Canna Lily

Nine species native to tropical and subtropical Americas.

Cannas require full sun (at least 5 hours of direct sun), fertile well drained soil, and regular water. They can grow around the edges of ponds, as long as they are lifted in the fall to prevent rot over the winter. They can grow from 3’ (dwarf varieties) up to 10’ (Canna musifolia) tall, and the clumps can creep indefinitely but slowly.

Cannas are prone to rot in our soggy winter soils. They are also prone to insects such as aphids and caterpillars. You can get foliage deformities or streaking if there are dramatic temperature changes while the leaves are unfurling. Often positioning cannas near a structure or large plant can help mitigate this situation. Leaf streaking can also be caused by a virus.

A relatively low maintenance group of plants if given good drainage. Give plants an all purpose fertilizer as they are emerging in spring. Flowers can be dead headed once the bloom has passed. Cut off the bloom head down to the next leaf.

A second bloom often emerges at this point. In fall, cut canna stalks 1” above the ground after the leaves turn yellow. If they are planted in heavy soil or in zone 7 or lower, they should be dug in the fall to prevent rot or freezing out.

Dig up the entire root mass, leaving as much soil around the roots as possible. The soil should be moist, not wet. Put the whole clump inside a large plastic bag (if the soil is too wet, wait a few days to do this step). Cover any bare roots or rhizomes with damp peat moss, filling the holes and gaps with the peat.

Fold the bag loosely closed and store in a cool place, but where the canna roots and rhizomes will not freeze. In the spring, you will notice the clumps start to sprout. If the weather is frost free, this is your sign to plant!

Attracts hummingbirds. Deer resistant. Great in containers.

Divide in late fall or early spring.