Cannas(Canna generalis) aretropical and subtropical flowering plants.
Striking flowers notwithstanding, cannas are often grown for their foliage alone.
Canna lilies are considered easy to grow with lots of sun, consistent watering, and balanced fertilizer applications.
The Spruce / David Karoki
The Spruce / David Karoki
Canna Lily Care
Light
Cannas do best infull sun.
In the hottest areas, some afternoon shade helps flowers last longer.
Soil
Plant cannas inrich, moist soil, ideally with a slightly acidic to neutralsoil pH.
The Spruce / David Karoki
Water
Cannas need consistent water and evenly moist soil.
Water often, especially in extreme heat.
Insufficient water will cause the leaves to tear or crack.
The Spruce / David Karoki
Temperature and Humidity
Blooming depends on the climate and weather.
In areas with cool springs, the plants may be slow to get started.
Feed them in early spring and midsummer, using abalanced fertilizer.
The Spruce / David Karoki
For the amount, follow the product label instructions.
Pruning also gives your plant the signal to direct its energy towards new growth.
The more eyes, the bigger the plant, and the better its blooms.
The Spruce / David Karoki
Adding pebbles at the bottom of a pot with ample drainage holes is recommended.
It should also be very sturdy, as these plants can grow rather tall.
The rhizomes should be planted four to five inches deep.
The Spruce / David Karoki
There may come a time when you will need to repot your canna lily.
If it’s appearing to outgrow its current container, check on the bottom.
If roots are peaking through the drainage holes, it is time to move to a larger container.
The Spruce / David Karoki
Early in spring is the best time to repot your canna.
Water amply to help the roots settle.
Overwintering
In warmer zones, canna lilies often survive winter in the ground.
Canna luciferAlecOwenEvans / Getty Images
Do this by gently lifting the clump of rhizomes and placing the plant in a pot.
Cover the pot and tuck it away in a cool, dry place, such as an unheated garage.
Set the lilies back into the ground as soon as the soil is soft enough to work.
Canna presidentPeterEtchells / Getty Images
How to Get Canna Lily to Bloom
Canna lilies are treasured for their flowers and foliage.
Their large, paddle-like leaves come in greens, blue-greens, and bronze and can be variegated and striped.
Their blooms are equally showstoppers.
Canna pretoriaAndrew Toskin / Flickr / CC By 2.0
Bloom Months
Canna lilies typically bloom from June to October.
How Long does Canna Lily Bloom?
A single canna lily bloom can last for up to a week before fading.
Canna tropicannaBilly_Fam / Getty Images
Canna lilies are not fragrant.
For the amount, follow the product label instructions.
Canna lilies that are too crowded will fight for nutrients, and that means fewer blooms.
To remedy this situation, divide the lilies every two to three years.
The space above the second flowering node is where you want to cut.
As you head into winter, wait for the first frost.
The foliage will turn black.
Deadheading Canna Lily Flowers
Alwaysdeadhead fading flowersduring the blooming season.
This will encourage more blooms and extend the flowering period.
Here are the most common.
Blast them away with a water hose or use insecticide for serious infestations.
If the infection is severe, consider removing the plant.
Dividing the plant regularly can extend its life even further.
A south-facing window should provide plenty of bright light and warmth for a canna lily to grow indoors.
TheZantedeschia elliottiana(calla lily) offers up yellow flowers, while theZantedeschia rehmanniican be varying shades of pink.
The Regal lily, or Trumpet lily, is also a good alternative.
For a smaller plant, try Western Trillium.
Halton Regional Master Gardeners.
Canna.North Carolina State University Extension.
