Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Choosing the Best Spot for Your Cannas
- When and How to Plant Canna Bulbs
- Watering for Growth and Health
- Feeding Your Tropical Giants
- The Art of Deadheading
- Caring for Foliage and Troubleshooting
- Lifting and Overwintering Canna Rhizomes
- Dividing Canna Rhizomes
- Realistic Expectations for Growth
- Growing Cannas in Containers
- Designing with Canna Lilies
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Canna lilies are the ultimate summer showstoppers. Browse our Tall Cannas to find bold, upright varieties. With their towering heights, massive banana-like leaves, and glowing tropical flowers, they bring an instant sense of vacation to any backyard. At Longfield Gardens, we love how these plants transform a standard garden bed into a lush, vibrant oasis with very little effort. Whether you are planting a single pot on a sunny patio or a long border of dramatic foliage, cannas are resilient, fast-growing, and incredibly rewarding.
This guide is designed to help you succeed with your canna lilies from the moment you receive your shipment to the time you put them to bed for the winter. For shipping details, see our Shipping Information. We will cover the best planting practices, how to keep them fed and hydrated during the heat of summer, and the simple steps for storing them through the colder months. Our goal is to make the process clear and enjoyable so you can focus on the beauty of your blooms.
Successful gardening starts with understanding what a plant needs to thrive. If you're not sure about your climate, check the Hardiness Zone Map. For cannas, the recipe for success includes plenty of heat, consistent moisture, and a little bit of space to grow. By following these straightforward steps, you can enjoy a season full of hummingbirds and brilliant color.
Choosing the Best Spot for Your Cannas
Cannas are sun-seekers that thrive on heat. To get the best results, look for the brightest spot in your yard. Most varieties need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight to produce their best foliage color and plenty of flowers. If they are planted in too much shade, they may grow tall and "leggy" as they reach for the light, and you might see fewer blooms.
Soil quality also plays a role in how well your cannas perform. These plants are quite adaptable, but they prefer soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is very sandy or heavy clay, you can improve it by mixing in a few inches of compost or well-rotted manure before planting. This helps the soil hold onto the moisture and nutrients that cannas love. For a broader growing overview, read All About Cannas.
Wind protection is another factor to consider. Because cannas have such large, soft leaves, they can sometimes be torn or "tattered" by strong, consistent winds. Planting them near a fence, a wall, or a grouping of sturdy shrubs can provide a helpful windbreak. This keeps the foliage looking pristine and prevents the tall flower stalks from leaning.
When and How to Plant Canna Bulbs
The most important rule for planting cannas is to wait for the heat. These are tropical plants that are very sensitive to cold soil. We recommend waiting to plant your rhizomes until the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. A good rule of thumb is to plant them around the same time you would put tomato starts in the ground.
When you are ready to plant, follow these simple steps:
- Loosen the soil in your planting area to a depth of about 8 to 10 inches.
- Dig a shallow hole, approximately 3 to 4 inches deep.
- Place the canna rhizome (the bulb) horizontally in the hole. Look for the "eyes" or small growing points and face them upward.
- Space your plants about 12 to 18 inches apart. This gives the rhizomes plenty of room to expand throughout the summer.
- Cover the rhizome with 2 to 3 inches of soil and firm it down gently with your hands.
After planting, give the area a good soaking of water to settle the soil. You may not see growth above the ground for a few weeks, as cannas take their time to wake up. Once the weather stays consistently warm, they will begin to grow rapidly.
For a head start in cooler climates, see our How to Start Planting Canna Bulbs Indoors guide. Keep the pots in a warm, sunny spot and move them outdoors once the nights are consistently above 50°F.
Watering for Growth and Health
Cannas are one of the few garden plants that actually enjoy "wet feet." In their native habitats, they often grow near the edges of ponds or in boggy areas. Because of this, they are much more tolerant of wet soil than most other flower bulbs. During the peak of summer, keeping your cannas well-hydrated is the secret to lush foliage. For more watering guidance, see How Often to Water Canna Bulbs for Best Blooms.
In a typical garden bed, aim to water your cannas deeply at least once or twice a week. If the weather is exceptionally hot or if you are gardening in a region with very sandy soil, you may need to water more often. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not stagnant.
For cannas grown in containers, you will need to check the moisture levels daily. Pots dry out much faster than the ground. If the leaves of your canna begin to roll or the edges turn brown and crispy, it is often a sign that the plant is thirsty. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help lock in moisture and keep the roots cool.
Feeding Your Tropical Giants
Because cannas grow so fast—sometimes reaching five or six feet in a single season—they require a lot of energy. Think of them as "heavy feeders." Starting with soil that has been enriched with compost is a great first step, but additional fertilizer throughout the season will help them reach their full potential.
We recommend using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release granular option. A fertilizer formulated for roses or tomatoes usually works well for cannas. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions, starting when the plants are about six inches tall. Continuing to feed them every four to six weeks through mid-summer will encourage the plant to keep producing new flower spikes.
Avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen products late in the season. While nitrogen is great for green leaves, too much of it can sometimes discourage flowering. A balanced approach ensures you get both the beautiful foliage and the brilliant blossoms.
The Art of Deadheading
Cannas are prolific bloomers that produce multiple flowers on a single stalk. To keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage it to produce more flowers, you should practice "deadheading." This simply means removing the flowers once they have faded.
When a single flower on the spike withers, you can pinch it off with your fingers or snip it with garden scissors. Be careful not to cut the entire stalk yet! Cannas usually have several buds waiting to open on the same stem. Once the entire flower spike has finished blooming and no more buds are visible, you can cut that specific stalk back to the next set of leaves.
By removing the old flower heads, you prevent the plant from putting energy into producing seeds. Instead, that energy is redirected back down into the rhizome and toward the development of new flower spikes. This simple habit can extend your blooming season from mid-summer all the way until the first frost.
Caring for Foliage and Troubleshooting
The leaves of a canna lily are just as beautiful as the flowers. Varieties like Canna Tall Tropicanna feature stripes of gold, red, and green, while others like 'Wyoming' have dark, bronze-purple leaves. To keep this foliage looking its best, keep an eye out for any physical damage.
Sometimes, the large leaves can get scorched if the sun is particularly intense and the plant is dry. If you see brown, "burnt" edges on the leaves, try increasing your watering frequency. If a leaf becomes heavily damaged or looks "ragged," you can simply cut it off at the base of its stem. The plant is a vigorous grower and will quickly produce a replacement.
You may occasionally notice holes in the leaves. This is often caused by common garden visitors like slugs or snails, especially when the plants are young and the leaves are still furled. Keeping the area around the base of the plants clear of debris can help. If you notice rolled-up leaves that seem stuck together, a quick rinse with a garden hose can often dislodge any small insects hiding inside. Most canna issues are easily solved by ensuring the plant has enough water and sun.
Lifting and Overwintering Canna Rhizomes
In USDA zones 8 through 10, cannas can usually stay in the ground all year long. You can simply cut the foliage back after it turns brown in the fall and add a layer of mulch for protection. However, in zones 7 and colder, the rhizomes will not survive a freezing winter in the ground. For step-by-step digging help, see How to Remove Canna Lily Bulbs.
Overwintering cannas is a straightforward process that allows you to save your favorite varieties year after year. Here is how to do it correctly:
Wait for the First Frost
The best time to dig up your cannas is after the first light frost of autumn. You will notice the leaves turn black or brown and go limp. This is a signal that the plant is entering dormancy. Do not worry—the rhizomes underground are still safe as long as the ground hasn't frozen solid.
Cut Back and Dig
Use garden shears to cut the stems down to about 3 or 4 inches above the soil line. Then, using a garden fork or a shovel, carefully lift the clump of rhizomes out of the ground. Start digging about a foot away from the center of the plant to avoid accidentally slicing the bulbs.
Clean and Cure
Gently shake off the excess soil. You can rinse them lightly with a hose if they are very muddy, but avoid scrubbing them. The next step is "curing." Lay the rhizomes out in a dry, frost-free area like a garage or a shed for about a week. This drying period helps the outer skin toughen up, which prevents rot during storage.
Pack for Storage
Once the rhizomes are dry to the touch, place them in a breathable container. A cardboard box, a wooden crate, or a paper bag works well. To keep them from drying out completely, nestle them in a moisture-wicking material like peat moss, vermiculite, or even shredded newspaper. Store the box in a cool, dark place where temperatures stay between 40°F and 50°F. A basement or a crawl space is often perfect.
What to do next:
- Mark your storage boxes with the variety name so you know what is what in the spring.
- Check the rhizomes once a month during winter.
- If they look shriveled, lightly mist the packing material with water.
- If you see any soft or moldy spots, remove those pieces immediately to keep the rest healthy.
Dividing Canna Rhizomes
One of the best things about cannas is how much they multiply. A single rhizome planted in May can easily turn into a large clump by October. Dividing these clumps is an easy way to get more plants for your garden or to share with friends. For more detail, see How Do You Separate Canna Bulbs for More Flowers?.
The best time to divide is in the spring, just before you replant. Take a look at the clump and look for the "eyes"—the small bumps or nodes where new growth will emerge. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the rhizome into sections. Each new piece should have at least two or three healthy eyes and a good portion of the thick rhizome body.
After cutting, let the pieces sit for a day or two so the "wound" can callous over before you put them in the soil. This small step helps protect the plant from soil-borne diseases. Dividing your cannas every two or three years also keeps the plants from becoming overcrowded, which ensures they continue to bloom vigorously.
Realistic Expectations for Growth
While cannas are generally easy to care for, your results will depend on your local environment. In the South, where the humidity and heat are high, cannas may grow taller and spread faster than they do in the Pacific Northwest or the Northeast.
If you have a particularly cool or cloudy summer, your cannas might bloom a little later than usual. This is perfectly normal. Because they rely so much on heat, they will "wait" for the right conditions to put on their best show. If your plants aren't blooming as much as you'd like, the most common solutions are simply adding more sunlight or a bit more fertilizer.
Gardening is always a partnership with the weather. Some years the hummingbirds will arrive early to enjoy the first red blossoms, and other years the foliage will be the main attraction. Regardless of the specific timing, cannas are consistent performers that bring a high level of drama for very little work.
Growing Cannas in Containers
If you don't have a large garden bed, cannas are excellent candidates for large pots. Because they grow tall, they provide a "thriller" element in container designs. For a compact look, browse Medium Cannas. When choosing a pot, make sure it has drainage holes at the bottom. A pot that is at least 15 to 18 inches in diameter is ideal for a single canna rhizome.
Use a high-quality potting mix rather than garden soil, as potting mix is lighter and drains better. Because containers have a limited amount of soil, the nutrients will be used up faster. Plan on fertilizing your container cannas every two to three weeks with a liquid fertilizer to keep them lush.
Potted cannas are also easier to overwinter in some ways. If you have the space, you can simply cut the foliage back and move the entire pot into a frost-free garage for the winter. You don't even have to dig the rhizomes out! Just keep the soil dry until spring, then move the pot back into the sun and start watering again to wake them up.
Designing with Canna Lilies
Cannas are versatile tools for landscape design. Because of their height, they are perfect for the back of a flower border. They create a solid wall of green or bronze that makes other flowers, like zinnias or dahlias, really pop. For more creative ideas, read Fresh Ideas for Growing Cannas.
You can also use cannas to create temporary privacy screens. Planting a row of tall varieties like 'Red King Humbert' along a patio edge can create a leafy "wall" that lasts all summer. For a classic mid-height option, see Canna Medium The President.
If you prefer a more contained look, dwarf varieties are available. These stay around two to three feet tall and are perfect for the front of a bed or for smaller containers. A short option like Canna Short Orange Chocolate works well in the same role.
No matter which size you choose, the bold architecture of the canna lily adds a professional, "designed" look to any garden space.
Conclusion
Canna lilies are a joyful addition to any summer garden, offering a unique blend of architectural foliage and brilliant, hummingbird-friendly flowers. By focusing on a few simple needs—lots of sun, regular water, and a bit of food—you can enjoy a tropical paradise right outside your door. Whether you treat them as annuals or choose to lift and store them each winter, these plants are a reliable way to add vertical interest and vibrant color to your landscape. If you want another standout variety, browse Canna Tall Tropicanna Gold.
At Longfield Gardens, we take pride in providing high-quality rhizomes that are ready to thrive in your yard. We want your gardening experience to be as relaxing and successful as possible. With their easy-going nature and stunning visual impact, cannas are the perfect choice for both new gardeners and seasoned experts. Learn more on our About Us.
- Plant in warm soil (60°F+) for the best start.
- Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the summer.
- Feed regularly to support their rapid growth.
- In cold climates, lift and store rhizomes after the first frost.
Gardening is a journey that is meant to be enjoyed. Take a moment this summer to sit back, watch the hummingbirds visit your cannas, and appreciate the tropical beauty you’ve created.
FAQ
Do canna lilies need full sun to bloom?
Yes, canna lilies perform best when they receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. While they can grow in partial shade, they will likely produce fewer flowers and the foliage colors may not be as vibrant as those grown in full sun.
When should I dig up my canna bulbs for the winter?
You should wait until the first light frost has turned the foliage brown or black. This usually happens in late autumn. Digging them up after the foliage dies back ensures the plant has stored as much energy as possible in the rhizome for the following year.
How often should I water my cannas?
Cannas love moisture and should be watered deeply at least once or twice a week. If you are growing them in containers or if the weather is extremely hot and dry, you may need to water them every day to keep the soil from drying out completely.
Can I grow cannas in pots on my patio?
Absolutely! Cannas thrive in containers as long as the pot is large enough (at least 15-18 inches wide) and has good drainage. Container-grown cannas require more frequent watering and fertilizing than those planted in the ground, but they are a great way to add height and tropical flair to small spaces. For more details, see Can Canna Bulbs Be Planted in Pots?.