Introduction
There is nothing quite like the sight of a canna lily in full bloom, its oversized, tropical leaves and vibrant flowers turning a standard backyard into an exotic retreat. These dramatic plants are a favorite for many of us because they provide high-impact color with relatively little effort. Whether you are planting them in garden beds or large patio containers, the anticipation of those first sprouts is one of the most rewarding parts of the spring season.
When you invest time into planning your landscape, it is natural to wonder if local wildlife will find your garden as attractive as you do. At Longfield Gardens, we often hear from gardeners who are concerned about squirrels and other curious critters disturbing their newly planted rhizomes. Understanding the behavior of your neighborhood squirrels can help you garden with confidence and ensure your plants reach their full potential.
In this guide, we will explore whether squirrels actually eat canna rhizomes, why they might be digging in your flower beds, and the best ways to keep your garden undisturbed. We will also look at other potential garden visitors and how to differentiate their activity from simple squirrel curiosity. By following a few straightforward steps, you can protect your investment and enjoy a lush, worry-free summer display. For additional information about canna lily bulbs, explore Longfield Gardens’ canna growing resources.
While squirrels rarely view canna rhizomes as a primary food source, their natural digging habits can still pose a challenge that is easily managed with the right preparation.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior and Canna Rhizomes
To answer the question of whether squirrels eat canna bulbs—which are technically thick, fleshy underground stems called rhizomes—we have to look at what squirrels actually prefer. Squirrels are primarily looking for high-fat, high-protein snacks like acorns, walnuts, and peanuts. They also have a well-known fondness for certain spring-flowering bulbs, particularly tulips and crocuses, which contain starches they find palatable.
Cannas, however, do not usually top the list of squirrel favorites. The texture and chemical makeup of a canna rhizome are quite different from the "true bulbs" that squirrels love to munch on. Most gardeners find that while a squirrel might dig up a rhizome out of curiosity, they rarely sit down to a full meal of it. The taste is generally unappealing to them, and the rhizomes are often too large and tough for a squirrel to carry away easily.
This is excellent news for anyone looking to add tropical flair to their yard. If you see a squirrel digging near your cannas, it is much more likely that they are investigating the spot rather than hunting for the rhizome itself. Understanding this distinction allows you to focus on simple deterrents rather than worrying about your plants being eaten entirely.
Why Do Squirrels Dig Up Cannas?
If squirrels don't particularly like the taste of cannas, you might wonder why you find them digging in your garden beds shortly after planting. There are several logical reasons for this behavior that have nothing to do with the flavor of the rhizome.
Freshly Turned Soil
Squirrels are opportunists and highly observant. When we dig a hole to plant a rhizome, we leave behind a patch of soft, freshly turned soil. To a squirrel, this looks like a spot where another animal might have buried a nut. They often dig in these locations simply to see if there is a "treasure" hidden beneath the surface. This is why most squirrel activity happens in the first few days after you finish your planting.
Hiding Their Own Food
Gardeners often find that squirrels aren't digging things up; they are actually burying things. A well-watered, soft garden bed is the perfect "pantry" for a squirrel looking to hide an acorn or a sunflower seed for later. In the process of burying their own food, they may accidentally displace or expose your canna rhizomes.
Scent and Curiosity
New rhizomes often have a specific scent, especially if they have just come out of storage or a shipping box. This unfamiliar smell can trigger a squirrel’s curiosity. They may dig down to investigate the source of the scent, realize it isn't something they want to eat, and move on—leaving the rhizome exposed to the elements or the sun.
Key Takeaway: Squirrels are more interested in the soft soil and the possibility of hidden nuts than they are in eating your canna rhizomes. Most digging is exploratory rather than predatory.
Identifying Other Garden Visitors
While squirrels are often the first suspects when we see a hole in the garden, they aren't the only ones interested in underground activity. It is helpful to know who else might be visiting your yard so you can apply the most effective protection.
Voles and Gophers
Unlike squirrels, voles and gophers live much of their lives underground and do have a taste for roots and rhizomes. If you notice tunnels or if your canna shoots suddenly disappear from the bottom up, you may be dealing with these subterranean residents. Voles are small, mouse-like rodents that follow existing tunnels, while gophers are larger and create their own complex systems.
Mice and Rats
In some urban or suburban settings, mice or rats might take an interest in garden beds. Like squirrels, they are often attracted to the disturbed soil or the organic matter in your compost and mulch. They are less likely to eat a large canna rhizome but can cause similar digging issues.
Deer and Rabbits
While these animals focus on the foliage above ground rather than the bulbs below, they are worth mentioning. Most gardeners find that cannas are relatively resistant to deer and rabbits. The thick, rubbery texture of the leaves is not particularly tasty to them. However, in areas with very high deer pressure, they might take a "test bite" of the new, tender growth in early spring.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Canna Rhizomes
If you live in an area with a high squirrel population, you can take a few proactive steps to ensure your cannas stay safely in the ground. These methods are easy to implement and won't interfere with the growth of your plants.
Use Physical Barriers
The most effective way to stop a squirrel from digging is to make it physically impossible for them to reach the soil surface. After planting your rhizomes, you can lay a piece of chicken wire or hardware cloth over the area. Secure the edges with landscape staples and cover the wire with a thin layer of mulch to hide it. The canna shoots will grow right through the holes in the wire, but the squirrels won't be able to dig down to the rhizomes.
Add a Layer of Gravel
When filling the planting hole, try mixing a handful of sharp gravel or crushed stone into the soil directly above the rhizome. Squirrels dislike the sensation of sharp stones against their paws and will usually stop digging as soon as they encounter them. This is a "set it and forget it" solution that works all season long.
Use Scent-Based Deterrents
Squirrels have a very sensitive sense of smell. You can use this to your advantage by making the area around your cannas smell unappealing to them. Some popular options include:
- Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle a generous amount of dried chili flakes over the soil surface after planting.
- Garlic Sprays: A simple spray made from water and minced garlic can act as a temporary deterrent.
- Commercial Repellents: There are many non-toxic, scent-based granules available that use peppermint oil or predator urine scents to discourage digging.
Mulch Immediately
Leaving bare, open soil is like putting up a "dig here" sign for squirrels. As soon as you finish planting, cover the area with a thick layer of mulch. This helps the soil blend in with the rest of the garden and masks the scent of the newly planted rhizomes.
What to Do After Planting:
- Firm the soil down well to remove air pockets.
- Water the area thoroughly to settle the dirt and remove the "freshly dug" look.
- Apply a layer of mulch or decorative stone.
- If digging persists, use a temporary wire cage or mesh cover.
Planting Depth and Spacing
One of the best ways to protect your plants is to get the planting basics right from the start. A rhizome that is planted too shallowly is much easier for a squirrel to accidentally uncover. For more guidance, see this guide to canna planting depth.
We recommend planting canna rhizomes about 4 to 5 inches deep. This depth provides a good buffer between the squirrel and the plant. It also ensures the rhizome stays cool and moist as the summer heat arrives. When spacing your cannas, give them about 1 to 2 feet of room depending on the variety. Larger types like 'Pretoria' or 'Wyoming' need more space to spread their magnificent foliage, while dwarf varieties can be tucked closer together.
Choosing the right location is equally important. Cannas love the sun—at least six hours of direct sunlight is ideal. They also prefer soil that drains well but stays consistently moist. If your soil is very sandy, water may move through it too quickly, while heavy clay can hold too much moisture. Amending your soil with compost can help create the perfect balance.
"A well-planted canna is a resilient canna. By ensuring the correct depth and providing plenty of sun, you give your plants the best possible start to resist any minor disturbances from local wildlife."
Companion Planting as a Natural Guard
Another creative and beautiful way to keep squirrels away from your cannas is through companion planting. Certain plants have scents or textures that squirrels find bothersome, and placing these nearby can create a natural "no-dig" zone.
Alliums and Garlic
Plants in the onion family are fantastic garden protectors. The pungent scent of ornamental alliums, chives, or even culinary garlic is very off-putting to squirrels. Planting these around the perimeter of your canna bed can serve as a fragrant fence that keeps critters at a distance.
Marigolds
Marigolds are a classic garden companion for a reason. Their strong, musky scent is a known deterrent for many pests, including squirrels and some insects. They also add a bright pop of color that complements the tropical look of cannas.
Geraniums
Many gardeners find that the scent of zonal geraniums helps keep squirrels at bay. Tucking a few pots of geraniums around your cannas or planting them directly in the ground can help protect the area while adding extra floral interest.
Protecting Cannas During Winter Storage
In many parts of the United States, canna rhizomes must be lifted and stored indoors for the winter. This is another time when squirrels—and their indoor cousins, mice—might take an interest in your plants. If you store your rhizomes in a garage, shed, or basement, they are vulnerable to nibbling. This winter storage guide covers the process in detail.
To keep them safe during the dormant season, store your rhizomes in a sturdy container. Plastic bins with small ventilation holes work well, as do wooden crates lined with fine wire mesh. Avoid using cardboard boxes, as rodents can easily chew through them.
Check on your stored rhizomes once a month during the winter. You are looking for any signs of chew marks or nesting material. If you see activity, move the containers to a more secure location or add a layer of hardware cloth over the top. Taking these small precautions during the winter ensures you have healthy, intact rhizomes ready for planting when spring returns.
Troubleshooting Common Canna Issues
Sometimes, a gardener might think a squirrel has eaten their rhizome when the problem is actually something else entirely. If your cannas fail to emerge, it is helpful to investigate the cause before blaming the local wildlife.
Poor Drainage and Rot
The most common reason for a "missing" canna is rot. If the soil is too wet and cold in the early spring, the rhizome may decay before it has a chance to sprout. When you dig down to check on it, you might find a mushy or empty space. This isn't the work of a squirrel; it’s usually a sign that the planting site needs better drainage or that the rhizome was planted too early in the season.
Cold Soil Temperatures
Cannas are tropical plants that love warmth. They won't start growing until the soil temperature reaches about 60°F. If you have a particularly long, cool spring, your cannas might simply be "sleeping." Be patient and wait for the sun to warm the earth; once the conditions are right, they will grow very quickly.
Identifying Chew Marks
If you do find a rhizome that has been dug up, look closely at it. Squirrels will usually leave "shredded" edges or small, jagged teeth marks. If the rhizome is mostly intact but just sitting on the surface, the squirrel likely realized it wasn't a nut and gave up. In this case, you can simply replant it, perhaps a bit deeper this time, and add a protective layer of mulch to discourage the squirrel from returning.
Gardening with Confidence
It is easy to feel a bit protective of your garden, but it is important to remember that most wildlife interactions are minor. Gardening should be a relaxing and joyful experience, not a battle against nature. By understanding that squirrels are primarily curious rather than hungry for your cannas, you can let go of the stress and focus on the fun parts of growing.
Most of the time, the simplest solutions are the best. A bit of mulch, a handful of gravel, or a well-placed piece of wire mesh is all it takes to keep your garden looking its best. At Longfield Gardens, we believe that every gardener can achieve professional-looking results by getting a few basics right and staying observant.
As the weather warms and your cannas begin to send up those first rolled leaves, you’ll know that your efforts have paid off. Before you know it, you will have a towering display of tropical foliage and bright blooms that serve as the centerpiece of your outdoor space.
Conclusion
While squirrels may occasionally dig in your garden beds, they are rarely interested in eating canna rhizomes. Their activity is usually driven by curiosity about freshly turned soil or a desire to hide their own winter snacks. By using physical barriers like wire mesh, adding gravel to your planting holes, or using scent-based deterrents, you can easily protect your plants from any unwanted attention.
Remember these key steps for success:
- Plant rhizomes 4-5 inches deep to keep them out of easy reach.
- Cover new planting sites with mulch to hide the scent and disturbed soil.
- Use hardware cloth or chicken wire if you have very active squirrels.
- Focus on warm soil and good drainage for the healthiest growth.
Gardening is all about the joy of watching things grow and the satisfaction of a beautiful yard. With these simple tips, you can enjoy your cannas all season long without worrying about the local wildlife. We invite you to explore our other planning guides and resources at Longfield Gardens to help you create the garden of your dreams.
"The secret to a successful garden isn't keeping nature out, but working alongside it with simple, effective strategies that allow your plants to shine."
FAQ
Do squirrels like the taste of canna bulbs?
Generally, no. Squirrels find the taste and texture of canna rhizomes unappealing compared to their favorite snacks like nuts or tulip bulbs. Most digging near cannas is done out of curiosity or to hide other food, rather than an attempt to eat the rhizome itself.
How can I stop squirrels from digging up my new cannas?
The most effective method is to lay chicken wire or hardware cloth over the soil surface after planting, which prevents squirrels from reaching the rhizomes. You can also use scent-based deterrents like red pepper flakes or garlic sprays, and always make sure to mulch the area to hide the freshly turned soil.
Are there any "squirrel-proof" bulbs I can plant instead?
While no plant is 100% squirrel-proof, cannas are very high on the list of plants they usually leave alone. Other squirrel-resistant options include daffodils, alliums, and hyacinths, as these contain substances that taste bitter or are mildly toxic to rodents.
Can I replant a canna rhizome if a squirrel digs it up?
Yes, as long as the rhizome is still firm and hasn't been significantly damaged or left out in freezing temperatures. Simply clear any debris, check for signs of rot, and replant it at the proper depth of 4 to 5 inches, making sure to firm the soil and mulch over the top to discourage the squirrel from returning.
