Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Canna Rhizomes
- Choosing the Best Varieties for Your Space
- What to Look for When You Buy Canna Bulbs
- Timing and Shipping
- Finding the Perfect Planting Spot
- Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Growing Cannas in Containers
- Summer Care for Maximum Blooms
- Overwintering Your Cannas
- Designing with Cannas
- Quality You Can Trust
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Nothing brings the lush feel of the tropics to a backyard quite like the bold foliage and vibrant flowers of cannas. Whether you have a sprawling garden bed or a sunny balcony with space for a few pots, these high-energy cannas offer a spectacular summer show. When you decide to buy canna bulbs, you are choosing a plant that is as reliable as it is beautiful.
At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping gardeners find the perfect varieties to turn their outdoor spaces into personal retreats. This guide is designed for home gardeners who want to understand exactly what to look for when shopping for these tropical favorites. We will cover how to select the best rhizomes, which varieties fit your space, and how to ensure your new plants thrive from day one.
Choosing the right plants is the first step toward a successful season of color and growth. By focusing on quality and matching the plant to your specific garden conditions, you can enjoy a stunning display that lasts from midsummer until the first frost.
Understanding Canna Rhizomes
When you set out to buy canna bulbs, you will quickly notice that they do not look like traditional round tulip or daffodil bulbs. Cannas grow from rhizomes. A rhizome is a thick, fleshy underground stem that stores energy for the plant. If you have ever seen a piece of fresh ginger in the grocery store, you already know what a canna rhizome looks like.
These fleshy stems are the powerhouse of the plant. They contain all the nutrients and energy needed to push up those large, paddle-shaped leaves and tall flower stalks. Because they store so much energy, cannas are incredibly fast growers. Once the weather warms up, they can transform from a dormant root into a towering focal point in just a few months.
It is helpful to understand that while everyone calls them "bulbs," the quality of the rhizome is what truly matters. A healthy rhizome should feel heavy for its size. This weight indicates that it is full of moisture and stored carbohydrates. When you receive your order, look for pieces that are firm to the touch and have visible "eyes" or growth points.
Key Takeaway: Cannas grow from thick, fleshy stems called rhizomes. Look for firm, heavy rhizomes with visible growth points to ensure your plants have plenty of energy for the summer.
Choosing the Best Varieties for Your Space
Before you buy canna bulbs, take a moment to look at your garden and decide what role you want these plants to play. Cannas come in a surprising range of sizes and colors. Some are prized for their neon-bright flowers, while others are grown specifically for their dramatic, multicolored leaves.
Tall Varieties for Back-of-the-Border Impact
Standard Tall Cannas can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet or even taller in ideal conditions. These varieties are perfect for creating a living privacy screen or adding height to the back of a flower bed. Because they are so tall, they act as a beautiful backdrop for shorter perennials and annuals.
Popular tall varieties often feature classic green foliage with bright red or orange flowers. However, you can also find tall types with deep bronze or burgundy leaves. These darker-leaved varieties create a moody, sophisticated look that makes the flower colors pop.
Dwarf Cannas for Containers and Small Spaces
If you have a small garden or prefer to grow plants in pots, look for Short Cannas. These varieties typically top out at 2 to 3 feet tall. They offer the same tropical look as their larger cousins but in a more compact package.
Dwarf cannas are excellent for "thriller" plants in large container displays. They stay sturdy and rarely need staking, making them a low-maintenance choice for windy patios or decks. They also work well as a colorful border along a walkway.
Foliage Patterns and Colors
One of the most exciting parts of shopping for cannas is the variety of foliage. While many have solid green leaves, others feature striking striped, green and yellow foliage.
- Green Foliage: Provides a classic, lush look that mimics a tropical jungle.
- Bronze or Burgundy Foliage: Offers deep, rich tones that provide interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Variegated Foliage: Features stripes or patterns that add a unique texture to the garden.
What to Look for When You Buy Canna Bulbs
Success with cannas starts with the quality of the starting material. When you buy canna bulbs, you want to ensure you are getting healthy, vigorous rhizomes. High-quality sources like us at Longfield Gardens focus on providing rhizomes that are ready to grow as soon as the conditions are right.
Size Matters
In the world of cannas, size is often an indicator of performance. A larger rhizome typically has more energy reserves. This extra energy allows the plant to establish itself faster and produce more flower stalks throughout the season. When comparing options, look for "top-size" or "large" rhizomes rather than small, thin pieces.
Firmness and Texture
A healthy rhizome should be firm and slightly springy. It should not feel mushy, soft, or hollow. While the outer skin may be a bit dry or papery, the inside should be full of moisture. If a rhizome feels light or brittle, it may have dried out too much during storage.
Visible Eyes
The "eyes" on a canna rhizome are the buds where the new growth will emerge. When you buy canna bulbs, you want to see at least two or three healthy eyes per piece. These buds usually look like small, pointed bumps on the surface of the rhizome. More eyes generally lead to a fuller, bushier plant with more stems.
What to do when your bulbs arrive:
- Open the box immediately to let air circulate around the rhizomes.
- Check each piece for firmness and healthy growth points.
- Keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place until you are ready to plant.
- If you cannot plant them right away, you can tuck them into a pot with slightly damp potting soil.
Timing and Shipping
Cannas are tropical plants, which means they love heat and cannot tolerate frost. This affects both when you should buy canna bulbs and when they will arrive at your home. We time our shipments based on your USDA hardiness zone to ensure the plants arrive when it is safe to plant them in your area.
Most gardeners receive their canna rhizomes in the spring. It is important to wait until the soil has warmed up before putting them in the ground. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is consistently 60°F or higher. If you plant them in cold, wet soil, the rhizomes may sit dormant for a long time or struggle to get started.
If you live in a northern climate with a short growing season, you can get a head start by "starting" your cannas indoors. About 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date, plant the rhizomes in pots and keep them in a warm, sunny spot. By the time the weather is warm enough to move them outside, you will already have established plants ready to take off. For more details, see our Shipping Information.
Key Takeaway: Patience is vital with cannas. Shipping is timed to your local climate, and planting should only happen once the soil is warm and the threat of frost is gone.
Finding the Perfect Planting Spot
To get the most out of your cannas, you need to provide them with the right environment. These plants are not shy about their needs; they want plenty of sun, plenty of food, and plenty of water.
Sun Exposure
Cannas are sun-worshipers. For the best flowers and the most vibrant leaf colors, they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If they are planted in too much shade, they may become "leggy" as they stretch toward the light. Shaded cannas also produce fewer flowers and the foliage may lose some of its intensity.
Soil and Drainage
While cannas love water, they do not like to sit in stagnant, soggy soil. "Drainage" refers to how fast water leaves the soil after a rain or watering. You want soil that holds some moisture but allows the excess to move away from the rhizomes.
If you have heavy clay soil, you can improve the drainage by adding organic matter like compost or aged manure. This helps create a loose, rich environment where the roots can easily spread. Cannas are heavy feeders, so starting with nutrient-rich soil will give them the fuel they need for their rapid growth.
Space to Grow
Because cannas grow so quickly, they need space to breathe. Depending on the variety, you should space your rhizomes about 1 to 2 feet apart. This allows for good air circulation, which helps keep the foliage healthy. It also gives the rhizomes room to multiply underground throughout the summer.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once your soil is warm and your spot is picked out, planting is a simple process. For a fuller walkthrough, see our How to Plant a Canna Bulb.
Preparing the Hole
Dig a hole or a trench about 4 inches deep. If your soil is very firm, loosen it up a few inches deeper than that to make it easier for the new roots to take hold. You can mix in a handful of compost at the bottom of the hole to provide an extra boost of nutrients.
Placing the Rhizome
Lay the rhizome in the hole horizontally. Look for the "eyes" or the growth points. While cannas are resilient and will usually find their way up regardless of how they are placed, pointing the eyes upward or laying the rhizome flat on its side is the standard approach.
Covering and Watering
Cover the rhizome with 2 to 3 inches of soil. Press down gently with your hands to remove any large air pockets. After planting, give the area a good drink of water to settle the soil around the rhizome.
Quick Planting Recap:
- Wait for warm soil (at least 60°F).
- Choose a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun.
- Plant rhizomes 2-3 inches deep and 1-2 feet apart.
- Water thoroughly immediately after planting.
- Label your varieties so you remember which is which!
Growing Cannas in Containers
You do not need a large garden to enjoy the beauty of cannas. They are excellent candidates for container gardening. Growing them in pots allows you to move the tropical color exactly where you want it, whether that is next to a swimming pool or on a front porch.
Choosing the Right Pot
When you buy canna bulbs for containers, make sure you choose a pot that is large enough. A 12-inch diameter pot is usually the minimum size for a single dwarf canna. For taller varieties, you will want a larger, heavier pot—at least 15 to 18 inches—to prevent the wind from tipping over the tall stalks.
Ensure the container has drainage holes at the bottom. Since cannas need frequent watering, those holes are essential to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
Potting Mix
Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix rather than garden soil. Potting mix is lighter and contains the right balance of ingredients to support container plants. Since cannas are hungry plants, you can also mix in a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
Container Care
Plants in pots dry out much faster than those in the ground. During the heat of the summer, you may need to water your container cannas every day. If the leaves start to wilt or the edges look brown, it is usually a sign that they need more moisture. For more on early care, see Do You Water Canna Bulbs After Planting?
Summer Care for Maximum Blooms
Once your cannas are growing, they require very little specialized care. However, a few simple tasks will keep them looking their best and encourage them to keep blooming until fall.
Watering Correctly
Cannas are "thirsty" plants. They have large leaves that lose a lot of moisture through evaporation. Keep the soil consistently moist but not swampy. If you have sandy soil, you will need to water more frequently than if you have soil with a lot of organic matter. A layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
Feeding Your Plants
Because they grow so much biomass in a single season, cannas benefit from regular feeding. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks or apply a granular fertilizer once a month. This ensures the plant has enough nitrogen for the leaves and phosphorus for the flowers.
Deadheading
"Deadheading" is the practice of removing spent flowers. When a flower cluster has finished blooming, snip off the stalk just above the next set of leaves or buds. This prevents the plant from putting energy into producing seeds and encourages it to send up new flower spikes. It also keeps the plant looking tidy.
Managing Foliage
As the season progresses, some of the lower leaves may turn yellow or brown. This is a natural part of the plant's growth cycle. Simply cut these older leaves off at the base to keep the plant looking fresh and vibrant.
Overwintering Your Cannas
In most parts of the United States (zones 3 through 7), cannas are not winter-hardy. This means the rhizomes will freeze and rot if left in the ground over winter. However, you do not have to buy new canna bulbs every year. You can easily save your rhizomes to plant again next spring. For step-by-step help, see How to Winterize Canna Bulbs.
When to Dig
Wait until the first light frost has touched the foliage. The leaves will turn black or brown, which is a signal that the plant is going dormant. This frost tells the plant to move its remaining energy down into the rhizome for storage.
Digging and Cleaning
Cut the stalks down to about 4 inches above the ground. Carefully lift the clumps of rhizomes with a garden fork or spade, being careful not to bruise or cut them. Shake off the excess soil. You can rinse them gently with a hose, but make sure they dry completely before moving them to storage.
Storing for Winter
Place the dried rhizomes in a box or crate. Many gardeners like to nestle them in slightly damp peat moss, perlite, or even shredded newspaper. This helps prevent them from drying out completely without keeping them so wet that they rot.
Store the box in a cool, dark place that stays between 40°F and 50°F. A basement, crawlspace, or an unheated (but frost-free) garage is usually ideal. Check on them once a month during the winter. If they look shriveled, mist the packing material with a little water. If any pieces look mushy, remove them immediately.
Key Takeaway: Saving your cannas is a rewarding way to build a larger collection over time. Dig them up after the first frost, dry them, and store them in a cool, frost-free spot until spring.
Designing with Cannas
Cannas are versatile design tools. Their bold texture provides a great contrast to fine-textured plants like ornamental grasses or ferns. When you buy canna bulbs, think about the color palette you want to create.
Tropical Paradise
For a classic tropical look, pair Canna Tall Tropicanna with large-leaved elephant ears and bright yellow hibiscus. The combination of oversized foliage and hot colors creates an instant vacation vibe in your backyard.
Sophisticated Contrast
If you prefer a more modern look, choose Canna Medium Cleopatra. Pair them with silver-leaved plants like dusty miller or artemisia. The dark leaves of the canna will make the silver foliage look even brighter, creating a high-contrast display that looks great even in the evening.
Pollinator Gardens
Cannas are a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. The tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds to reach the nectar inside. By planting a large group of cannas, you create a beacon for these beautiful visitors, adding movement and life to your garden.
Quality You Can Trust
At Longfield Gardens, we take pride in the quality of the plants we ship. We work with experienced growers to ensure that the canna rhizomes you receive are healthy and true to their variety name. We maintain our own trial gardens where we grow these plants ourselves, allowing us to see firsthand how they perform in real-world conditions.
We stand behind the quality of our products with a 100% guarantee. When your order arrives, we want you to be excited about the season ahead. If there is ever an issue with the condition of your rhizomes upon delivery, our customer service team is ready to help make it right. We believe that gardening should be a source of joy, and that starts with having confidence in the plants you buy.
Conclusion
When you buy canna bulbs, you are making an investment in a season full of color, height, and tropical beauty. By choosing high-quality rhizomes, providing plenty of sun and water, and following the simple planting steps outlined here, you can transform your garden into a lush sanctuary. Whether you are growing them in the ground or in containers, these resilient plants are sure to become a highlight of your summer landscape.
- Select the right size and foliage color for your garden's design.
- Plant in warm soil and full sun for the best results.
- Keep the soil moist and feed the plants regularly during the growing season.
- Overwinter the rhizomes in cooler climates to enjoy them year after year.
We are here to support you every step of the way, from selecting your varieties to watching them bloom. Visit us at Longfield Gardens to explore our selection and start planning your most beautiful garden yet.
Key Takeaway: Successful canna gardening is all about the basics: high-quality rhizomes, warm soil, and plenty of sunlight. With these three things, anyone can grow a stunning tropical display.
FAQ
Can I plant canna bulbs in the shade?
While cannas can grow in partial shade, they will not perform their best. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to produce vibrant flowers and maintain strong, upright stalks. In too much shade, the plants may become floppy and the leaf colors will appear dull.
How often should I water my cannas?
Cannas prefer consistently moist soil. During the heat of the summer, you should check the soil daily, especially for plants in containers. In the ground, watering 2-3 times a week is usually sufficient, though you may need more during a dry spell or if you have sandy soil.
When is the best time to buy canna bulbs?
The best time to buy is in the late winter or early spring when the selection is at its peak. Ordering early ensures you get the specific varieties and colors you want before they sell out. We will then ship them to you at the ideal planting time for your specific climate.
Do cannas come back every year?
In USDA zones 8 through 11, cannas are perennial and can stay in the ground year-round. In colder zones (3-7), they are treated as tender perennials. You must dig up the rhizomes in the fall and store them indoors to keep them alive for the following spring.