Big and bold would be an appropriate phrase for cannas. They can make a big impact in the summer garden with both foliage and flowers. Cannas have been cultivated in gardens for several centuries and are referred to in literature from the 1600’s. Cannas are often considered tropical plants because they are originally from the West Indies, however there are also subtropical cannas from areas of South America. Over the years, they have been developed to grow and perform well in temperate areas. They are very tolerant of a wide range of conditions and generally will perform well in the summer throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Not Lilies, but Rhizomes
While cannas are sometimes referred to as a canna ‘lily’, they are not a lily which comes from a bulb. Botanically, cannas are rhizomes, which is an underground stem that produces roots and shoots. Living in the Willamette Valley, cannas thrive in our summers, and I often grow them in containers in my garden. Even with the hot temperatures of last summer, they performed well and provided color all summer. In colder regions, they will generally grow well during the summer, but will probably not survive a winter outdoors. To overwinter them in cold climates, after the first frost, cut the stems back to the ground level and store rhizomes in a box with peat moss or similar material as protection from freezing temperatures.
Zenport, 8.5" Bypass Hand Pruning Shear
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Sun Gro, Sphagnum Peat Moss, 3.8 cu. ft.
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Real Wood Products, Oak Half Whiskey Barrel Planter, B100
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A Colorful Array
The flower color spectrum of canna flowers is very diverse and ranges from shades of yellow to orange to pink and red. The flowers themselves can often be multi-colored with some being spotted or streaked with another color. The foliage is equally diverse and can range from solid green leaves to some leaves that are red or bronze and almost black. Many cannas have leaves that are striped with multi colors and can provide interesting color patterns even when the plant is not in bloom.
Height Variations
In addition to cannas having diversity in their flowers and leaves, they also vary greatly in their height. There are dwarf forms that only grow 2-3 feet tall and tall growing types that reach 8 feet or more. Canna musifolia is often referred to as the ‘banana canna’ because it can easily reach a height of 8 feet or more and has large banana-like leaves. Check the plant label for approximate height.
Container Planting Tips
Cannas make excellent container plants for the summer garden and are ideal for a deck or patio because their leaves can provide color even when the plant is not in bloom. Wait until the danger of frost is over before planting. In a container, use a good potting mix and add an organic fertilizer at time of planting. When planting in the ground, work garden compost into the soil as well as an organic fertilizer. A sunny location is best. Often cannas are sold in containers and labeled as to the color of the flower. However, even young plants can display variations in the leaf color which allows gardeners to purchase them based on that leaf color or variegation.
Wilco, Professional Potting Soil
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G&B Organics, All-Purpose 4-4-4 Fertilizer
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Bloem, Ariana Terra Cotta Resin Planter
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Easy Care & Long-lasting Beauty
Cannas are very easy to grow and will provide color with their leaves and flowers all summer. When the flower fades, cut the stem and a new stem will continue to grow and flower until fall. While they are often considered an ‘old-fashioned’ flower, they have recently regained their popularity due to their exotic foliage and multi-colored flowers. If you do not have cannas in your garden, you should check out the selections available, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Mike’s garden is located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and his advice is consistent with the mild climate there. His opinions of what works for his garden and backyard. Always read labels of products before using them. Your Wilco team is available if you have any questions specific to your area.
We would love to see your garden growing, use #mywilcolife on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and tag Wilco Stores.
