by Kathryn Kirby

Created on: September 24, 2010   Last Updated: October 08, 2010

Growing Canna

Cannas’ are easy to grow and will bloom repeatedly from spring to fall in the right conditions. The biggest factor in determining how well Cannas’ will do is water. Too little water and a Canna will average less than two-feet tall and never bloom. Consistent water and Cannas’ will grow up to seven-feet tall.

Add Cannas’ to your gardens for a lush tropical feel. While Cannas’ do their best in areas with warm to hot summers, they can be grown in northern states as long as you dig up and store the roots during the winter. It is a good idea to cut Cannas’ back in the south after the plant stops blooming or the leaves start to die back.

With leaves that resemble those of a Banana Plant, Cannas’ bring the tropics to any area. Choose from leaves that are variegated, deep green or bronzy red. The bronzy red varieties are more heat tolerant than the others and with a good water supply they will grow in full sun.

It is best to give the variegated and green leaf varieties some shade during the hottest part of the day. Cannas will perform in almost any conditions if you get the amount of water right. Plant at the edges of ponds, over the lateral lines of septic systems, close to an air conditioner’s water drain or along a ditch that holds water for the best performances.

Plant in groups of single color blooms for a splash of color against an otherwise plain background. Cannas’ are useful as border plants or in pots. While you can use the leaves in flower arrangements, the flowers do not last long once they have been cut. No matter where or how you plant them, be sure to give them room to grow.

Plant Cannas’ at least ten-inches apart and five-inches deep. Do not worry about the large gaps in between the plants; they will fill in before you know it. Cannas’ spread through their root system so they need the space. A dozen plants will quickly become a thick row with little empty space. This method of growth can make Cannas’ a bit difficult to control.

Cannas’ will out-grow their space if they receive enough water. When they breach their borders, you can either cut them along with the grass or dig them up. If you decide to dig them up be sure to get all of the roots because a single tuber left behind will give you anther plant to dig up later. Several years ago, I was given a bunch of Canna; all I had to do was dig them up.

When I said I didn’t want to take all of her plants she said not to worry because I could never take all of them. She was right too. There is an even bigger stand of Cannas’ in the spot I dug. It only takes one root to eventually give you a bumper crop of Cannas‘. Trust me; you will be sharing soon enough.

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