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Cannas (Canna Lilies)

Indian Shots, Indian Shot Plants

Canna, Canna lily, Canna Lilies, Indian Shot Plants, Indian Shot Canna indica, canna wyoming, canna brilliant, canna brillant, canna Ingeborg, Canna lucifer, Canna Pretoria, Canna Striata, canna Tropicana

Often grown for their dramatic foliage – large banana-like leaves – Cannas provide a strong ornamental interest and immediately give a touch of the tropics in the garden.

What is Canna?

Canna, often referred to as canna lilies, is a genus of around 10 species of flowering plants native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Despite the common name, they are not true lilies but belong to the Cannaceae family.

Habit and Size: Cannas are perennial plants known for their bold, tropical-like foliage and large, vibrant blooms. Depending on the variety, they can reach heights ranging from 1.5 to 8 feet (0.4-2.4 meters), making them perfect for adding height and structure in the garden.

Foliage: Canna plants are prized not only for their vibrant flowers but also for their large, lush, and tropical-looking foliage. The large paddle-shaped leaves may be striped or variegated and exist in shades of green or bronze, adding a dramatic touch to any landscape.

Flowers: The flowers are vibrant, often coming in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, or a combination of colors. They bloom from early summer until the first frost, providing a splash of color when many other plants are past their peak. The flowers last only a day or two but are generally quickly replaced. They are among the most popular tropical flowers.

Hardiness: Very sensitive to frost, Cannas are tender perennials that are only hardy to zones 8-11. Therefore, in cooler areas, their bulb will have to be dug up before the first frost and stored indoors over the winter in a dry place before being replanted in spring.

Uses: Canna plants are versatile and can be used in various ways, including as focal points in garden beds, as borders or hedges, in container gardens, or even as indoor houseplants. Their vibrant flowers and striking foliage add color and tropical flair to any landscape. An interesting fact is that their starchy rhizomes have been used as a food source in some cultures, and they were once used similarly to potatoes. While extremely hard, the seeds can be used as beads in jewelry.

Pollinators: Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to the bright flowers.

Toxicity: They are not toxic to humans or pets

Deer and Rabbit: Canna lilies are resistant to deer and rabbits, making them a good choice for areas where these animals are a problem.

Overall, with their striking appearance and low-maintenance needs, cannas are versatile plants that can be used to create a tropical look in a variety of garden settings.

Guide Information

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 11
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Genus Canna
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 8'
(60cm - 240cm)
Spread 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Traditional Garden
Canna ‘Ambassadour’ (Canna Lily)
Canna ‘Apricot Dream’ (Canna Lily)
Canna ‘Brilliant’ (Canna Lily)

Why Should I Grow Canna?

There are several reasons to consider growing canna in your garden:

Dramatic Visual Impact: With their large, colorful flowers and bold, tropical-looking foliage, cannas are great for creating a dramatic visual impact in your garden. They can add height and structure to your plantings and are especially effective in borders or as focal points.

Attract Pollinators: Cannas are loved by hummingbirds and various insects, including bees. Including them in your garden can help support these beneficial creatures and enhance biodiversity.

Low Maintenance: Canna lilies are quite easy to care for once established. They tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and prefer full sun but can handle partial shade. They’re also resistant to most pests and diseases.

Long Blooming Season: Cannas have a long blooming season, from early summer until the first frost, which provides color in the garden for an extended period when many other plants may not be in bloom.

Versatility: Canna lilies can be planted in the ground or grown in containers. They are suitable for a variety of gardening styles, including tropical, cottage, and contemporary gardens.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance: If you live in an area where deer and rabbits are a problem, cannas can be a good choice, as these animals typically avoid them.

In conclusion, cannas could be a great choice if you’re a novice gardener looking for an easy-to-grow, showy plant or a seasoned horticulturist looking for a unique addition to your collection.

Canna ‘Musifolia’ (Canna Lily)
Canna ‘Madame Butterfly’ (Canna Lily)
Canna ‘Lucifer’ (Canna Lily)

Garden Design with Canna

Cannas are strikingly beautiful and versatile plants that can be used in various ways in a garden design. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your garden:

Specimen Plants: Thanks to their height and vibrant colors, cannas work wonderfully as specimen plants. They can be the focal point of a garden bed, instantly drawing the eye.

Tropical-Themed Gardens: Canna lilies are a perfect choice for a tropical or exotic-themed garden. Combine them with bold, colorful tropical plants like hibiscus, bananas, and elephant ears for a lush, jungle-like effect.

Back of Borders: Due to their height, they are an excellent choice for the back of a border or bed, where they can tower over shorter plants. They pair well with shorter, bushy plants that can fill in the mid-ground, such as salvia, coreopsis, or geraniums.

Water Gardens: Cannas are water-loving plants, and some varieties are suitable for planting at the water’s edge in a water garden or around a pond, where their reflection can double the pleasure of their brilliant blooms.

Container Planting: Cannas can be planted in large pots or containers. This is particularly useful if you live in a cooler climate and must bring the plants indoors over winter.

Mixed with Grasses: The bold leaves of the canna contrast nicely with ornamental grasses. Their tall, vertical form stands out against the soft, arching form of the grass.

Remember, cannas like full sun and prefer rich, well-drained soil. They do well in moist conditions, so consider that in your garden design.

Canna ‘Cleopatra’ (Canna Lily)
Canna x ehemanii (Canna Lily)
Canna ‘Erebus’ (Canna Lily)

Companion Plants

Cannas are incredibly versatile and can pair well with a variety of other plants. When choosing companion plants, consider plants that complement their bold foliage and vibrant blooms. Here are some good choices:

Salvias: Salvia plants are excellent companions for cannas. Their spiky flowers contrast well with the broad canna leaves, and they appreciate the same sunny conditions.

Dahlias: These beautiful, bushy plants offer a range of colors that can complement or contrast with cannas.

Zinnias: Zinnias add more vibrant color to the garden and their growth habit fills in around the tall canna stalks.

Crocosmia: With its arching stems and delicate, tubular flowers, crocosmia offers a nice contrast to the bold appearance of canna lilies.

Echinacea (Coneflowers): Echinacea has a completely different shape and texture with its daisy-like flowers and spiky central cones, making it a nice contrast to Canna Lilies. The purples and pinks of Echinacea flowers can also complement the bold colors of cannas.

Agapanthus: Also known as Lily of the Nile, Agapanthus offers globe-shaped clusters of blue or white flowers on tall, slender stems. This elegant, upright growth habit can echo the vertical lines of the Canna Lilies while adding a different form of flower shape.

Helenium: Heleniums, also known as Sneezeweed, produce bushy clumps of bright, daisy-like flowers in late summer, which can extend the blooming interest in the garden when paired with cannas. Their yellow, orange, or red flowers can create a hot color theme with the vibrant hues of cannas.

Elephant Ears (Colocasia): Elephant ears share similar requirements and aesthetics with cannas, with large, bold foliage that can match the drama of cannas.

Ornamental Grasses: The soft, feathery nature of ornamental grasses can offset the bold structure of cannas, adding movement and texture.

Hibiscus: Hibiscus flowers can echo the tropical feel of canna lilies, creating a lush, exotic corner in your garden.

Remember that cannas prefer full sun to partial shade, and a rich, moist soil, so companion plants should ideally have similar preferences.

Companion Plants for Canna Lilies

Salvia (Sage)
Dahlia
Zinnia elegans (Zinnia)
Crocosmia (Montbretia)
Helenium (Sneezeweed)
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Agapanthus (African Lily)
Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)
Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker)

Growing Tips

Growing canna lilies can be a rewarding experience, given their vibrant colors and tropical appeal. Here’s how you can grow them:

Sunlight: Canna lilies thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate partial shade, but full sun will promote the best blooms and leaf color.

Soil: The plants prefer a rich, well-draining soil. They appreciate organic matter, so mixing in compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil fertility.

Planting: Plant the  rhizomes in spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed. Set the rhizome with the growing tips facing up, 4 inches (10 cm) deep. Planting distance varies with the size of your plants. Dwarf cannas should be spaced 18 inches (45 cm) apart, medium and standard cultivars about 2 feet (60 cm), and tall vigorous canna varieties about 3 feet (90 cm). Cover with soil and water thoroughly.

Watering: Cannas love water and do well in moist soil. Regular watering is important, especially in dry conditions. However, avoid waterlogging the soil as this can lead to rot.

Feeding: Cannas are heavy feeders. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting time and a liquid feed every 4 weeks during the growing season to promote vigorous growth and flowering.

Care: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms. In the fall, after the first frost has blackened the foliage, cut back the plants to about 6 inches (15 cm) and dig up the rhizomes in areas where they are not hardy. Store them in a cool, dry place for the winter. In warmer climates, cannas can be left in the ground over winter.

Pests/Diseases: Cannas can occasionally be affected by canna leaf rollers, aphids, Japanese beetles, or spider mites. Slugs and snails may chew on the foliage. Regular inspection of the plant can help in early detection and treatment.

Overall, with a bit of care and attention, cannas can add a dramatic and tropical flair to your garden.

Garden Examples

A Brilliant Summer Border Idea with Crocosmia, Dahlia and Canna Lilies
A Terrific Border Idea with Kniphofia, Lobelia, Helenium and Canna
A Pretty Late Season Garden Idea with Perennials and Architectural Grasses
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Canna
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 11
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Genus Canna
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 8'
(60cm - 240cm)
Spread 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Canna
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Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Canna
Guides with
Canna

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