How to Grow Cannas: A Complete Guide to Planting and Care

Flowers on a green-leaved variety of canna called Panache.

Cannas are among the showiest summer bulbs you can grow, bringing bold foliage and exotic flowers to gardens and containers with minimal effort. Native to the West Indies and South America, these lush tropical plants produce large, sometimes colorful leaves and tall flower stalks adorned with vibrant blossoms. Depending on the variety, cannas can reach from a few feet to over 10 feet tall, making them versatile for various garden designs.

Choosing the Right Variety

Cannas are often grouped by leaf color. Popular green-leafed varieties include 'City of Portland', which bears soft salmon-colored blooms. For containers, dwarf cannas (about 3 feet tall) are excellent choices. 'Ambassador' is a similar size but features reddish leaves and red flowers. Larger varieties make a strong statement at the back of flower beds or grouped in showy islands of color. Because they tolerate moist soils, cannas also thrive along ponds or in wet garden spots.

Planting Cannas

As tropical plants, cannas need full sun, plenty of summer heat, and consistently moist soil. Wait until the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed before planting outdoors. Plant rhizomes horizontally, 4 to 6 inches deep, spaced 1 to 2 feet apart. For earlier flowers, start cannas in pots indoors or in a greenhouse about a month before the last frost date.

Ongoing Care

Fertilize monthly during the growing season for best growth and flowering. Keep plants well-watered and weed-free. Cannas are only winter-hardy in USDA zones 9 and 10. In colder regions, dig up the tubers after frost kills the foliage. Store them in a cool, dark, frost-free place until spring.

Additional Resources

• Creating More Cannas: Learn how to divide stored cannas in spring.
• Cannas in the Garden: Ideas for incorporating cannas into any planting scheme.
• Easy Overwintering: Tips for overwintering tropical plants, including cannas.