Growing Cannas

Botanical Name:

Canna x gerneralis

Growing Hints:

Southern zones can plant bulbs outside in the spring. To give them a head start, zones north of zone 7 should start bulbs indoors 5 weeks before the last frost date. Pot rhizomes in a soil-less mix, pointed end up and barely cover them. Keep them warm (75ºF) and slightly moist until new growth appears. Then move them to a sunnier location and feed every two weeks with a 1/2 strength houseplant fertilizer. Move plants outdoors when danger of frost has passed.

Interesting Facts:

Cannas can be dug up in cooler zones and stored until the following season. Dig them up after the first light frost and cut the tops back approximately 6 inches. Don't bother cleaning soil off the roots, just set them in damp peat moss and store in a cool (40ºF to 50ºF), dry place. Rhizomes should be checked throughout winter and watered lightly if needed to keep roots from shriveling.

Suggested Use:

beds, borders, landscape accents and container plants

Life Cycle:

perennial rhizomes

Planting Time:

spring after danger of frost has passed

Height:

dwarf types 2' to 3; standard types 5' to 6'

Exposure:

full sun

Soil:

rich, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

perennial rhizomes 8 to 11; over winter indoors in cooler zones

Bloom Time:

late spring

Flower:

variety of bright colors including fire-engine red, hot pink and shocking orange.

Foliage:

bright green, blue-green, deep red or tiger striped

Propagation:

rhizomes