CyberSalad: Garden Pursuits: Bulbs: Canna Lily

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Canna generalis

     Modern cannas, hybridized from a number of mainly Central and South American species, vary in height from 1 1/2 feet to nearly 5 feet; from early summer until frost they bear flower spikes about a foot tall made up of many 4- to 5-inch blossoms ranging in color from white through various shades of yellow and pink to scarlet. Their broad leaves, 6 to 12 inches long, may be bright green, blue-green, or shiny bronze. Groups of single colors are most effective beside pools or against walls or evergreens. Cannas also do well in tubs.
     In Zones 7-10, cannas can be left in the ground over the winter, but in the rest of the country they must be dug up in the fall. They do best in moist soil enriched with compost or well-rotted cow manure, full sun and hot weather. In Zones 7-10 plant the rhizomes in the garden in spring; elsewhere, you can start the rhizomes in peat pots indoors about a month before night temperatures stay above 50 to 60 degrees. Space the rhizomes 15 to 18 inches apart and cover them with 1 to 2 inches of soil. Feed every two to four weeks with a dusting of 5-10-5 fertilizer during the growing season. from Zone 6 north, cut the stalks to the ground after they are blackened by frost. Dig the roots and let them dry a few days before storing them, upside down, in dry peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite. In Zones 7-10, dig and reset every third year.
     To grow cannas in containers, start rhizomes in spring. Plant in a good quality potting soil, keep moist, and feed with 5-10-5 fertilizer. Move the plants into an above freezing location over winter. Propagate by dividing rhizomes in spring.

	'Salmon Pink' dwarf canna has salmon blooms and green foliage. Spectacular floral beauty and lush foliage only 1 1/2-5' tall. Dwarf varieties are ideal for low beds, specimen plantings, and patio, terrace or entrance containers.
	'Tropical Rose' soft rose blooms are produced on a spike held above the wide lush foliage that is about 2 1/2 feet tall. Continues to produce flower spikes all summer for reliable color.

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Site launched January 1, 2000.
Site updated September 1, 2007.