Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why June is a Great Time for Canna Lilies
- Understanding the Canna Rhizome
- Choosing the Best Spot for Your Cannas
- Step-by-Step Guide to Planting in June
- Caring for Your Cannas Through the Summer
- Growing Cannas in Containers
- Common Canna Varieties to Consider
- Regional Considerations and Hardiness Zones
- What to Expect: The Growth Timeline
- Creative Garden Designs with Cannas
- Managing Pests and Potential Issues
- Summary of Canna Success
- FAQ
Introduction
The arrival of June brings a special kind of energy to the garden. While the early spring rush of tulips and daffodils has passed, the true heat-lovers are just getting ready to take center stage. If you find yourself standing in the garden center or browsing our selection of tall cannas at Longfield Gardens in mid-June, you might wonder if you have missed your window. The wonderful news is that June is actually one of the very best times to get these tropical showstoppers into the ground.
In this guide, we will explore why late-season planting is a brilliant strategy for these sun-drenched beauties and how you can ensure they thrive. Whether you are looking to fill a sudden gap in your perennial border or you want to add a splash of the tropics to your patio containers, planting cannas now is a rewarding way to extend your garden’s peak beauty well into the autumn. You can look forward to lush foliage and vibrant blooms that arrive just as other plants begin to tire. Planting in June is not just possible; it is a shortcut to a spectacular late-summer display.
Why June is a Great Time for Canna Lilies
Many gardeners feel a sense of urgency in April and May, but canna lilies are different from many other spring-planted bulbs. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions. They do not just tolerate heat; they require it to wake up and start growing. If you plant a canna rhizome in April when the soil is still chilly and damp, it may sit dormant for weeks, waiting for a signal that summer has truly arrived.
By June, the soil has reached the ideal temperature for canna success. Most experts suggest waiting until the soil is consistently 60°F or warmer before planting. In many parts of the country, this does not happen until late May or early June. When you plant in warm soil, the rhizome responds almost immediately. Instead of languishing in cold mud, the "eyes" or growth points on the rhizome will begin to push out roots and shoots right away. This rapid start often leads to healthier plants that are less prone to rot.
June planting also aligns perfectly with the canna's natural growth cycle. Since they typically take about 10 to 12 weeks to reach their first bloom, a June planting ensures a spectacular show in August and September. This is exactly when many gardens need a second wind. While your early summer annuals might be fading in the heat, your cannas will be hitting their stride, providing fresh color and architectural interest when it is most needed.
Understanding the Canna Rhizome
Before you dig your first hole, it helps to understand what you are planting. Although often called "bulbs," cannas grow from rhizomes. A rhizome is a thick, fleshy underground stem that stores energy for the plant. If you look closely at a canna rhizome, you will see small bumps or points called "eyes." These are the growth buds from which the stems and leaves will emerge. For a closer look at planting depth, see our How Deep to Plant a Canna Bulb guide.
At Longfield Gardens, we focus on providing high-quality rhizomes with multiple eyes because more eyes generally mean a fuller, more robust plant in its first season. When you handle the rhizomes, they should feel firm and heavy for their size. If you see small white or green sprouts already starting to emerge from the eyes, that is a great sign. It means the plant is ready to grow the moment it hits the soil.
Because these rhizomes are full of stored energy and moisture, they are quite resilient. This is why you can plant them later in the season than many other flowers. As long as they have enough time to grow and bloom before the first frost of autumn, they will perform beautifully.
Choosing the Best Spot for Your Cannas
Cannas are not shy plants. They are built for drama, with large, paddle-shaped leaves that can reach several feet in height. To get the best results from a June planting, you need to match the plant's needs with the right location in your yard.
Sunlight Requirements
The most important rule for cannas is to give them plenty of sun. These are true sun-worshippers. For the most vibrant flower colors and the strongest stems, aim for a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If they are planted in too much shade, they tend to become "leggy," stretching toward the light and producing fewer flowers.
In very hot climates, such as the Deep South or the Desert Southwest, cannas can appreciate a little bit of dappled shade during the most intense part of the afternoon. This helps prevent the edges of the leaves from scorching. However, in most of the United States, more sun is always better.
Soil and Drainage
Cannas are unique because they are very thirsty plants, yet they still need decent drainage. In the wild, they often grow near the edges of ponds or in boggy areas. In a home garden setting, they appreciate soil that is rich in organic matter. Adding a bit of compost or well-rotted manure to the planting area can make a significant difference.
While they enjoy moisture, you should avoid spots where water stands for days after a heavy rain. If the rhizomes sit in stagnant, waterlogged soil for too long, they can rot. If your soil is heavy clay, consider planting them in raised beds or large containers where you can better control the drainage and soil quality.
Key Takeaway: Success with cannas starts with heat and light. Choose the sunniest spot in your garden and ensure the soil is rich and stays consistently moist but not swampy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting in June
Planting cannas is a straightforward process. For a fuller walkthrough, see our How to Plant a Canna Bulb guide. Because the soil is already warm in June, you do not need to do much to "coax" them into growth. Follow these simple steps for the best results.
1. Prepare the Soil
Start by loosening the soil in your chosen area to a depth of about 8 to 12 inches. Cannas have vigorous root systems and will appreciate soil that is easy to grow through. This is the perfect time to mix in some compost. If you are planting in a container, use a high-quality potting mix rather than garden soil, as potting mix provides the aeration and drainage that container plants require.
2. Dig the Hole
For each canna rhizome, dig a hole that is about 2 to 3 inches deep. While some plants need deep planting, cannas prefer to be relatively close to the surface where the soil is warmest. If you are planting multiple cannas, space them about 1 to 2 feet apart. This might seem like a lot of space for a small rhizome, but remember that these plants grow quickly and will soon fill that gap with large leaves.
3. Position the Rhizome
Lay the rhizome in the hole horizontally. Look for the "eyes" or those small growth points. Ideally, these should be facing upward. If you cannot tell which side is the top, do not worry too much. The plant is smart enough to send its shoots up toward the light and its roots down into the earth regardless of how it is positioned.
4. Cover and Water
Cover the rhizome with 2 to 3 inches of soil and firm it down gently with your hands to remove any large air pockets. Immediately after planting, give the area a deep soaking. This settles the soil around the rhizome and "wakes up" the plant.
5. Be Patient
After that initial watering, you might not need to water again for a week or two unless the weather is extremely hot and dry. It can take 2 to 3 weeks for the first green shoots to poke through the soil. Once they appear, the growth rate will accelerate rapidly.
What to do next:
- Identify the sunniest area of your garden or patio.
- Clear any weeds or debris from the planting site.
- Mix a few shovelfuls of compost into the soil to add nutrients.
- Plant your rhizomes 2-3 inches deep with the eyes facing up.
- Water thoroughly and watch for shoots in about 14-21 days.
Caring for Your Cannas Through the Summer
Once your cannas are established and growing, they are relatively low-maintenance, but they do have a few "must-haves" to look their best. Because a June planting puts the peak growth phase in the hottest part of the year, your attention to water and food is important.
Watering Needs
Cannas are among the thirstiest plants in the summer garden. Their large leaves act like sails, losing moisture quickly to the wind and sun. You should aim to keep the soil consistently moist. During the heat of July and August, this may mean watering every other day, or even daily if they are in containers.
A simple way to check if they need water is to stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water. Adding a layer of mulch—such as shredded bark or straw—around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
Feeding Your Plants
Because cannas grow so much biomass in a single season, they are "heavy feeders." They need plenty of nutrients to produce those massive leaves and bright flowers. Starting about a month after planting, you can apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release granular fertilizer at the time of planting. Look for a fertilizer that is designed for flowering plants to encourage more blooms.
Deadheading for More Blooms
As the flowers fade, you can encourage the plant to produce more by "deadheading." This simply means snipping off the spent flower after it has withered. Be careful not to cut the entire stalk, as cannas often produce a secondary flush of flowers on the same stem. Only once the entire flower spike has finished blooming should you cut the stalk back to the foliage level.
Growing Cannas in Containers
If you are short on garden space or want to bring a tropical vibe to your deck or balcony, cannas are excellent candidates for container gardening. For a container-focused walkthrough, see our How to Plant Canna Bulbs for a Stunning Tropical Garden. June is a perfect time to start a canna pot because the warm air will help the plant grow much faster than it would in the spring.
Selecting the Right Container
Cannas grow tall and can become quite top-heavy. Choose a sturdy pot that is at least 12 to 15 inches in diameter for a single rhizome. If you want to plant a group of cannas together, look for a larger half-barrel or a deep planter. Ensure the pot has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom.
Container Soil and Care
Use a high-quality potting mix and consider mixing in some slow-release fertilizer pellets at the start. Container plants dry out much faster than those in the ground, so keep a close eye on the moisture levels. In the peak of summer, a large canna in a pot may need watering every single day.
One benefit of containers is portability. If you find your canna isn't getting enough sun, or if a severe storm is coming, you can move the pot to a more protected or sunnier location.
Common Canna Varieties to Consider
When choosing cannas for a June planting, you might want to consider the mature height and the foliage color. There is a huge variety within the canna family, ranging from petite plants that stay under two feet to towering giants that reach eight feet or more.
- Tall Varieties: These are perfect for creating a "living screen" or a dramatic backdrop. Varieties like The President offer classic red blooms, while 'Wyoming' features dark, bronze-toned foliage that looks stunning even when the plant isn't in bloom.
- Dwarf Varieties: If you are planting in containers or at the front of a flower bed, look for dwarf or "city" series cannas in our Medium Cannas collection. These typically stay around 2 to 3 feet tall and are very sturdy.
- Variegated Foliage: Tropicanna is a favorite for its multi-colored, striped leaves that glow when the sun shines through them.
- Bright Stripes: Pretoria (also known as Bengal Tiger) has striking yellow and green stripes that add a pop of brightness to any corner.
Regardless of which variety you choose from us, the planting process remains the same. Focus on the height listed on the tag to ensure you don't accidentally hide your smaller flowers behind a six-foot canna!
Regional Considerations and Hardiness Zones
The success of your June planting can be influenced by where you live. While cannas love the heat, the length of your growing season determines how you should handle them in the fall. If you need help figuring out your zone, our Hardiness Zone Map can help.
Warm Climates (Zones 7-11)
In the southern parts of the US, cannas are often treated as perennials. If you live in Zone 7 or warmer, you can plant in June and enjoy blooms throughout the autumn. In these regions, the rhizomes can usually stay in the ground all winter. You simply cut the foliage back after it turns brown in the late fall and add a layer of mulch for protection. They will sprout again on their own when the soil warms up the following spring.
Cooler Climates (Zones 3-6)
In northern regions, cannas are treated as "tender perennials" or annuals. A June planting still gives you plenty of time for a full season of growth and flowers. However, the rhizomes will not survive a freezing winter in the ground. Once the first frost hits and turns the leaves black, you have two choices: you can treat them like annuals and compost them, or you can store them over winter in a cool, dry place like a basement or garage to replant next year.
What to Expect: The Growth Timeline
When you plant in June, things happen quickly. Here is a general timeline of what you can expect to see in your garden:
- Weeks 1-3: The rhizome is busy establishing a root system. You won't see much above ground, but a lot is happening below the surface.
- Weeks 3-5: Pointed green (or bronze) shoots will emerge from the soil. Once they appear, they can grow several inches in a single week.
- Weeks 6-8: The plant will fill out with large, lush leaves. At this stage, the "tropical" look of your garden will really begin to take shape.
- Weeks 10-12: The first flower spikes will appear. From this point until the first frost, the plant will continue to produce new blooms as long as it has enough water and sun.
By planting in June, you are essentially setting a timer for a late-summer explosion of color. While other gardeners are worried about their spring flowers wilting in the heat, you will be watching your cannas reach their peak.
Creative Garden Designs with Cannas
Cannas are versatile tools for garden design. Their bold textures and vertical growth allow them to solve many common landscaping problems.
Creating a Tropical Oasis
Pair your cannas with other large-leafed plants like elephant ears or hibiscus. The contrast between the broad leaves of the canna and the fine texture of ornamental grasses creates a sophisticated, professional look. Since you are planting in June, you can often find established tropical plants at local nurseries to pair with your emerging cannas.
Hiding Eyesores
Because they grow so tall and thick, cannas are excellent for hiding things you'd rather not see. Do you have an air conditioning unit, a compost pile, or a plain chain-link fence? A row of tall cannas planted in June will provide a lush, beautiful screen by mid-August.
Adding Vertical Interest
Most garden flowers grow in a rounded or mounding shape. Cannas provide a strong vertical line that draws the eye upward. This is especially effective in large borders where you need varying heights to keep the viewer's eye moving through the space.
Key Takeaway: Cannas are more than just flowers; they are architectural elements. Use them to create privacy, add height, or build a lush, tropical atmosphere in any sized yard.
Managing Pests and Potential Issues
One of the reasons we love cannas is their resilience. They have few major pests, but there are a couple of things to watch for, especially in the humid months of July and August.
Slugs and Snails
Because cannas love moisture, they sometimes attract slugs or snails, which may chew holes in the leaves. This is usually more of an aesthetic issue than a health threat to the plant. You can manage this by removing debris from around the base of the plant or using a pet-safe slug repellent.
Japanese Beetles
In some regions, Japanese beetles may take a liking to canna flowers. The best way to handle these is to simply knock them into a bucket of soapy water in the morning when they are less active. Healthy, well-watered cannas are usually strong enough to outgrow any minor nibbling from insects.
Leaf Rollers
Occasionally, you might notice a leaf that stays rolled up and doesn't unfurl properly. This can be caused by a small caterpillar known as a leaf roller. If you see this, you can usually just gently unroll the leaf and remove the caterpillar by hand. Keeping your plants healthy with regular water and fertilizer is the best defense against almost any garden pest.
Summary of Canna Success
Planting cannas in June is a smart move for any gardener who wants a high-impact, low-stress addition to their summer landscape. By working with the natural heat of the season, you provide these tropical beauties with exactly what they need to thrive.
At Longfield Gardens, we want every gardener to feel confident in their choices. Gardening is a journey of discovery, and cannas are some of the most rewarding plants to have along for the ride. They offer a huge return on a small investment of time and effort, rewarding you with months of spectacular color and a lush, vacation-like feel right in your own backyard.
- Planting Window: June is ideal because the soil is warm and the growth is rapid.
- Sun and Water: Maximize sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist for the best results.
- Simple Steps: Plant rhizomes 2-3 inches deep, space them 1-2 feet apart, and water well.
- Late Summer Reward: Expect beautiful blooms and foliage from August until the first frost.
At Longfield Gardens, our About Us & Our Guarantee page explains the standards behind every order.
If you are planning an online order, our Shipping Information page explains timing by zone.
"The secret to canna success isn't complicated: give them the heat they crave in June, and they will give you the tropical paradise you've been dreaming of all summer long."
For those ready to get started, we invite you to browse our Canna Assorted Mix - Bulk Offer and find the perfect varieties to light up your August garden.
FAQ
Is June too late to plant canna lilies for them to bloom?
No, June is not too late for most gardeners. Since cannas typically take 10 to 12 weeks to bloom, a June planting will result in flowers by late August or September. As long as your area does not experience a hard frost until mid-October or later, you will have plenty of time to enjoy their spectacular display.
How deep should I plant canna rhizomes in June?
You should plant canna rhizomes approximately 2 to 3 inches deep. Even though the weather is warm, they do not need to be buried deeply. Planting them near the surface allows the "eyes" to sense the warmth of the sun, which encourages them to sprout more quickly than if they were buried under several inches of soil.
Do cannas need a lot of fertilizer if I plant them later in the season?
Cannas are heavy feeders regardless of when they are planted. Because a June planting leads to very rapid growth during the hottest months, they will benefit from a regular feeding schedule. Applying a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks will provide the nutrients they need to produce large leaves and vibrant flowers in a shorter timeframe.
Can I plant canna rhizomes in pots in June instead of the ground?
Yes, cannas grow exceptionally well in pots, and June is a perfect time to start them. Containers often have even warmer soil than the ground, which can speed up the sprouting process. Just be sure to use a large, sturdy pot and be prepared to water daily, as the summer heat will dry out container soil much faster than garden beds.