The canna lily plant is a rhizomatous perennial with tropical-like foliage and large flowers that resemble that of iris. Canna lilies are low maintenance and easy to grow, and both their flowers and foliage offer long lasting color in the garden. The flower color may be red, orange, or yellow. Depending on the variety, foliage color varies from green to maroon, bronze, and variegated types. Let's look at how to plant canna lilies and tips for growing cannas.
Growing Cannas
While typically grown as annuals in cooler regions, given the proper conditions canna lilies can color the garden year after year. They like plenty of heat, so place them in full sun. They can also tolerate partial shade. Cannas like moist conditions too, but will tolerate nearly any well-draining soil that is either neutral or slightly acidic. They appreciate bog-like conditions as well. The soil should also be rich in organic matter. When growing cannas in the garden, placing them in mixed borders or group plantings will offer the most dramatic effect.
How to Plant Canna Lilies
Cannas can be planted outdoors in warm climates or containers in other areas. During spring, when planting of canna lily plant, wait until the threat of frost has passed. Groups of cannas should be planted about a foot or two (31-61 cm.) apart. While technically they don't have a top or bottom, most canna rhizomes can be planted horizontally with the eyes facing up. Cover the rhizomes with 3 to 6 inches (8-15 cm.) of soil. Water well and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture.
Canna Lily Care
Once established, cannas need to be kept moist. They also require monthly fertilizer that is relatively higher in phosphate for continual bloom. It's usually necessary to dig up and store canna rhizomes in the fall. They can also be overwintered in pots and allowed to grow throughout the winter season. In spring they can be replanted or moved back outdoors. You can also divide the plant during this time if necessary.
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Canna Lily Rot: What Causes Rotting Canna RhizomesCanna flowers grow as a beautiful, long-lasting summer to fall display in the flower bed. In northern areas, they need to be dug and stored over winter for rhizomes to remain alive. But what happens when canna rhizomes are rotting? Learn about canna lily rot here.
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Why Won’t My Cannas Bloom – What To Do When Your Canna Will Not Flower
Whether grown permanently in the ground or dug up and replanted each season, age and other factors can reduce the vigor of canna blooms. If you are experiencing no flowers on a canna plant, this article is for you. Click here for more information.
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What Is Canna Rust: Learn How To Treat Rust On Canna Leaves
As showy as they are, canna plants are susceptible to a variety of issues, one of which is rust on canna leaves. What is canna rust? Click here for information on canna rust, including canna rust symptoms and tips for treating cannas with rust.
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Canna Lily Fertilization – Tips For Feeding A Canna Lily Plant
Fertilizing canna lilies will ensure these stunners in your garden or your indoor containers will thrive and produce the most beautiful flowers and foliage. These plants love nutrients, so don?t skip this step in growing canna lilies. Learn more in this article.
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Canna Mosaic Virus: Dealing With Mosaic On Canna Plants
Cannas are beautiful, showy flowering plants. Because they're such all-around winners in the garden, it can be especially devastating to discover your cannas are infected with disease. Learn more about recognizing mosaic virus in cannas and what to do in this article.
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Can I Transplant Cannas: – Learn When To Transplant Canna Lilies
In cool climates, canna bulbs are planted each spring, then dug up in fall, divided and stored away over winter. Even in warmer climates, cannas will need to be dug up and divided every 4-5 years. Learn about dividing and transplanting cannas in this article.
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Common Pests Of Canna Lilies – Tips On Managing Canna Lily Pests
Canna lily pests are rare, but their broad sword-like leaves are awfully attractive to a variety of leaf munchers. Click this article for some ideas on insects that attack Canna lily plants and how to recognize and defeat them.
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Canna Lily Deadheading: Tips For Deadheading Canna Lily Plants
Where other flowers shrivel and wilt, canna lilies thrive in the heat. But how do you ensure that you get the most out of your canna lilies with flowers all summer long? Click this article to learn more about how to deadhead a canna lily.
