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Canna 'Sémaphore'

Canna 'Sémaphore' Photo/Illustration: Scott Kunst



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Canna 'Sémaphore' KAN-ah Genus: Canna
Growing to 6 or 7 feet, 'Sémaphore' features slender, dark-bronze leaves topped by spikes of narrow-petaled flowers of an unusual glowing color that's not quite yellow and not quite orange; perhaps flickering tongues of flame would be the best description. It is a Victorian classic from 1895.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Dark-bronze leaves, glowing flowers. Heirloom.
 Care: Fertile soil, full sun. Water freely in dry weather and deadhead regularly. Where not hardy, lift after frost in autumn and store in a frost-free location in barely damp peat or leaf mold. In a greenhouse, cannas need full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely and fertilize during the growth stage.
 Propagation: To aid in sprouting, chip seeds or soak in warm water for 24 hours, and then sow at 70°F in spring or autumn. Divide in spring, and then pot up at 61°F, wateringly lightly at first.
 Problems: Slugs, snails, spider mites, and caterpillars may be problematic, while rust, fungal leaf spot, and bacterial blight are common. Bean yellow mosaic and tomato spotted wilt viruses can occur.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Attracts Hummingbirds; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color Orange/ Salmon Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style Formal Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Perennials

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