How to Plant and Grow Cannas in Sunny Gardens

Fast Growing Flowers Bloom All Summer and are Easy to Grow

May 27, 2009

Cannas are sun-loving plants that can quickly fill a garden spot with lush foliage and brightly-colored flowers. They require little care and look great in any garden.

Cannas are hardy, sun tolerant, and easy to grow. Planted in the spring, they will provide a summer full of color for any yard. Native to the Southeastern United States, cannas need ample sunshine and adequate moisture to thrive. These plants are very popular in the south where they can withstand the heat and humidity.

Choose Canna Lily for Borders, Beds, or Containers

When choosing cannas to buy, it is important to note the space available in a yard or the size of the container where they will be planted.

The dwarf varieties work best in containers. One rhizome per average-sized pot is adequate since the foliage grows wide and the rhizomes will spread.

For beds along the house, the taller varieties work well. Do not plant them too close to the house to allow for growth. Allow adequate space to walk behind the cannas for any necessary trimming or spraying.

In free standing or circular beds, cannas should be planted in the middle to allow for their height. They will soon form a cluster and will make a stunning centerpiece for your flower garden.

Plant Canna Lilies in Sunny Spot and Provide Moisture

Rhizomes should be planted one to two inches deep after all danger of frost has passed. Soil should be rich and contain organic material such as chopped leaves. Keep the plants moist but not soggy and feed regularly. Cannas are heavy feeders because of their rapid growth so a timed-release fertilizer works well.

Dig Canna Bulbs in the Fall in Cold Climates

In southern states, the canna leaf roller is a common pest. These caterpillars roll up in the leaves and feed off them. The foliage looks ragged and full of holes and the leaves are tightly rolled.

The best defense is prevention especially in areas where the cannas are left in the ground to overwinter. Cut all dried stems off in the fall and remove them from the plant bed. When evidence of a roller is noticed, cut that stem off and remove the damaged leaves from the vicinity of the healthy plants. Systemic insecticides can also be used.

Cannas Will Multiply and can be Divided

Cannas rhizomes will spread during the growing season. The amount will depend on conditions and the gardening zone. Warmer climates, with almost year-round growth, will see the cannas thick and crowded together in just a short time.

In gardening zones 7 and above, cannas typically are left in the ground during the winter. A layer of mulch can be applied. They should be dug and divided every 3 years to allow for adequate growth. In other zones, dig before danger of frost and store.

Canna Lilies Provide Color, Texture and Lush Foliage

The brighly-colored flowers, lush foilage and and sun tolerance make cannas a great choice for a variety of climates and gardens. Their ability to bloom year after year, either left in the ground or dug and stored, makes them an economical choice for any garden.

The copyright of the article How to Plant and Grow Cannas in Sunny Gardens in Bulbs is owned by Rosalie Thompson. Permission to republish How to Plant and Grow Cannas in Sunny Gardens in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.