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
