How to Grow Canna

Cannas are vibrant tender perennials that produce elegant and voluptuous bright green leaves and impressive flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow and pinks. They are best suited as a summer bedding plant for both containers and borders. You should expect to see your Canna grow to an approximate height of 2.5 metres (8’) and a spread of 1 metre (3’).

Canna are best planted in moist, well-drained soil of loam, sand, chalk or clay within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Amend the soil of your planting area with plenty of organic matter to improve drainage. Place in a position where they receive full sun for the best foliage colour. Dig a hole and plant your Canna 4-6" deep and 2 feet apart for taller varieties, reducing this spacing for smaller varieties. After planting, water your cannas generously to settle the soil in place.

Ensure that you keep Cannas well-watered during periods of dry weather. Deadhead faded flowers to encourage continued flowering. Other than this little pruning is needed. In mild areas plants can be left outside all year in a sunny, sheltered position. You may however wish to apply a layer of mulch during the winter. In colder regions, pot-grown specimens can be moved into a frost-free place. Otherwise, lift the rhizomes once the top growth begins to die. Cut down the foliage and stems to about 15cm (6in). Store in multi-purpose compost. Place in a frost-free position for the winter. Little, if any, watering should be necessary.

It is possible to propagate Canna by seed during spring or autumn. You may also propagate by division during early spring.