Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Canna Lilies
- The Best Location for Your Canna Lilies
- When to Plant Canna Lilies
- How to Plant Canna Lilies Step-by-Step
- Caring for Your Canna Lilies Through the Season
- Deadheading and Pruning
- Growing Canna Lilies in Pots and Containers
- How to Overwinter Canna Lilies
- Dealing with Common Pests
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- More Ways to Shop Cannas
Introduction
There is nothing quite like the sight of a canna lily unfurling its massive, paddle-shaped leaves in the heat of July. These plants bring an immediate tropical feel to any backyard, offering architectural height and glowing flowers that last until the first frost. If you want to create a lush, resort-style garden without a lot of stress, Tall Cannas are one of the most rewarding plants you can choose.
At Longfield Gardens, we love cannas because they are incredibly reliable and fast-growing. Whether you have a sprawling garden bed or a small sunny balcony, these plants provide a big impact with very little fuss. The How to Deep to Plant a Canna Bulb guide can help you get the basics right from day one.
This guide will show you exactly how to plant, grow, and care for these summer showstoppers. We will cover everything from choosing the best spot in your yard to keeping your plants happy all summer long. By the end of this article, you will have all the knowledge you need to grow beautiful, healthy canna lilies.
Understanding Canna Lilies
Before you start planting, it helps to know a little bit about what makes these plants unique. While many people call them "canna lilies," they are not true lilies at all. They are actually more closely related to ginger and bananas. You can see this relationship in their thick, succulent stems and large, dramatic leaves.
Canna lilies grow from rhizomes. A rhizome is a thick, horizontal underground stem that stores energy for the plant. When you buy cannas from us, you receive these firm, healthy rhizomes ready to sprout. Because they store so much energy, cannas grow very quickly once the weather warms up. Some varieties can reach heights of six to eight feet in just a few months.
One of the best things about cannas is the variety of colors available. You can choose plants with classic green leaves, or go for something more dramatic. Some varieties feature deep burgundy or bronze foliage, while others have variegated stripes of yellow, green, and cream. The flowers come in brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, often with speckled patterns that look like tropical birds.
Key Takeaway: Canna lilies grow from thick underground stems called rhizomes. They are fast-growing plants that offer both stunning flowers and bold, colorful foliage.
The Best Location for Your Canna Lilies
Success with cannas begins with picking the right spot. These are sun-loving plants that thrive on heat. If you want the most vibrant leaf colors and the largest number of flowers, you need to find a place that gets plenty of direct light.
Sunlight Requirements
Cannas need full sun to perform their best. Aim for a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. While they can grow in partial shade, the plants often become "leggy" or tall and floppy as they reach for the light. They will also produce far fewer flowers if they are tucked away in a dark corner of the garden.
Soil and Drainage
Cannas are unusual because they love moisture more than most garden bulbs. In their native tropical habitats, they often grow near the edges of ponds or in damp ditches. In your garden, they will be happiest in rich, fertile soil that stays consistently moist.
If you have heavy clay soil, cannas will actually appreciate the extra moisture it holds. If your soil is very sandy, you may need to add some compost or organic matter to help it retain water. Unlike many other plants, cannas can handle "wet feet," meaning they don't mind if the soil stays quite damp. However, the water should not be completely stagnant or puddling for days on end.
Wind Protection
Because canna leaves are so large and soft, they can act like sails in a strong wind. If you live in a very breezy area, the leaves might get tattered or torn at the edges. While this doesn't usually hurt the health of the plant, it can make it look a bit messy. If possible, plant your cannas near a fence, a wall, or other sturdy plants that can provide a little bit of a windbreak.
When to Plant Canna Lilies
Timing is the most important factor when learning how do you grow canna lilies. Because these are tropical plants, they have no tolerance for frost. Planting them too early in cold, wet soil is a common mistake that can lead to the rhizomes rotting before they even have a chance to wake up.
Wait for the Heat
The best time to plant cannas outdoors is when the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the same time you would plant tomatoes or peppers in your garden. For most US gardeners, this is usually in late spring or early summer, well after the danger of the last frost has passed.
Getting an Early Start
If you live in a region with a short growing season, you can start your canna rhizomes indoors about four to six weeks before the last frost date.
- Plant the rhizomes in pots filled with high-quality potting soil.
- Keep the pots in a warm, sunny spot inside your home or in a heated greenhouse.
- Once the weather is warm and the soil outside is toasty, you can transplant your started plants into the garden.
How to Plant Canna Lilies Step-by-Step
Once the weather is warm and you have picked your spot, it is time to get the rhizomes in the ground. Planting cannas is a simple process that anyone can do.
Preparing the Soil
Cannas are "heavy feeders," which means they use a lot of nutrients to grow those massive leaves. Before you plant, it is a great idea to loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Mix in a few inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This provides the organic matter and nutrients the plants need to hit the ground running.
Depth and Spacing
When you look at a canna rhizome, you will see small bumps or points. These are the "eyes" or growth points where the new stems will emerge.
- Depth: Dig a hole about 4 inches deep.
- Placement: Lay the rhizome horizontally in the hole. If you can see the eyes, point them upward. If you aren't sure which way is up, don't worry—the plant will figure it out and grow toward the light.
- Spacing: Give your cannas room to breathe. Space tall varieties about 18 to 24 inches apart. Smaller, dwarf varieties can be spaced about 12 inches apart.
Initial Watering
After you cover the rhizomes with soil, give the area a good soaking. This settles the soil around the rhizome and "wakes up" the plant. After this initial watering, you can wait until you see the first green shoots poking through the soil before you start a regular watering schedule.
What to do next:
- Check your local frost dates to ensure the soil is warm enough.
- Amend your planting area with compost or organic fertilizer.
- Plant rhizomes 4 inches deep with the "eyes" facing up.
- Water well and watch for the first signs of green growth in 2-3 weeks.
Caring for Your Canna Lilies Through the Season
Once your cannas are established, they are very easy to maintain. However, because they grow so fast and produce so much foliage, they do have a few specific needs during the height of summer.
Watering Correctly
As we mentioned, cannas love water. 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 many climates, this means giving them a deep soak once or twice a week. If you are growing cannas in containers, they may need water every single day during July and August.
If the leaves start to look crispy at the edges or begin to curl, the plant is likely thirsty. Regular, deep watering will keep the foliage looking lush and tropical.
Fertilizing for Success
Because cannas grow so much in a single season, they need plenty of fuel. We recommend using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. You can also follow up with a liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Look for a fertilizer that is designed for flowering plants or even one meant for roses or tomatoes. High-nitrogen fertilizers will encourage more leaf growth, while a balanced blend will support both leaves and flowers.
Mulching
Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of your cannas is a great way to keep them happy. Mulch helps the soil stay moist and cool, which reduces the amount of watering you have to do. It also helps suppress weeds that might compete with your cannas for nutrients.
Deadheading and Pruning
To keep your canna lilies looking their best and to encourage more flowers, you will want to do a little bit of light grooming throughout the summer.
How to Deadhead
Deadheading is the process of removing faded flowers. Canna flowers are beautiful, but each individual bloom only lasts a day or two. The plant produces flowers on long spikes, with new buds opening as the old ones fade.
- When a single flower withers, you can simply pinch it off.
- Once an entire flower spike has finished blooming and no more buds are visible, cut that stalk back to the next side shoot or leaf.
- This prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production and encourages it to send up new flower stalks.
Mid-Season Tidy Up
If your canna leaves start to look a bit "ratty" or tired by mid-August, don't be afraid to prune. You can remove any individual leaves that are torn or brown. If the entire plant looks stressed, you can even cut the stems back significantly, give them a good dose of fertilizer and water, and they will often flush out with fresh, new growth in a few weeks.
Key Takeaway: Consistent water and regular fertilizer are the secrets to huge canna lilies. Deadheading old flowers keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages more blooms.
Growing Canna Lilies in Pots and Containers
If you don't have a lot of garden space, or if you want to decorate your patio, canna lilies are excellent candidates for containers. Growing them in pots also makes it very easy to move them around to find the best sun or to protect them from wind.
Choosing the Right Pot
Cannas have large root systems, so you need a substantial container. A pot that is at least 15 to 18 inches in diameter is a good starting point for a single rhizome. If you want to plant multiple cannas together, you will need an even larger "jumbo" pot. Make sure the container has drainage holes in the bottom.
Potting Mix
Use a high-quality, well-draining potting soil rather than garden soil. Potting soil is lighter and allows the roots to grow more easily. Since cannas are heavy feeders, look for a mix that already includes a slow-release fertilizer, or add your own at planting time.
Container Care
Plants in pots dry out much faster than those in the ground. During the peak of summer, you will likely need to water your potted cannas every day. You should also fertilize container-grown cannas more frequently—about once every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer—because nutrients leach out of the soil every time you water.
How to Overwinter Canna Lilies
How you handle your cannas at the end of the season depends entirely on where you live. Cannas are perennial in warm climates (USDA zones 7 or 8 through 10) but are treated as annuals or stored indoors in colder regions.
In Warm Climates (Zones 7-10)
In these areas, you can leave your canna rhizomes in the ground all year long. After the first frost kills the top growth, simply cut the stems down to about 4 inches above the soil. Apply a thick layer of mulch (about 4-6 inches) over the area to protect the rhizomes from any unusually cold winter snaps. In the spring, remove the excess mulch and the plants will sprout again as the soil warms.
In Cold Climates (Zones 6 and Below)
In the north, the ground freezes deep enough to kill canna rhizomes. To save them for next year, you must "lift" and store them.
- Wait for Frost: Wait until a light frost has turned the foliage brown or black. This tells the plant to go dormant.
- Cut Back: Cut the stems down to about 4-6 inches.
- Dig Gently: Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully lift the clump of rhizomes out of the ground. Be careful not to bruise or cut the rhizomes.
- Clean and Dry: Shake off excess soil. Let the rhizomes sit in a dry, shaded area (like a garage) for a few days to "cure" or dry out slightly.
- Store: Place the rhizomes in a box filled with peat moss, wood shavings, or slightly damp sand. Store the box in a cool, dark place that stays between 40°F and 50°F, such as a basement or crawlspace.
- Check Periodically: Check your rhizomes once or twice during the winter. If they look shriveled, mist them lightly with water. If any look soft or rotten, throw them away so the rot doesn't spread.
Dealing with Common Pests
Cannas are generally very tough, but they do have one common visitor: the canna leaf roller. These are small caterpillars that stitch the edges of the leaves together before they can unfurl.
If you see a leaf that looks like it is stuck in a tube or has rows of holes across it, you likely have leaf rollers. The easiest way to handle this is to simply unroll the leaf and remove the caterpillar by hand. For larger plantings, you can use a biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that is safe for beneficial insects but stops caterpillars from eating.
Slugs and snails also enjoy the succulent leaves of young cannas. If you see jagged holes near the base of the plant, you can use a pet-safe slug bait or simply hand-pick the snails in the early morning.
What to do next:
- In late autumn, decide if you will mulch your plants or lift them for storage.
- If lifting, ensure the storage area is cool and dark but never freezes.
- Keep an eye out for leaf rollers in mid-summer and remove them promptly.
Conclusion
Growing canna lilies is one of the easiest ways to add a "wow" factor to your summer landscape. These plants are the ultimate performers, providing months of beautiful flowers and foliage that looks like it belongs in a tropical rainforest. As long as you give them plenty of sun, regular water, and a little bit of food, they will reward you with spectacular growth.
At Longfield Gardens, we take pride in providing high-quality rhizomes that are ready to thrive in your garden. Whether you are planting a dramatic border or a single beautiful pot for your porch, Canna Tall Tropicanna is a standout choice.
- Wait for warm soil (60°F) before planting.
- Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
- Water deeply and fertilize regularly for the best growth.
- Store rhizomes indoors if you live in a cold climate.
Gardening is about enjoying the process and the beauty that follows. With canna lilies, that beauty comes quickly and lasts all season long. Pick a sunny spot, get your hands in the dirt, and get ready for a spectacular summer display.
FAQ
How long does it take for cannas to bloom after planting?
Once the weather is consistently warm, canna lilies typically begin to bloom within 10 to 12 weeks of planting. If you start your rhizomes indoors early, you may see flowers even sooner. The exact timing depends on the variety and how much sun and heat the plants receive during the early summer. For a bold color mix, Canna Tall Australia is a dramatic option.
Do canna lilies come back every year?
In USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10, canna lilies are perennials and will come back on their own every spring. In colder zones (6 and below), the rhizomes will freeze and die if left in the ground. However, you can easily dig them up in the fall and store them in a frost-free place to replant the following spring. If you want help checking your climate, Hardiness Zone Map is a useful place to start.
Can canna lilies grow in the shade?
While cannas are very adaptable, they truly need full sun to reach their full potential. If planted in the shade, they will produce very few flowers and the foliage colors will not be as vibrant. Additionally, the stems may become weak and prone to falling over as they stretch toward the light. For a smaller habit, Canna Medium The President can still deliver strong color in the right spot.
Why are my canna lily leaves turning brown at the edges?
Brown edges on canna leaves are usually a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Because cannas have such large leaves, they lose moisture quickly in the wind and heat. Ensure you are watering deeply at least once or twice a week, and consider adding mulch to help the soil retain moisture. If you are shopping for a darker-foliage variety, Canna Short Orange Chocolate is a compact choice.
More Ways to Shop Cannas
If you want to compare more sizes and styles, Short Cannas and Shipping Information are good next steps before you order. Longfield Gardens also stands behind its plants with a 100% Quality Guarantee, so you can shop with confidence.