Canna ‘Australia’ (Canna Lily)

Regarded as one of the best tall, dark-leaved cannas, Canna ‘Australia’ boasts large, deep red flowers from mid-summer to fall. They sit atop long, burgundy-black stalks which rise above the lush foliage of brilliant, deep chocolate brown leaves, beautifully adorned with jagged silver bands. The spectacular foliage provides considerable ornamental interest when the plant is not in flower. A splendid canna lily that is perfect for the sunny border where it will make a bold statement.

• Grows up to 4-5 ft tall (120-180 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). The bigger the tuber, the more chance it will produce larger plants and more spectacular flowers.
• Performs best in full sun in organically rich, moist, and well-drained soils.
• Canna Lilies look their best when massed along walls or hedges or in garden beds where they proudly stand out. Spectacular on a patio, they are well suited to container growing.
• Very sensitive to frost, this Canna Lily is a tender perennial that is only hardy to zones 8-11. Therefore, in cooler areas, its 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.
• Cannas are largely free of pests but in the USA, special care has to be provided to protect their leaves from the damage eventually caused by the Canna Leaf Roller. Keep an eye out for Japanese beetles, caterpillars, slugs and snails which may chew on the foliage.
• Deadhead Cannas throughout the growing season to keep them blooming for as long as possible.