Cannas bear broad, smooth, paddle-like leaves reminiscent of banana plants. The oversize leaves make it easy to create dramatic combinations with other, more finely textured plants. Each stout, fleshy stem is topped with attractive spires of brightly colored flowers. Cultivars vary widely in height, foliage, and bloom.
CarePlant in full sun. Flowers can look tattered once they've gone by. Deadhead to encourage a new flush of flowers. Better yet, prune stalks that have flowered to their base to encourage vigorous new growth. Where hardy, leave plants in the ground in winter where hardy. Otherwise, lift rhizomes in late fall and store in a cool, dark, frost-free location in barely moist peat or leaf mold.
PropagationDivide rhizomes into pieces with prominent eyes.
ProblemsPests include slugs, snails, caterpillars, and spider mites. In addition, rust, leaf spot, and bacterial blight are common.
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- Genus : Canna
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 10, 11, 8, 9
- Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
- Moisture : Adaptable
- Characteristics : Attracts Hummingbirds, Showy Foliage
- Uses : Containers
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Light : Full Sun
- Flower Color : Green, Red
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
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