. If they are being grown in containers, keep them in the same pot and withhold water as temperatures drop in late fall. Once the foliage begins to die back, move the pots to a cool, dark place, such as an unheated garage or basement. Keep the soil dry throughout the winter until spring warms back up and watering can resume. If the cannas grow directly in the ground, dig the tender rhizomes after the first frost knocks back the foliage. Store them in a dry, cool, dark place after wrapping them in dry to slightly moist peat moss (no two bulbs should touch), then place them in a plastic bag with a few holes cut for aeration. Once the soil has thawed and all danger of frost has passed (probably late spring), unwrap the rhizomes and plant them directly in the ground. Although easy to grow, cannas are susceptible to viruses transmitted by insects. When you see yellow-streaked leaves and/or contorted growth, dispose of the plant because nothing can be done to cure the viruses.
More Varieties of Canna
‘Lucifer’ Canna
This selection of Canna produces bright red flowers edged in yellow atop a dwarf plant to 4 feet tall. Zones 7–11
‘Australia’ Canna
This variety of Canna offers a bold combination of deep purple foliage with crimson flowers. It grows to 5 feet tall. Zones 7–10
‘Cleopatra’ Canna
Canna ‘Cleopatra’ bears lush, broad leaves that accompany stems of clustered bright gold flowers, with an occasional orange bloom or orange stippling on yellow petals. It grows to 4 feet tall. Zones 7–11
‘Intrigue’ Canna
Grown more for its foliage, this variety of Canna does have orange blossoms in late summer. The 7-foot-tall foliage has narrow, burgundy leaves that look stunning in the back of a border. Zones 7–10
‘Pretoria’ Canna
Canna ‘Pretoria’ is a large, lofty variety that flaunts yellow-stripe, broad leaves, and sizable orange blooms. It grows 6 to 8 feet tall and is hardy in Zones 7–11
‘Tropical Rose’ Canna
Canna ‘Tropical Rose’ this compact, award-winning variety is topped with gigantic bouquets of rose-pink flowers. It grows to 2½ feet tall. Zones 7–11
Tropicanna Canna
Flamboyant orange veining on broad green leaves makes this variety of Canna different. Golden orange flowers complete the paradise palette. The plant grows to 4 feet tall. Zones 7–11
‘Wyoming’ Canna
This selection of Canna delights with huge, ginger-orange flowers that glow against the backdrop of deep purple-green foliage. It grows 3 to 4 feet tall. Zones 7–11
