Canna Lily and Celosia: Outdoor Culture and Perennial Options

Mother's Day gift plants: canna lily is a tropical perennial for outdoors; celosia is an annual with no perennial equivalent.

Canna Lily (Canna spp.)

• Not a houseplant—needs full sun, heat, humidity.
• Plant after frost (soil >60°F).
• 3–8' tall; heavy feeder (compost/manure).
• Fall: frost kills top; dig rhizomes, dry, store cool/dark in peat.

Celosia (Cockscomb)

• Annual only—no perennial species.
• Enjoy for season; collect seed if open-pollinated.
• Look for 'Chief', 'Century' series for bold color.

Alternative Perennial "Celosia-Like"

Celosia argentea var. spicata (wheat celosia) sometimes short-lived perennial in zones 9–10.

Canna = dramatic tropical foliage/flowers; Celosia = seasonal color accent.