Add a tropical flair to your garden with the flowers and foliage of Canna Lilies!
Known for their large, colorful blooms and large, lush foliage, these striking perennials bring a touch of paradise to any landscape of any size! They thrive in sunny spots, offer an extended bloom season, and are surprisingly easy to care for flowering rhizomes!
Flowering effortlessly all summer, these tropicals thrive in the sun and are perennial bulb-like plants that are easy to grow!
Learn how to grow these amazing exotic beauties and keep them looking their best!
- All About Canna Lilies
- How To Use Canna Lilies In Your Landscape
- Canna Lilies Planting, Care, and Maintenance
- Why You'll Love Growing Canna Lilies
- Check out these fantastic Canna Lilies at Nature Hills:
All About Canna Lilies
Canna Lilies (Canna spp.) are not true Lilies and in their own family Cannaceae, however, they share the same captivating charm! These exotics are actually related to Banana plants and Ginger!
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, these heat-loving plants are prized for their bold flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, as well as their striking foliage that ranges from green to bronze and even striped!
Cannas have been cultivated for centuries, not only for their ornamental beauty but also for their edible rhizomes in certain cultures. Today, these plants are celebrated worldwide as garden favorites, thanks to their dramatic appearance, long bloom time, and ability to thrive in both garden beds and containers!
How To Use Canna Lilies In Your Landscape
Canna Lilies are incredibly versatile and can transform your outdoor spaces into a tropical retreat! Here are some creative ways to use them in your garden:
Tropical Borders: Create a lush, tropical vibe by planting Cannas along borders or as a backdrop to shorter perennials. Their tall, bold foliage makes an excellent seasonal screen around your pool and seating areas!
Containers and Pots: Cannas thrive in large containers, making them perfect for patios, balconies, and sunbathing areas. Pair them with trailing plants for a layered look.
Water Gardens: Many varieties of Cannas tolerate wet conditions, making them ideal for pond edges or rain gardens.
Focal Points: Use Cannas as striking focal points in the center of garden beds or mixed plantings. Their bold flowers and foliage will draw attention. Dress up your mailbox or front gardens with these great seasonal accents.
Gorgeous Cut Flowers: With their vibrant blooms, Cannas make stunning additions to floral arrangements, adding a tropical touch to your home.
Wildlife Gardens: Canna's big blooms attract a ton of bees, butterflies, and even Hummingbirds to sip nectar!
Companion Plants: Plant Canna Lilies with Elephant Ears, Banana Plants, Ornamental Warm-Weather Grasses, Hibiscus, Lantana, Heliconia, and Papyrus!
Seasonal Color: Northern growers can use Cannas as seasonal accents and annual container thrillers, if they are unable lifting them in the fall! Northern and Southern gardeners can keep these as perennial bulb plants in the ground.
Canna Lilies Planting, Care, and Maintenance
Planting Canna Lilies
Timing: Plant Cannas in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed.
Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Cannas tolerate partial shade but will bloom less prolifically.
Soil: Cannas prefer rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Amend heavy clay or sandy soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
Spacing: Space rhizomes 12-18 inches apart to give them room to spread and grow.
How to Plant Canna Lily Rhizomes
In the spring, once your last frost has passed, it's time to plant your spring-planted bulbs.
- Dig a hole 4-6 inches deep.
- Place the rhizome horizontally in the hole, with the "eyes" or growing points facing upward.
- Cover the rhizome with soil and water thoroughly.
- Water in very well and keep consistently, moderately moist until established.
- Top-dress with a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch to hold moisture in the soil and insulate the rhizomes.
Care For Canna Lilies During The Growing Season
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer months. Cannas are thirsty plants and appreciate regular watering.
- Fertilizing: Feed Cannas with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for optimal blooms and healthy foliage.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.
Fall Lifting and Storage of Canna Lily Rhizomes
In zones 7 and colder, where Cannas are not winter-hardy, you'll need to lift and store the rhizomes in the fall.
- Digging Up Rhizomes: After the first frost blackens the foliage or cold causes the foliage to yellow, cut the plants back to 4-6 inches above the soil. Carefully dig up the rhizomes, being gentle to avoid damage.
- Cleaning: Shake off excess soil and allow the rhizomes to dry for a day or two in a cool, dry place.
- Storage: Store the rhizomes in a box filled with peat moss, vermiculite, or sand to prevent them from drying out. Keep them in a dark, cool spot, such as a basement, shed, or garage, where temperatures stay between 40-50°F.
- Replant in Spring: Inspect the rhizomes for signs of rot or damage before replanting in the spring.
Why You'll Love Growing Canna Lilies
Canna Lilies are the ultimate statement plant for gardeners of all skill levels. Their bold, vibrant flowers and tropical foliage can turn even the simplest garden into a showstopper. Beyond their beauty, they're surprisingly low-maintenance and adaptable, making them a joy to grow.
Check out these fantastic Canna Lilies at Nature Hills
Giant Black Knight Canna - Dark black foliage and stems with deep red blooms!
Bengal Tiger Canna - Striped green and yellow foliage and juicy orange flowers
Stuttgart Canna - Bold white and green variegated leaves and masses of small orange-yellow flowers
Reine Charlotte Canna - Incredible contrasting yellow and red bi-color blooms
Tropical Sunrise Canna - Soft peachy blooms and soft green leaves
Whether you're planting a few in containers for a pop of color on your patio or creating an entire tropical border in your yard, Cannas deliver a dramatic impact with minimal effort. Their ability to thrive in wet areas and attract pollinators adds even more to their appeal.
Ready to elevate your garden? Add some Canna Lilies this season and watch your outdoor space transform into a vibrant paradise that will have neighbors and visitors in awe!
Happy Planting!
