Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Canna Lilies Belong in Your Garden
- What to Look for When You Buy Canna Bulbs Online
- Selecting the Right Varieties for Your Landscape
- The Best Time to Buy and Plant
- Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Cannas
- Essential Care for Summer Success
- Growing Cannas in Containers
- Creative Landscape Ideas with Cannas
- Handling Pests and Common Issues
- Overwintering: What to Do in the Fall
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
There is a unique sense of excitement that comes with transforming a standard backyard into a lush, tropical getaway. If you have ever admired the bold foliage and vibrant blooms of a resort garden, you have likely seen canna lilies in action. These plants are the workhorses of the summer garden, offering architectural height and exotic color with very little effort. When you buy canna bulbs online through Longfield Gardens, you are choosing high-quality rhizomes that are ready to bring that "vacation vibe" directly to your doorstep.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about selecting, planting, and enjoying these spectacular summer bloomers. For a broader overview, see our All About Cannas. Whether you have a sprawling estate or a sunny balcony, there is a variety that fits your space perfectly. We want to help you feel confident in your choices so you can enjoy a season filled with towering stems and hummingbird-friendly flowers.
Choosing the right varieties and understanding their simple needs is the key to a successful growing season. This article covers how to identify quality rhizomes, the best ways to use them in your landscape, and how to keep them thriving all summer long. Finding the perfect plants for your garden starts with a few simple steps.
Why Canna Lilies Belong in Your Garden
Cannas are often the stars of the late summer garden. For more inspiration, see our Best Bulbs for Late Summer Color. While many spring-blooming perennials begin to fade as the heat intensifies, cannas are just hitting their stride. They love the sun, they enjoy the humidity, and they reward gardeners with a continuous display of flowers and foliage until the first frost arrives.
The visual impact of these plants is hard to overstate. Most varieties feature large, paddle-shaped leaves that resemble banana plants. These leaves can be solid emerald green, deep burgundy, or even striped with yellow and white. When the flowers appear on top of these stalks, they provide a brilliant pop of color in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and apricot.
Beyond their beauty, cannas are incredibly practical. They are fast-growing and can reach their full height in just a single season. This makes them excellent for creating temporary privacy screens or filling large gaps in a new garden bed. They are also highly attractive to pollinators. Hummingbirds, in particular, find the tubular flowers irresistible and will visit your garden frequently to feed.
What to Look for When You Buy Canna Bulbs Online
When you begin your search to buy canna bulbs online, it is helpful to know exactly what you are purchasing. Although they are commonly called "bulbs," cannas actually grow from rhizomes. A rhizome is a thick, horizontal underground stem that stores energy for the plant.
The quality of the rhizome you start with directly impacts the size and health of the plant you will grow. We focus on providing premium specimens to ensure you get the best start possible. Here is what to look for when evaluating your options:
Understanding the Importance of "Eyes"
Just like a potato, a canna rhizome has "eyes." These are the small bumps or growth points from which the new stems will emerge. When you look at different grades of rhizomes, the number of eyes is a primary factor in quality.
A larger rhizome with three to five eyes will produce a much fuller, more robust plant than a smaller piece with only one or two eyes. More growth points mean more stalks, more leaves, and ultimately, more flowers. When you buy from us, you are receiving grade #1 rhizomes that are selected for their size and potential for success.
Texture and Health
A healthy canna rhizome should feel firm and heavy for its size. It should not feel hollow, shriveled, or mushy. While it is normal for the outer skin to be slightly dry or "corky," the inside should be hydrated and full of stored energy. This stored energy is what allows the plant to sprout quickly once the soil warms up.
Variety Transparency
One of the biggest advantages of shopping online is access to specific cultivars. Instead of a "mixed bag," you can select the exact height and color profile you need. Look for descriptions that include the expected mature height and foliage color. This ensures that the tall varieties stay in the back of the border and the dwarf varieties remain visible in the front or in pots.
Key Takeaway: Always prioritize rhizomes with multiple "eyes" and a firm texture. These indicators of quality ensure your plants have the energy they need to grow tall and bloom vigorously.
Selecting the Right Varieties for Your Landscape
The diversity of cannas is one of their best attributes. Because they come in such a wide range of sizes and colors, they can be used in almost any garden setting. At Longfield Gardens, we offer varieties that suit different design goals.
Tall Varieties for Drama and Privacy
If you want to create a focal point or a living hedge, tall cannas are the way to go. Varieties like 'Australia' or 'Pretoria' (also known as 'Bengal Tiger') can reach heights of 5 to 8 feet.
- Australia is famous for its dark, chocolate-maroon foliage and satiny red flowers. It creates a moody, sophisticated look.
- Pretoria features stunning yellow and green striped leaves that look like they are glowing from within. Its bright orange flowers are a favorite for tropical themes.
Dwarf Varieties for Small Spaces and Pots
You do not need a massive yard to enjoy cannas. Dwarf varieties typically stay between 2 and 4 feet tall, making them perfect for smaller gardens or large containers.
- 'Orange Punch' is a compact variety that produces bright orange flowers over clean green foliage. It fits perfectly into a standard perennial border.
- 'Salmon Pink' offers a softer color palette. Its large, pastel blooms contrast beautifully against dark green leaves and look wonderful on a patio or balcony.
Foliage-Focused Cannas
While the flowers are beautiful, many gardeners grow cannas specifically for their leaves. Variegated types or those with dark burgundy foliage add color to the garden even when the plants are not in bloom. If your garden is mostly green, adding a few bronze-leafed cannas can provide the contrast needed to make the landscape pop.
The Best Time to Buy and Plant
Success with cannas often comes down to timing. Because these are tropical plants, they are sensitive to cold temperatures. They crave heat and will not start growing until the environment feels like summer.
Shipping and Receiving
When you buy canna bulbs online, the shipping schedule is usually timed to your specific climate. We ship our rhizomes based on your USDA hardiness zone. This ensures that your plants arrive about two weeks before the ideal planting time for your area. This prevents the rhizomes from sitting in a cold garage or basement for too long before they can go into the ground.
Waiting for Warm Soil
The most common mistake gardeners make is planting cannas too early. The soil should be at least 65°F before the rhizomes are tucked into the ground. In many northern states, this does not happen until late May or even early June. If the soil is too cold and wet, the rhizome may sit dormant for a long time. Waiting for warmth ensures the plant "wakes up" and begins growing immediately.
Starting Early Indoors
If you have a short growing season and want flowers sooner, you can start your cannas indoors. About 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date, plant the rhizomes in pots with quality potting soil. Keep them in a warm, sunny spot. By the time the weather is warm enough to move them outside, you will already have established plants with several inches of growth.
What to Do Next:
- Check your local frost dates to determine your planting window.
- Prepare a sunny spot in your garden by clearing weeds and loosening the soil.
- If you live in a cold climate, gather pots and potting mix to start your rhizomes indoors early.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Cannas
Planting cannas is a straightforward process. As long as you give them sun and space, they are very forgiving.
1. Choose the Right Spot
Cannas need full sun to perform their best. This means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While they will grow in partial shade, they will produce fewer flowers and the stalks may become "leggy" as they stretch toward the light.
2. Prepare the Soil
Cannas are "heavy feeders," meaning they need plenty of nutrients to fuel their rapid growth. Before planting, it is a good idea to mix in some compost or well-rotted manure. They prefer soil that is rich and holds moisture well, though it should still allow water to move through so the rhizomes do not sit in a puddle. Drainage is simply the term for how quickly water leaves the soil.
3. Dig and Place
Dig a hole or trench about 2 to 3 inches deep. Lay the rhizome horizontally in the hole. If you can see the "eyes" or small sprouts, point them upward. If you are not sure which way is up, do not worry—the plant will naturally find its way toward the light. Space the rhizomes about 1 to 2 feet apart to give them plenty of room to spread.
4. Cover and Water
Fill the hole with soil and gently press down to remove any large air pockets. Water the area thoroughly right after planting. This helps "settle" the soil around the rhizome and triggers the growth process.
Essential Care for Summer Success
Once your cannas are in the ground and growing, they are relatively low-maintenance. However, a little extra attention can lead to even bigger blooms and lusher leaves.
Watering Requirements
Cannas are naturally found near riverbanks and damp areas. They love water. During the heat of the summer, you should check your cannas regularly. If the soil feels dry an inch below the surface, it is time to water. For plants in containers, you may need to water daily. Keeping the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) will prevent the leaf edges from turning brown.
Feeding Your Plants
Because they grow so fast, cannas benefit from regular fertilization. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month throughout the growing season. This provides the "fuel" needed for the plant to keep producing new flower spikes.
Grooming and Deadheading
To keep your plants looking their best, you can remove faded flowers. This process is called "deadheading." When a flower cluster has finished blooming, cut the stem back to where the next flower bud is forming. If the entire stalk has finished blooming, you can cut it back to the ground to encourage new stalks to grow from the base.
Supporting Tall Stalks
In very windy areas, the large leaves of a tall canna can act like a sail. If you notice your plants leaning or if you live in a particularly breezy spot, you can use bamboo stakes to provide a little extra support. This keeps the stalks upright and prevents them from snapping during summer storms.
Growing Cannas in Containers
Growing cannas in pots is an excellent option for patios, decks, or entryways. For more container ideas, read How to Grow Summer Bulbs in Containers. It also allows you to move the plants around to catch the best sun or to provide a "tropical" backdrop for an outdoor party.
Selecting the Right Pot
Cannas have vigorous root systems. For a standard-sized canna, you will need a large container—at least 15 to 18 inches in diameter. A pot that is too small will dry out too quickly and may even tip over once the plant reaches its full height. Dwarf varieties are particularly well-suited for container life and can thrive in slightly smaller pots.
Potting Mix and Drainage
Use a high-quality potting mix rather than garden soil. Potting mix is designed to be lightweight and allows for better air and water movement. Make sure your container has drainage holes in the bottom. If the pot does not have holes, the water will collect at the bottom and cause the rhizome to rot.
Grouping for Impact
Cannas look wonderful when grouped with other sun-loving plants. You can create a "thriller, filler, spiller" arrangement.
- The Thriller: A tall canna in the center.
- The Filler: Mid-sized flowers like marigolds or lantana.
- The Spiller: Trailing plants like sweet potato vine or petunias that hang over the edge of the pot.
Creative Landscape Ideas with Cannas
Cannas are versatile enough to play many roles in your garden design. For more inspiration, see Fresh Ideas for Growing Cannas. Because they grow so quickly, they are a great tool for changing the look of your yard in a single season.
Creating a Living Privacy Screen
If you have a neighbor's fence or an unsightly utility box you would like to hide, a row of tall cannas is a beautiful solution. By planting rhizomes every 12 inches, you can create a dense wall of foliage by mid-summer. This provides privacy for your patio or pool area without the permanence of a wooden fence.
Rain Gardens and Pond Edges
Because cannas tolerate "wet feet" better than most bulbs, they are ideal for rain gardens. These are areas in the yard where water naturally collects after a storm. You can also plant cannas in pots and submerge the bottom of the pot in the shallow edge of a garden pond. They will soak up the water and nutrients, helping to keep the pond water clear while looking beautiful.
The Tropical Border
Pair your cannas with other large-leafed plants like elephant ears (Colocasia) or dahlias for a maximum tropical effect. Mixing different leaf textures creates a professional, layered look. For example, the fine, feathery texture of ornamental grasses provides a great contrast to the bold, broad leaves of a canna.
Handling Pests and Common Issues
Cannas are generally tough plants, but they can occasionally encounter a few hiccups. Most issues are easily solved with a little bit of observation.
Canna Leaf Rollers
In some regions, small caterpillars known as leaf rollers may sew the edges of the leaves together before they unfurl. If you see leaves that look like they are being held shut by silk threads, you can manually unroll them and remove the caterpillar. Many gardeners find that keeping the plants healthy and well-watered allows them to outgrow any minor pest damage.
Yellowing Leaves
If the leaves of your canna are turning yellow, it is usually a sign of one of two things: a lack of water or a lack of nutrients. Because these plants are such heavy feeders, they can quickly use up the available food in the soil. A quick dose of liquid fertilizer and a deep watering usually resolves the issue within a week.
Slugs and Snails
Because cannas love moisture, they sometimes attract slugs. You may notice small, ragged holes in the leaves. You can manage this by keeping the area around the base of the plants clear of debris or by using standard garden methods to discourage these visitors.
Overwintering: What to Do in the Fall
Your plan for the end of the season depends on where you live. Cannas are perennial in warm climates (Zones 9-10) but are treated as annuals in colder regions (Zones 3-8).
In Warm Climates
In the South and Southwest, you can simply leave your cannas in the ground. Once the foliage begins to look tired in late autumn, cut the stalks back to about 2 to 3 inches above the soil. The rhizomes will rest over the winter and sprout again on their own when spring returns.
In Cold Climates
If you live where the ground freezes, you have two choices. You can treat your cannas as annuals and simply compost them at the end of the year, or you can "lift" and store the rhizomes to use again next spring.
- Wait until the first light frost kills the foliage.
- Cut the stalks down to about 4 inches.
- Carefully dig up the clump of rhizomes.
- Shake off the excess dirt and let them air-dry in a cool, shaded spot for a few days.
- Store them in a cardboard box filled with slightly damp peat moss or vermiculite.
- Keep the box in a cool, dark place (around 45-50°F), such as a basement or crawl space, until spring.
Key Takeaway: Gardening is meant to be a rewarding experience. Whether you choose to save your rhizomes or buy fresh ones each year, cannas offer a high return on a small investment of time.
Conclusion
Adding cannas to your garden is one of the easiest ways to bring bold, dramatic color to your outdoor space. From their towering heights to their shimmering, multi-colored leaves, they offer a tropical elegance that few other plants can match. When you buy canna bulbs online from Longfield Gardens, you are investing in quality plants that are backed by our 100% Quality Guarantee. We take pride in providing the best possible start for your gardening journey.
Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature and create a sanctuary right at home. With the right timing, plenty of sun, and regular watering, your cannas will transform your yard into a vibrant summer paradise. We are here to support you with practical advice and premium plants every step of the way.
"A garden filled with cannas is a garden filled with energy. These plants don't just sit there; they grow, they bloom, and they bring life to every corner of the landscape."
Ready to start your tropical transformation? Explore our selection of canna rhizomes today and get ready for a season of spectacular growth.
FAQ
When should I buy canna bulbs online to ensure they arrive at the right time?
You can place your order at any time during the winter or early spring. We will hold your order and ship it according to your specific USDA hardiness zone. This ensures the rhizomes arrive approximately two weeks before the ideal planting time in your area, so they are fresh and ready for the warm soil.
Do cannas need to be planted in full sun?
Yes, for the best results, cannas should be planted in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. While they can survive in partial shade, they will likely produce fewer flowers and may not reach their full height. Sunlight provides the energy they need to produce those iconic, oversized leaves and bright blooms.
How often should I water my cannas?
Cannas are thirsty plants that prefer consistently moist soil. In the garden, you should water them whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. For cannas grown in containers, you may need to water every day during the hottest part of the summer. If you see the leaves starting to wilt or the edges turning brown, it is a sign they need a deep drink.
Are canna lilies toxic to pets?
Canna lilies (Canna indica) are generally considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. However, it is always a good practice to prevent pets from chewing on garden plants, as ingesting any plant material can cause mild stomach upset. If you are ever unsure, it is best to check with your veterinarian about specific plants in your landscape.