Description

Hybrid Canna rhizomes produce tightly furled leaf bases from which slender flowering stems are produced with showy flowers of asymmetrical structure. The colour of cannas range from common reds, oranges and yellows through to apricots creams and pinks plus many variegated colours as well. The foliage also varies considerably from soft to dark green, reds and striped. Their growing height also varies from dwarfs of only 45cm to talls of 2.4metres. By mixing their varying sizes and colours, they can be planted in garden beds by themselves; in harmony between other perennials or in containers.

Cultivation

Plant Canna rhizomes 30 to 50cm apart with the growing stem protruding above ground level in a moist, free draining soil in a sunny, warm location. As they are gross feeders, provide a heavy application of well decayed manure at planting time and a yearly side dressing thereafter. Giving the soil a good watering throughout the growing season will prolong the flowering season. In colder areas with heavy frosts, cover the growing area with a good layer of compost or mulch to protect the rhizomes from collapsing in the ground. The tops and stems can be completely cut back to the ground where the winter weather has killed off the foliage. Cannas have no great pest or disease issues.