Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Choosing the Best Canna Lilies for Your Garden
- Finding the Right Spot: Sun, Soil, and Space
- Timing Your Planting
- How to Plant Canna Lilies: Step-by-Step
- Growing Canna Lilies in Containers
- Care and Maintenance Through the Season
- End-of-Season Care: Overwintering
- Dividing Canna Lilies for More Plants
- Creating Combinations with Cannas
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
There is a unique thrill in watching a garden transform from a quiet patch of soil into a lush, tropical paradise in just a few short months. If you are looking for a plant that delivers maximum impact with minimal fuss, growing cannas is one of the most rewarding choices you can make. These architectural wonders bring a sense of drama and vibrant color to any backyard, making them a favorite for both beginners and seasoned pros.
At Longfield Gardens, we love how cannas bridge the gap between easy-care perennials and exotic showstoppers. Whether you have a sprawling garden bed or a few sunny pots on a patio, these plants offer a spectacular return on your time. This guide will help you understand what these "lilies" (which aren't actually lilies at all!) need to thrive, from the moment you tuck the rhizomes into the soil to the end-of-season care.
We will cover everything you need to know about selecting varieties, planting at the right time, and keeping your plants healthy all summer long. By the end of this article, you will see why canna lilies are the secret to a high-style, low-stress summer landscape.
Choosing the Best Canna Lilies for Your Garden
Before you get your hands in the dirt, it is helpful to know what makes cannas so special. While many people call them "bulbs," they actually grow from rhizomes—thick, horizontal underground stems that store energy. These plants are closely related to ginger and bananas, which explains their lush, broad foliage and exotic appearance.
When selecting your varieties, think about the role you want them to play. Cannas vary significantly in height, flower color, and foliage pattern. Here are some popular types that we often recommend for a stunning display:
- ‘Tropicanna’: This is a standout favorite for its multi-colored, striped leaves that feature shades of green, gold, pink, and red. It produces bright orange flowers and works beautifully as a focal point.
- ‘Wyoming’: If you love dark, moody foliage, this variety offers deep bronze leaves that provide a sharp contrast to its brilliant orange blooms.
- ‘City of Portland’: For a classic look, this variety offers bright green leaves and large, coral-pink flowers that feel soft and sophisticated.
- ‘Lucifer’ or ‘The President’: These are excellent choices if you are looking for vibrant reds. ‘Lucifer’ is a dwarf variety, making it perfect for smaller spaces or the front of a border.
- ‘Tropicanna Gold’: This variety features yellow-and-green striped leaves with large, lemon-yellow flowers, perfect for brightening up a sunny corner.
Key Takeaway: Choosing the right canna depends on your space. Tall varieties (up to 6–8 feet) act as great privacy screens, while dwarf varieties (2–3 feet) are ideal for containers and borders.
Finding the Right Spot: Sun, Soil, and Space
Success with growing canna lilies starts with "right plant, right place." Because they are tropical in nature, they have a few specific preferences that will help them reach their full potential.
Light Requirements
Cannas are true sun-seekers. For the best flowers and the most vibrant leaf colors, they need full sun—which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If they are planted in too much shade, they tend to get "leggy" (tall and thin) as they stretch for the light, and they may produce fewer flowers. In very hot climates, a little afternoon shade is fine, but generally, the more sun, the better.
Soil and Drainage
"Drainage" simply refers to how quickly water moves through your soil. Cannas are unique because they love moisture and can even thrive in boggy areas near a pond. However, if you are planting them in garden beds or containers, they still appreciate soil that is rich in organic matter, like compost. We maintain a trial garden at Longfield Gardens where we see consistently better results in soil that stays moist but doesn't stay "soggy" in cold weather, as cold, wet soil can cause the rhizomes to rot before they start growing.
Wind Protection
Because cannas have large, paddle-shaped leaves, they can act like sails in a storm. If you live in a very windy area, try to plant them in a sheltered spot—perhaps near a fence or a wall. This prevents the leaves from shredding, keeping the plant looking tidy and lush all season.
Timing Your Planting
In gardening, timing often beats tricks. Cannas are tropical plants and have zero tolerance for frost. Planting them too early in cold, damp soil is a common mistake that can lead to slow growth or rot.
The best rule of thumb is to wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F. A good indicator is when you are ready to plant your tomatoes or peppers—that is usually the perfect time for cannas, too. In most parts of the US, this happens in late spring or early summer.
If you live in a region with a short growing season and want a head start, you can "start" your cannas indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Simply plant the rhizomes in pots and keep them in a warm, bright spot until the weather outside is consistently warm.
What to do next:
- Wait for the "tomato-planting" weather in your area.
- Check your local frost dates to ensure the danger has completely passed.
- Prepare your garden bed by mixing in a few inches of compost to add nutrients.
How to Plant Canna Lilies: Step-by-Step
Once the weather is warm and your spot is picked, planting is a quick and easy process. Getting the depth and spacing right is the "quiet winner" for a healthy garden.
- Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of about 8 to 10 inches. This makes it easier for the new roots to spread out.
- Position the Rhizome: Look for the "eyes" on the rhizome—these are the small bumps or points where new growth will emerge. Lay the rhizome horizontally in the hole with the eyes facing up.
- Depth: Plant the rhizome about 2 to 3 inches deep. You don't want them too deep, or they will take a long time to emerge. Cover them with soil and firm it down gently with your hands.
- Spacing: Space your plants about 1.5 to 2 feet apart. This might seem like a lot of room when they are just small rhizomes, but cannas grow quickly and need plenty of space for air to circulate between their large leaves.
- Water: Give the area a good soaking right after planting to settle the soil around the rhizomes.
Key Takeaway: Planting cannas 2–3 inches deep and 2 feet apart gives them the room they need to grow into the bold, architectural plants they are meant to be.
Growing Canna Lilies in Containers
If you don't have a large garden bed, don't worry—cannas are fantastic container plants. They add height and "thrill" to a mixed planter or look stunning on their own.
When choosing a pot, bigger is always better. A container that is at least 15 to 18 inches in diameter is ideal for a single large canna rhizome. Because these plants grow tall and heavy, a sturdy pot (like ceramic or heavy plastic) will prevent the plant from tipping over in the wind.
Use a high-quality potting mix rather than garden soil. Potting mix is lighter and designed to provide the right balance of drainage and moisture retention for container living. Remember that plants in pots dry out much faster than those in the ground, so you may need to water your container cannas every day during the heat of the summer.
Care and Maintenance Through the Season
Once your cannas are up and growing, they are relatively low-maintenance, but they do have "big appetites."
Water Correctly, Not Constantly
Cannas are "thirsty" plants. During the peak of summer, they need consistent moisture to keep their leaves from browning at the edges. A deep soaking once or twice a week is usually better than a light sprinkling every day. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil. If you are growing them in a very hot or sandy area, you may need to increase the frequency.
Feeding Your Plants
Because cannas produce so much foliage and flowers in a single season, they use a lot of energy. We recommend applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. You can also follow up with a liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season to keep the blooms coming. Think of it as "fuel" for their fast-paced growth.
Deadheading for More Blooms
"Deadheading" is simply the process of removing spent flowers. Canna stems often produce multiple clusters of buds. When the first set of flowers fades, snip them off just above the next set of buds. This keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages it to put energy into more flowers rather than producing seeds. Once the entire flower stalk has finished blooming, you can cut that stalk back to the foliage.
Managing Pests
Cannas are generally quite hardy, but you might occasionally see "leaf rollers"—small caterpillars that stitch the leaves together before they unfurl. The simplest way to handle this is to keep an eye on your plants and manually remove any affected leaves or caterpillars. Healthy, well-watered plants are much better at resisting pests and diseases on their own.
What to do next:
- Check soil moisture by sticking your finger an inch into the dirt; if it's dry, it's time to water.
- Apply a handful of compost or organic fertilizer every few weeks.
- Snip off faded flowers to keep the plant looking fresh and vibrant.
End-of-Season Care: Overwintering
How you handle your cannas at the end of the year depends entirely on where you live. Cannas are perennials in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10, meaning they can stay in the ground all year. In zones 6 and colder, the rhizomes will freeze and rot if left unprotected, so you have two choices: treat them as annuals and plant new ones next year, or "lift" and store them.
Overwintering in Warm Climates (Zones 7–10)
In these areas, the process is simple. Once the foliage turns yellow or brown after the first frost, cut the stems down to about 4 inches above the ground. Apply a thick layer of mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) over the area to provide a little extra insulation. The plants will rest through the winter and pop back up when the soil warms in the spring.
Lifting and Storing in Cold Climates (Zones 6 and below)
If you live where the ground freezes, lifting your canna rhizomes is an easy win to save your favorite varieties for next year.
- Wait for Frost: Wait until a light frost has blackened the foliage. This sends a signal to the plant to go dormant.
- Cut Back: Cut the stems down to about 2 or 3 inches.
- Dig Carefully: Use a garden fork or shovel to gently lift the clump of rhizomes out of the ground. Be careful not to bruise or cut them.
- Clean and Dry: Shake off the excess soil. Let the rhizomes sit in a dry, shaded area (like a garage or porch) for a day or two to "cure" or dry out slightly.
- Store: Place the rhizomes in a box or breathable bag filled with slightly damp peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings. Store them in a cool, dark place that stays between 40°F and 50°F—a basement or crawl space is usually perfect.
- Check Periodically: Once or twice during the winter, peek into your storage box. If the rhizomes look shriveled, mist them lightly with water. If any look soft or rotten, discard them immediately.
Key Takeaway: Lifting cannas is a simple way to preserve your investment. Just remember to keep them cool, dark, and slightly "barely-damp" through the winter months.
Dividing Canna Lilies for More Plants
One of the best things about canna lilies is that they are "the gift that keeps on giving." Over the course of a single summer, a healthy canna rhizome will multiply, creating a larger clump.
The best time to divide them is in the spring, just before you replant them. If you lifted your rhizomes for the winter, you can do this as you bring them out of storage. Use a sharp, clean knife to cut the large clump into smaller pieces.
Each piece must have at least one or two "eyes" (those growth bumps we mentioned earlier) to grow into a new plant. Let the cut ends dry for a few hours before planting to help prevent rot. This is a fantastic, cost-effective way to expand your garden or share your favorite varieties with neighbors and friends.
Creating Combinations with Cannas
Because cannas are so bold, they play well with other sun-loving plants. For a truly "tropical" look, try pairing them with:
- Elephant Ears: The massive leaves of elephant ears complement the vertical structure of cannas.
- Dahlias: These provide a constant source of intricate blooms in a wide array of colors that can match or contrast your cannas.
- Ornamental Grasses: The fine texture of grasses like fountain grass or switchgrass provides a beautiful contrast to the broad leaves of the canna.
- Lantana or Zinnias: These lower-growing flowers fill in the "feet" of the canna plants, creating a full, tiered look in your garden beds.
When planning your layout, remember that cannas will be the "stars" of the show. Place them in the back of the border or in the center of a circular bed so they don't overshadow their smaller neighbors.
FAQ
Do canna lilies come back every year?
In USDA zones 7 through 10, canna lilies are perennials and will return on their own each spring. In colder zones (zone 6 and below), the rhizomes must be dug up and stored indoors for the winter, or you can simply treat them as annuals and plant fresh rhizomes each spring. If you are unsure of your climate, the Hardiness Zone Map can help.
Do canna lilies need full sun?
Yes, cannas perform best when they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. While they can grow in partial shade, they may not bloom as well, and their foliage colors—especially in variegated or bronze varieties—will not be as vibrant.
How often should I water my canna lilies?
Cannas love moisture and should be watered whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. During the heat of summer, this usually means a deep soaking once or twice a week for garden plants, while container-grown cannas may need water every day.
Why aren't my canna lilies blooming?
The most common reasons for a lack of blooms are insufficient sunlight, lack of nutrients, or the soil being too dry. Ensure your plants are in a sunny spot, give them a boost with a balanced fertilizer, and make sure they are receiving consistent water to encourage flower production.
Conclusion
Growing canna lilies is one of the easiest ways to add a professional, high-impact look to your home landscape. With their towering stems, lush leaves, and brilliant flowers, they bring an undeniable energy to the garden from midsummer right through the first frost. By focusing on the basics—warm soil, plenty of sun, and consistent moisture—you can enjoy a tropical retreat in your own backyard regardless of where you live.
- Choose varieties that fit your style, from dark-leaved 'Wyoming' to vibrant 'Tropicanna'.
- Wait for warm weather (60°F soil) before planting rhizomes 2–3 inches deep. For more timing and shipping details, see our Shipping Information.
- Keep them fed and watered throughout the summer for maximum growth.
- Lift and store rhizomes in the fall if you live in a cold climate.
Our team at Longfield Gardens is always here to help you succeed with your summer garden. We stand behind our 100% quality guarantee, ensuring that your rhizomes arrive in prime condition and are true to variety. Ready to start your tropical transformation? The next step is as simple as choosing your favorite colors and planning your sunniest garden spot.
Final Thought: Gardening should be a rewarding adventure, not a chore. With canna lilies, the "wow" factor is built-in, making it easy for anyone to create a more beautiful yard.