Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Canna Lily Lifecycle
- The Role of USDA Hardiness Zones
- How to Help Cannas "Grow Back" in Cold Climates
- Planting for a Successful Return
- Dividing Cannas: The Key to Infinite Returns
- Growing Cannas in Containers
- Choosing Varieties for Long-Term Success
- Why Canna Lilies Might Not Grow Back
- Keeping Your Cannas Healthy All Summer
- Summary of the "Grow Back" Process
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
There is nothing quite like the sight of a canna lily in full bloom to make your backyard feel like a private tropical getaway. With their oversized, banana-like leaves and brilliant, jewel-toned flowers, these plants bring a level of drama and excitement that few other perennials can match. Whether you are planting them in garden beds to create a living privacy screen or using them as a bold "thriller" in patio containers, the impact is immediate and stunning.
If you're looking for tall, dramatic options, our Tall Cannas collection is a great place to start.
At Longfield Gardens, we want every gardener to feel the success of seeing these beautiful plants thrive season after season. One of the most common questions we hear from new gardeners is whether these tropical beauties are a "one-and-done" investment or if they will return to brighten the garden next summer. The answer is encouraging: cannas are naturally designed to grow back, provided they get the right care during the winter months.
This guide will explain exactly how the lifecycle of a canna lily works and what you can do to ensure yours return bigger and better every year. We will cover the importance of your local climate, the simple steps for winter storage, and how to wake your plants up when spring arrives. If you want to confirm your growing conditions first, our Hardiness Zone Map can help. This article is for anyone who wants to enjoy the lush, tropical beauty of cannas without having to start from scratch every spring.
By understanding how cannas grow and store energy, you can turn a single season of color into a lifetime of garden beauty.
Understanding the Canna Lily Lifecycle
To understand if cannas will grow back, it helps to know what is happening beneath the soil. While many people refer to them as "bulbs," cannas actually grow from rhizomes. A rhizome is a thick, fleshy underground stem that stores energy and water for the plant. If you have ever handled a piece of fresh ginger from the grocery store, you have seen a rhizome.
Because cannas are botanical perennials, they are programmed to have a period of active growth followed by a period of rest. During the summer, the leaves act like solar panels, soaking up sunlight and converting it into energy. This energy is sent down into the rhizome, which grows larger and develops new "eyes" or growing points. In the right conditions, these rhizomes will survive the winter and send up new shoots as soon as the ground warms up in the spring. For the basic planting steps, our How Do I Plant Canna Bulbs for Stunning Summer Blooms? guide is a helpful next read.
The main factor that determines if they grow back automatically is temperature. Cannas are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America. They love heat and humidity, but they are very sensitive to freezing temperatures. If the ground freezes solid where the rhizome is buried, the cells inside the rhizome can rupture, causing it to rot. Therefore, "growing back" looks a little different depending on where you live in the United States.
The Role of USDA Hardiness Zones
In the world of gardening, your USDA Hardiness Zone is your roadmap for success. It tells you the average minimum winter temperature in your area, which helps you decide how to treat your plants over the winter.
Warm Climates (Zones 8 to 11)
If you live in USDA zones 8, 9, 10, or 11, canna lilies are reliable perennials that can stay in the ground all year long. In these regions, the soil rarely freezes deep enough to damage the rhizomes. When the first light frost of autumn arrives, the foliage may turn brown and die back, but the rhizome remains safe and dormant underground. In the spring, once the soil temperature reaches about 60°F, you will see new green spears poking through the mulch, ready for another season of growth.
Transition Zones (Zone 7)
Gardeners in Zone 7 are in a bit of a "gray area." In many years, cannas will survive the winter in Zone 7 if they are planted in a sheltered spot and protected with a very thick layer of mulch—about 6 to 8 inches of straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips. However, a particularly cold or wet winter can still cause losses. Many gardeners in this zone choose to lift and store their favorite or more expensive varieties just to be safe.
Cold Climates (Zones 3 to 6)
In these northern regions, cannas are treated as "tender perennials" or "annuals with a secret." Because the ground freezes several inches (or even feet) deep, the rhizomes cannot survive outdoors. However, they don't have to die. By "lifting" the rhizomes in the fall and storing them in a frost-free place, you can replant them in the spring. This allows the plant to grow back every year, even in the coldest parts of the country. For broader seasonal planning tips, the Garden Basic Essentials hub is a useful resource.
Key Takeaway: Cannas are perennials that want to grow back every year. In warm zones, they do this on their own; in cold zones, they just need a little help from you to stay warm over the winter.
How to Help Cannas "Grow Back" in Cold Climates
If you live in a region where the ground freezes, the process of ensuring your cannas return is called "overwintering." While it might sound like a lot of work, it is actually a straightforward weekend project that saves you money and gives you the satisfaction of seeing your favorite plants mature over several years.
Step 1: Wait for the Frost
The best time to start the winterizing process is after the first frost has blackened the leaves. This frost sends a signal to the plant that it is time to go dormant. Do not be alarmed when the beautiful green or bronze leaves turn mushy and dark—this is exactly what is supposed to happen. Once the foliage has died back, the plant has stopped growing and is ready for its winter nap.
Step 2: Cut Back the Stems
Use a clean pair of garden shears to cut the stems down to about 4 to 6 inches above the soil line. This makes the clump of rhizomes easier to handle and gives you a "handle" to grab when you are lifting them out of the dirt.
Step 3: Lift with Care
Using a garden fork or a shovel, gently dig around the perimeter of the plant. Start about a foot away from the center to avoid slicing into the fleshy rhizomes. Carefully pry the entire clump out of the ground. You will likely notice that the single rhizome you planted in the spring has grown into a large, heavy mass.
Step 4: Clean and Dry
Gently shake off the excess soil. You don't need to wash them with a hose; in fact, it is often better to keep them dry to prevent rot. Let the rhizomes sit in a dry, shaded area (like a garage or a porch) for two or three days. This "curing" process allows the outer skin to toughen up slightly.
Step 5: Store for the Winter
Place the rhizomes in a breathable container, such as a cardboard box, a paper bag, or a plastic bin with holes drilled in the sides. Many gardeners find success packing them in slightly damp peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings. This keeps the rhizomes from drying out completely without making them wet enough to rot.
Store the container in a cool, dark, and dry place that stays between 40°F and 50°F. An unheated basement, a crawl space, or a cool closet in a mudroom often works perfectly. If you're ordering new rhizomes for spring planting, check our Shipping Information page so you know when to expect delivery.
What to Do Next:
- Check your stored rhizomes once a month during the winter.
- If they look shriveled or bone-dry, lightly mist the packing material with a spray bottle.
- If you see any soft or mushy spots, cut those sections away and discard them to prevent the rot from spreading.
- Keep them away from freezing exterior walls or drafty windows.
Planting for a Successful Return
Getting cannas to grow back isn't just about winter care; it's also about how you plant them in the first place. A healthy, vigorous plant produces a stronger rhizome that is more likely to survive dormancy.
Right Plant, Right Place
Cannas are sun-worshippers. To get the best blooms and the healthiest rhizomes, choose a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. While they can grow in partial shade, they will produce fewer flowers and the foliage may not be as vibrant. In very hot climates, like the desert Southwest, a little bit of afternoon shade can actually be helpful to prevent the leaves from scorching.
Soil and Drainage
"Drainage" is a fancy gardening term that simply means how fast water moves through the soil. Cannas love moisture, but they do not like to sit in stagnant, soggy mud, especially when they are dormant. If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding some compost to lighten it up. At Longfield Gardens, we always recommend starting with healthy soil to give your plants the best possible foundation.
Planting Depth and Spacing
When spring arrives and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F, it is time to replant.
- Depth: Plant the rhizomes about 4 inches deep. If you see "eyes" (little bumps or sprouts), point them toward the sky. If you aren't sure which way is up, lay the rhizome on its side; the plant will figure it out.
- Spacing: Cannas grow fast and wide. Give them room to breathe by spacing them about 18 to 24 inches apart. This prevents the plants from competing for nutrients and allows for better air circulation, which keeps the leaves healthy.
Dividing Cannas: The Key to Infinite Returns
One of the most exciting things about canna lilies is that they don't just grow back—they multiply. Every year, a healthy canna rhizome will grow and produce several "offspring." If you leave them in the ground in a warm climate, the clump will eventually become too crowded. If you lift them in the north, you will find you have much more to replant each year.
When to Divide
The best time to divide your cannas is in the spring, just before you replant them. If you live in a warm climate, you should dig up and divide your clumps every 2 to 3 years to keep them from becoming overgrown.
How to Divide
Look at the large mass of rhizomes you lifted in the fall. You will see several distinct sections, each with its own "eyes." Using a clean, sharp knife, cut the rhizomes into smaller pieces. Each piece should have at least 2 or 3 healthy-looking eyes. Let the cut surfaces dry for a few hours before putting them back in the ground.
By dividing your plants, you can turn a small garden bed into a massive tropical border over just a few years. It is a rewarding way to expand your garden for free or to share your favorite varieties with neighbors and friends.
Key Takeaway: Dividing your cannas every few years keeps the plants healthy and prevents overcrowding. It is the easiest way to get "more for less" in your garden.
Growing Cannas in Containers
Many gardeners prefer to grow cannas in pots, especially if they have limited space or want to add height to a patio. Container-grown cannas will also grow back every year, and the winter care is even easier.
If you live in a cold climate and grow your cannas in pots, you don't necessarily have to dig the rhizomes out of the soil. Once the frost hits and you have cut back the foliage, you can simply move the entire pot into a frost-free garage or basement. The soil in the pot acts as an extra layer of insulation. In the spring, bring the pot back outside, give it a good soak and some fresh fertilizer, and the plants will begin to grow again.
Just remember that cannas in pots need more water than those in the ground. On hot summer days, a large canna in a pot might need to be watered every single day. Using a self-watering pot or a large container (at least 15 to 18 inches in diameter) will help keep the moisture levels consistent.
Choosing Varieties for Long-Term Success
When you are planning a garden that returns year after year, it is fun to choose a mix of colors and heights. We offer a variety of cannas that are known for their vigor and reliability. Here are some of the most popular types you might consider:
- Tropicanna: Known for its show-stopping variegated foliage with stripes of green, gold, and pink, topped with bright orange flowers.
- Bengal Tiger (Pretoria): A classic variety with yellow and green striped leaves that look like stained glass when the sun shines through them.
- Wyoming: Offers a sophisticated look with dark bronze-purple foliage and vibrant orange blooms.
- City of Portland: A beautiful choice for those who love warm tones, featuring coral-pink flowers and lush green leaves.
- Alaska: One of the few varieties with creamy white flowers, providing a cool, elegant look in the heat of summer.
If you like a ready-made mix, our Canna Medium Banana Punch and Canna Short Orange Chocolate varieties are also great choices for adding variety to the garden.
Whether you prefer the giant 6-foot varieties for the back of the border or dwarf varieties that stay under 3 feet tall for the front of your house, all cannas follow the same basic rules for growing back.
Why Canna Lilies Might Not Grow Back
Even though cannas are tough plants, there are a few common reasons why they might fail to reappear in the spring. Leading with the correct approach is the best way to avoid these issues.
Excess Moisture in Winter
The number one enemy of a dormant canna rhizome is "wet feet." If the soil stays cold and soggy all winter long, the rhizome will rot. This is why good drainage is so important. If you live in a rainy climate, consider planting your cannas in raised beds or adding extra organic matter to the soil to help water move away from the roots.
Freezing Temperatures
As we discussed, cannas are tropical. If a surprise deep freeze hits and your rhizomes aren't buried deep enough or protected by mulch, they may not survive. If you are in a borderline zone like Zone 7, always err on the side of caution and provide extra mulch.
Starting Too Early in Cold Soil
It can be tempting to plant your cannas as soon as the first warm day of spring arrives. However, if the soil is still cold and wet (below 60°F), the rhizome will just sit there. In the worst-case scenario, it might rot before it ever has a chance to sprout. Patience is a virtue here—waiting until the soil is truly warm will result in faster, healthier growth.
Keeping Your Cannas Healthy All Summer
To ensure your cannas have enough energy to grow back next year, they need to have a successful summer. Healthy leaves mean a healthy rhizome.
Water Deeply
Cannas are thirsty plants. Rather than giving them a little bit of water every day, it is better to give them a deep soaking once or twice a week. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the plant more resilient to heat and drought.
Fertilize Regularly
Because cannas grow so much leaf and flower material in a single season, they are "heavy feeders." This means they need plenty of nutrients. At planting time, you can mix a slow-release fertilizer into the soil. During the peak of summer, a monthly dose of a balanced liquid fertilizer will keep the foliage lush and the flowers coming.
Deadheading
"Deadheading" means removing the spent flowers after they have faded. While cannas don't strictly need this to survive, it helps the plant look tidy. More importantly, it prevents the plant from putting energy into making seeds. Instead, that energy is redirected back down into the rhizome for next year's growth.
Summary of the "Grow Back" Process
If you want to ensure your cannas return every year, follow this simple path:
- Spring: Plant in warm soil (60°F+) in a sunny spot with good drainage.
- Summer: Water deeply and fertilize to build up energy in the rhizome.
- Fall (Cold Zones): Wait for the first frost, cut back stems, and lift the rhizomes.
- Winter (Cold Zones): Store in a cool, dry place in breathable containers.
- Winter (Warm Zones): Leave in the ground and protect with mulch.
- Every 2-3 Years: Divide the rhizomes to prevent overcrowding and increase your plant count.
"The secret to cannas growing back isn't magic; it's simply respecting their tropical nature. Give them heat in the summer and protection from the frost in the winter, and they will reward you for a lifetime."
Conclusion
Canna lilies are some of the most rewarding plants you can grow. They offer an incredible "return on investment," providing months of tropical color for very little effort. Whether you live in the sunny South where they return on their own, or in the North where you keep them safe in a basement over the winter, these plants are true survivors.
By following the simple steps of right plant, right place, and proper winter care, you can enjoy these bold beauties year after year. At Longfield Gardens, we take pride in providing high-quality rhizomes that are ready to jump into growth as soon as you plant them. Our 100% quality guarantee ensures that your plants arrive healthy and true to variety, so you can start your tropical garden with confidence.
Remember, gardening is meant to be a joyful experience. Watching a small rhizome transform into a 6-foot-tall masterpiece is one of the great thrills of the summer season. So, pick out your favorite colors, find a sunny spot, and get ready to enjoy a garden that grows more beautiful with every passing year.
FAQ
Do I have to dig up my canna lilies every year?
This depends entirely on your USDA Hardiness Zone. If you live in Zone 8 or warmer, you can usually leave them in the ground year-round. If you live in Zone 7, you may be able to leave them if you use a very thick layer of mulch. In Zones 6 and colder, you must dig them up and store them indoors if you want them to grow back the following year.
When is the best time to replant stored canna rhizomes?
Wait until the danger of frost has completely passed and the soil temperature has reached at least 60°F. In most regions, this is about the same time you would plant tomatoes or peppers. Planting in cold, wet soil can cause the rhizomes to rot, so it is better to wait for consistent spring warmth.
Can I grow cannas as annuals and just buy new ones each year?
Yes, many gardeners choose to treat cannas as annuals because they are relatively inexpensive and grow so quickly. If you don't have a suitable place to store them or simply don't want the extra task of lifting them, you can let them die off in the winter and start fresh with new rhizomes from us in the spring.
My cannas didn't bloom last year; will they grow back and bloom this year?
Cannas usually fail to bloom because of a lack of sunlight, insufficient water, or poor soil nutrition. If the rhizome survived the winter, the plant will grow back. To ensure blooms this year, make sure they are in full sun (6+ hours), receive plenty of water during the heat of summer, and are fed with a balanced fertilizer.