Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Canna Rhizome
- Choosing the Right Variety for Your Space
- Finding the Perfect Location
- Timing Your Planting
- How to Plant Canna Rhizomes
- Caring for Your Cannas During the Summer
- Boosting Blooms and Maintaining Foliage
- Growing Cannas in Containers
- Fall Care and Overwintering
- Encouraging Success with the Right Approach
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Adding a splash of the tropics to your backyard doesn't require a plane ticket or a professional landscaping crew. With their oversized, banana-like leaves and brilliant, orchid-like flowers, canna lilies are the ultimate "easy win" for home gardeners looking to make a bold statement. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy these plants because they offer high-impact beauty with very little fuss.
Whether you are looking to create a privacy screen, fill a large container, or add height to the back of a flower bed, cannas are a perfect choice. This guide is designed to help home gardeners of all skill levels successfully navigate growing cannas from rhizomes. We will cover everything from selecting the right site to the simple steps for winter storage, ensuring your garden stays vibrant all season long.
Growing cannas is a rewarding experience that transforms your outdoor space into a lush oasis with just a few basic steps.
Understanding the Canna Rhizome
Before you get your hands in the dirt, it helps to understand what you are actually planting. While many people refer to them as bulbs, cannas grow from rhizomes. A rhizome is a thick, fleshy horizontal stem that grows underground. It acts as the plant’s energy storage unit, holding the nutrients needed to produce those massive leaves and bright flowers.
When you receive your order from us, you will notice that the rhizomes look like starchy, firm roots. They often have several small bumps or points on them. These are called "eyes," and they are the growth points where the new stems will emerge. A healthy rhizome should feel heavy for its size and firm to the touch.
One of the great things about growing cannas from rhizomes is how quickly they establish themselves. Unlike seeds, which can take a long time to develop a strong root system, a rhizome already has a head start. It contains a significant amount of stored energy, which allows the plant to grow several feet tall in just a few months.
Key Takeaway: Think of the rhizome as a battery. It stores all the power the plant needs to send up its first several inches of growth.
Choosing the Right Variety for Your Space
Cannas come in a wide range of sizes and colors, so there is a variety for every garden style. At Longfield Gardens, we offer several popular types that are proven to perform well in home landscapes. When choosing your rhizomes, consider both the flower color and the foliage.
Standard and Tall Varieties
Traditional cannas like 'Wyoming' or 'The President' can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet. These are fantastic for the back of a border or for creating a temporary summer hedge. Tall cannas are particularly striking because they combine bold stature with dramatic foliage.
Dwarf and Compact Varieties
If you have a smaller yard or prefer to garden in containers, look for dwarf varieties. These typically top out at 2 to 3 feet tall but still produce full-sized flowers. Assorted cannas are a good way to explore different sizes and colors in one planting.
Foliage-Focused Cannas
Sometimes the leaves are the main event. 'Pretoria' (also known as 'Bengal Tiger') features yellow and green striped leaves that look like stained glass when the sun shines through them. 'Tropicanna' is another showstopper, with multi-colored leaves of burgundy, gold, and green. When growing these varieties, the flowers are almost a secondary bonus to the spectacular foliage.
Finding the Perfect Location
To get the best results when growing cannas from rhizomes, you need to match the plant’s needs to your garden’s conditions. Cannas are not shy about what they want: heat, sun, and water.
Sun Exposure
Cannas are true sun-seekers. For the most vibrant leaf colors and the maximum number of blooms, they should be planted in a spot that receives full sun. In most regions, this means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If they are planted in too much shade, the plants will become "leggy" as they stretch for light, and they may not produce many flowers.
Wind Protection
Because cannas have such large, soft leaves, they can act like sails in a high wind. If you live in a particularly breezy area, try to plant them near a fence, a wall, or a group of sturdy shrubs. This protection prevents the leaves from shredding, which keeps the plant looking its best all summer.
Soil Quality and Drainage
Cannas are "heavy feeders," meaning they appreciate soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, it is a good idea to mix in some compost or well-rotted manure. While they love moisture, they do not like to sit in stagnant water for long periods. Ideally, your soil should be moisture-retentive but well-draining. This means the water moves through the soil at a steady pace rather than pooling on the surface.
Timing Your Planting
In gardening, timing often matters more than any special "trick." Because cannas are tropical plants, they have no tolerance for frost or cold soil. If you plant them too early, the rhizomes may sit in cold, wet ground and rot before they ever have a chance to grow.
The Soil Temperature Rule
A simple rule of thumb is to wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. This usually happens around the same time you would feel comfortable planting tomatoes or peppers in your garden. For most gardeners in the United States, this is in late spring or early summer, once the danger of the last frost has completely passed.
Starting Early Indoors
If you live in a northern climate with a short growing season, you can give your cannas a head start. About 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost, plant your rhizomes in large pots indoors. Keep them in a warm, bright spot—a sunroom or a south-facing window works perfectly. By the time the weather warms up outside, you will have established plants ready to go into the ground, giving you a longer season of blooms. For more background on getting canna growth off to a strong start, see All About Cannas.
What to do next:
- Check your local frost dates for your USDA zone.
- Use a soil thermometer to check the temperature 4 inches deep.
- If the soil is still below 60°F, be patient; it is worth the wait.
How to Plant Canna Rhizomes
Once the weather is right and your site is ready, the actual planting process is very straightforward. Follow these steps for the best results.
Step 1: Prepare the Soil
Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. This makes it easy for the new roots to spread out and find nutrients. Mix in a few inches of compost to provide a slow-release source of food for the growing plants.
Step 2: Dig the Hole
Dig a shallow hole or trench. For cannas, the ideal planting depth is about 2 to 4 inches deep. If you plant them too deep, they may struggle to send up shoots; if they are too shallow, the tall plants may tip over later in the season. If you want a deeper explanation of placement, how deep to plant a canna bulb is worth a look.
Step 3: Positioning the Rhizome
Place the rhizome in the hole horizontally. Look for the "eyes" or growth points. If you see them, point them upward. However, do not worry if you cannot tell which side is up. Cannas are very resilient, and the shoots will naturally find their way to the surface no matter how the rhizome is oriented.
Step 4: Spacing
Give your plants enough elbow room. Space standard-sized cannas about 1 to 2 feet apart. This allows for good air circulation and gives the foliage plenty of room to expand without crowding its neighbors. Dwarf varieties can be spaced a bit closer, around 12 to 18 inches apart.
Step 5: Cover and Water
Fill the hole with soil and firm it down gently with your hands. Water the area thoroughly right after planting. This settles the soil around the rhizome and "wakes it up" to begin the growing process. For a step-by-step refresher, see how to plant a canna bulb.
Caring for Your Cannas During the Summer
Once your cannas have sprouted and are actively growing, they require very little maintenance other than consistent water and food.
Watering Correctly
Cannas are thirsty plants. They are one of the few garden flowers that actually thrive in damp soil. During the heat of the summer, you should check the soil frequently. If the top inch of soil feels dry, it is time to water. In sandy soils or during a dry spell, you may need to water your cannas every few days. For container-grown cannas, daily watering is often necessary during mid-summer.
Feeding Your Plants
Because cannas grow so much foliage in a single season, they need plenty of fuel. We recommend using a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Following the instructions on the product label will ensure your plants have the nutrients they need to produce those spectacular blooms.
Mulching for Success
Applying a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of your plants is one of the easiest ways to ensure success. Mulch helps keep the soil moist, suppresses weeds that would compete for nutrients, and keeps the root zone at a consistent temperature. Use shredded bark, compost, or even pine needles.
Boosting Blooms and Maintaining Foliage
While cannas are grown largely for their leaves, the flowers are a beautiful addition to the summer garden. You can take a few simple steps to keep them blooming for as long as possible.
Deadheading
As individual flowers on a stalk fade, you can snip them off. This process, called deadheading, keeps the plant looking tidy. Once an entire flower stalk has finished blooming, cut the stalk back to the next side shoot or leaf. This encourages the plant to put its energy into producing new flower spikes rather than seeds.
Grooming the Leaves
It is natural for the bottom leaves of a canna plant to occasionally turn yellow or brown as the plant grows taller. Simply snip these off near the main stem to keep the plant looking fresh. If a leaf gets shredded by wind or a stray hailstone, don't worry—the plant will quickly produce new ones to take its place.
Pests and Simple Fixes
Cannas are generally very sturdy, but you might occasionally see small holes in the leaves. This is often from "canna leaf rollers" or slugs. For most home gardens, these are minor issues. Keeping the area free of debris and checking the plants occasionally is usually enough. If you have a significant problem, your local extension service can provide the best advice for your specific region.
Growing Cannas in Containers
If you don't have a large garden bed, you can still enjoy the tropical look of cannas by growing them in pots. This is an excellent way to dress up a patio, deck, or entryway.
Choosing the Right Pot
Cannas have large root systems, so they need a large home. A 12- to 15-inch diameter pot is the minimum size for a single rhizome. If you are planting multiple rhizomes together, you will need a much larger "half-barrel" style container. Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom so the water can flow through.
Using Potting Mix
Never use garden soil in a container; it is too heavy and won't drain well. Instead, use a high-quality potting mix. These mixes are designed to be lightweight and to hold onto moisture without becoming waterlogged. Growing cannas in containers can be especially rewarding when you have limited space.
Container Care
Plants in pots dry out much faster than plants in the ground. During the peak of summer, you may need to water your container cannas every morning. Since frequent watering can wash away nutrients, be sure to fertilize your potted cannas every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer.
Key Takeaway: For container cannas, the rule is "water deeply, feed often." This compensates for the limited soil volume and keeps the plants lush.
Fall Care and Overwintering
Cannas are tender perennials. In warm climates (USDA zones 8–11), they can stay in the ground all year. However, in colder regions (zones 7 and below), the rhizomes will freeze and die if left unprotected. Fortunately, overwintering them is a simple process.
When to Lift the Rhizomes
Wait for the first frost of the autumn. The frost will turn the canna foliage black or brown, which is a sign that the plant has gone dormant. This is the perfect time to "lift" (dig up) the rhizomes.
Digging and Cleaning
Cut the stems back to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground. Carefully dig around the clump with a garden fork or shovel, being careful not to nick the rhizomes. Gently lift the clump out of the soil. Shake off the excess dirt, but you don't need to scrub them perfectly clean.
Curing and Storage
Let the rhizomes sit in a dry, shaded area (like a garage or shed) for a few days to "cure." This allows the outer skin to toughen up. Once they are dry to the touch, place them in a box or a breathable bag filled with slightly damp peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings.
Store the box in a cool, dark, frost-free place where the temperature stays between 40°F and 50°F. A basement or crawlspace is often ideal. Check them once or twice during the winter; if they look shriveled, add a tiny bit of water to the packing material. In the spring, you can divide the clumps and start the process all over again.
Encouraging Success with the Right Approach
Gardening is meant to be a relaxing and rewarding hobby, not a source of stress. The beauty of cannas is that they are incredibly forgiving. Even if you miss a watering or the wind tousles the leaves, these plants are designed to bounce back. By focusing on the basics—sun, water, and warm soil—you can create a stunning display that will be the envy of your neighborhood.
We believe that every garden has room for a little tropical flair. Whether you plant a single pot of 'Lucifer' or a massive wall of 'Wyoming,' you are creating a space that feels like a getaway. At Longfield Gardens, our goal is to provide you with the quality plants and the practical knowledge you need to make that vision a reality. If you want a quick reference for seasonal delivery timing, our Shipping Information page explains it by zone.
"The secret to cannas is simple: treat them like a summer vacation. Give them plenty of sun, a big drink of water, and plenty of room to grow, and they will reward you with a spectacular show."
Conclusion
Growing cannas from rhizomes is one of the most satisfying ways to bring dramatic color and texture to your landscape. By following the simple steps of waiting for warm soil, providing plenty of sun, and keeping the plants hydrated, you can enjoy a tropical paradise in your own backyard from mid-summer until the first frost.
- Wait for 60°F soil temperatures before planting outdoors.
- Plant rhizomes 2 to 4 inches deep in a sunny, sheltered spot.
- Keep the soil consistently moist and feed monthly during the summer.
- In cold climates, lift and store rhizomes in a frost-free place for the winter.
Now that you know how easy it is to grow these tropical beauties, the next step is choosing the colors and sizes that best fit your garden's personality. We invite you to explore the varieties available at Longfield Gardens and start planning your most vibrant summer garden yet.
FAQ
Which way should the "eyes" face when planting canna rhizomes?
Ideally, the eyes (the small bumps or growth points) should face upward when you place the rhizome in the soil. However, if you cannot tell which side is which, simply plant the rhizome horizontally. The shoots are very skilled at finding their way toward the light and will grow correctly even if the rhizome is placed upside down.
How long does it take for cannas to sprout after planting?
Cannas are relatively slow to start and usually take about 2 to 3 weeks to show their first shoots above the ground. This timeline depends heavily on the soil temperature; in warmer soil, they will sprout faster. Do not worry if you don't see growth immediately, as the rhizome is busy establishing roots underground first.
Can I grow cannas in the shade?
While cannas can survive in partial shade, they will not perform their best. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to produce strong stems and plenty of flowers. Plants grown in the shade often have duller leaf colors, fewer blooms, and may become tall and floppy as they search for the sun.
Do I need to dig up my cannas every year?
This depends on your USDA hardiness zone. If you live in Zone 8 or warmer, you can usually leave your cannas in the ground year-round with a layer of mulch for protection. If you live in Zone 7 or colder, the rhizomes will likely freeze and die during the winter, so it is best to dig them up and store them indoors until spring.