Canna Lily: The Ultimate Guide To Growing These Tropical Beauties
Canna lilies, with their dramatic foliage and vibrant blooms, have been captivating gardeners for centuries. These tropical plants, often mistaken for true lilies, bring an exotic flair to gardens across the world. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner looking to add some bold color to your landscape, canna lilies offer an impressive display that's surprisingly easy to maintain.
Despite their common name, cannas (Canna indica) are actually unrelated to true lilies. These stunning plants belong to the Cannaceae family and have been cultivated by native Americans in tropical America for thousands of years. In fact, canna was one of the earliest domesticated plants in the Americas, with archaeological evidence suggesting its cultivation dates back over 4,000 years. The plant has played a significant role in various cultures, particularly in Latin America where it's commonly known as "achira."
Understanding Canna Lilies
Canna lilies are truly remarkable plants that can transform any garden space. Nothing beats cannas (Canna x generalis) for big, bold summer color. These plants produce massive blooms in colors ranging from pale pastels to vibrant oranges and reds, creating a tropical paradise in your backyard. The flowers emerge on tall stalks above the lush foliage, creating a stunning vertical element in garden designs.
Thanks to extensive hybridizing over the years, there are now hundreds of varieties to choose from. Modern cultivars offer an incredible range of colors, sizes, and foliage patterns. From the dwarf varieties that reach only 2-3 feet tall to the towering specimens that can grow up to 8 feet, there's a canna lily for every garden space and design preference.
How to Plant and Grow Cannas
Canna lilies are relatively easy to grow, making them perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether planted in the ground or grown in containers, canna lily adds bold texture, color, and dimension to any garden while being easy to care for.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Select a site with full sun for optimal growth and flowering. Canna lilies thrive in locations that receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate partial shade, the flowering will be significantly reduced in less sunny spots.
The soil should be rich, well-draining, and fertile. Before planting, amend the soil with plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve soil structure, provide essential nutrients, and help retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Planting Cannas
Plant canna rhizomes in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C). Dig holes about 4-6 inches deep and space the rhizomes 1-2 feet apart, depending on the variety. Place the rhizome horizontally with the eyes facing up, then cover with soil and water thoroughly.
For container growing, choose pots that are at least 12-16 inches in diameter with adequate drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost or slow-release fertilizer.
Essential Care Tips
Once established, canna lilies are relatively low-maintenance plants. They are easy to grow and low maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners who still want spectacular results.
Watering and Fertilizing
Canna lilies are thirsty plants that require consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, providing about 1-2 inches of water per week. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently.
Feed your canna lilies regularly with a balanced fertilizer to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting time, then supplement with liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Deadheading and Pruning
Learn how to plant and grow cannas—plus, get instructions for deadheading, cutting back, and overwintering. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming throughout the season. Remove spent flowers by cutting the stem back to the next leaf node. This not only keeps the plant looking tidy but also redirects energy into producing more blooms.
In late fall, after the first frost has blackened the foliage, cut the stems back to about 4-6 inches above ground level. This prepares the plants for winter dormancy or storage, depending on your climate.
Overwintering Canna Lilies
In USDA hardiness zones 7-10, canna lilies can be left in the ground year-round with proper winter protection. In colder regions, the rhizomes must be dug up and stored indoors for the winter.
After the first frost, carefully dig up the rhizomes, brush off excess soil, and let them dry for a few days in a cool, dry place. Store the rhizomes in peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust in a cool (40-50°F), dark location. Check periodically during storage and remove any that show signs of rot or disease.
Popular Canna Lily Varieties
To help you add some dazzling blooms to your garden, we've put together a list of our favorite canna lily varieties to consider in your garden, landscape, or containers!
- 'Tropicanna' - Known for its stunning striped foliage in shades of red, pink, yellow, and green, with bright orange flowers
- 'Australia' - Features deep burgundy foliage and vibrant red blooms
- 'Pretoria' - Boasts yellow and green striped leaves with bright orange flowers
- 'Wyoming' - Offers dark bronze foliage with brilliant orange-red flowers
- 'Cleopatra' - A striking variety with yellow flowers splashed with red spots
Growing Cannas in Containers
Canna lilies are excellent candidates for container gardening. Their bold foliage and dramatic flowers make them perfect focal points for patios, decks, and balconies. When growing cannas in containers, choose large pots to accommodate their extensive root systems and provide adequate water retention.
Container-grown cannas may need more frequent watering and fertilizing than those planted in the ground. Ensure the containers have good drainage to prevent root rot, and consider using a moisture-retentive potting mix to help maintain consistent soil moisture.
Common Pests and Problems
While generally trouble-free, canna lilies can occasionally face pest and disease issues. Watch for:
- Canna leaf rollers - These caterpillars roll and tie canna leaves, causing significant damage
- Japanese beetles - These pests feed on the flowers and foliage
- Rust - A fungal disease that causes orange spots on leaves
- Viral infections - Can cause streaked or mottled foliage and distorted growth
Most problems can be managed with proper cultural practices, including good air circulation, proper spacing, and avoiding overhead watering. For severe pest infestations, consider using organic insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
The History and Cultural Significance of Cannas
Canna, commonly known as the canna lily, is a tropical flowering plant from the Cannae family, according to Anastasia Borisevich, plant expert at Plantum. The plant has a rich history that spans continents and cultures. Indigenous peoples of the Americas cultivated cannas not only for their ornamental value but also as a food source. The rhizomes were processed into flour, and the young shoots were eaten as vegetables.
European explorers discovered cannas in the Americas and brought them back to Europe in the 16th century. Since then, breeders have developed countless varieties, transforming the humble wild species into the spectacular garden plants we know today.
Why Choose Cannas for Your Garden
Canna lilies offer numerous benefits that make them a valuable addition to any garden:
- Low maintenance - Once established, they require minimal care
- Long blooming period - Flowers from mid-summer until frost
- Attracts pollinators - Hummingbirds and butterflies love canna flowers
- Versatile - Perfect for borders, containers, or as standalone specimens
- Deer resistant - Generally avoided by deer and other garden pests
Conclusion
Canna lilies are truly spectacular plants that deserve a place in every garden. Their combination of bold foliage, vibrant flowers, and easy care makes them an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether you're looking to create a tropical paradise, add height and drama to your borders, or simply enjoy their stunning blooms, cannas deliver impressive results with minimal effort.
Our family has been growing and selling cannas since 1928, and we are so glad that you found us. You will love our cannas - they are easy to grow and low maintenance, yet they provide maximum impact in your garden. With proper care and attention, these tropical beauties will reward you with months of spectacular color and lush foliage, transforming your outdoor space into a vibrant oasis that you'll enjoy year after year.
