Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Canna Lilly Bulb
- Selecting the Right Location
- Timing Your Planting
- How to Plant Canna Rhizomes
- Starting Cannas Indoors
- Growing Cannas in Containers
- Summer Care and Maintenance
- Popular Varieties to Try
- Winter Care: Lifting and Storing
- Designing with Cannas
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Why Choose Longfield Gardens?
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Few plants bring the drama and flair of the tropics to a backyard like the canna lily. With their towering stems, oversized leaves, and vibrant, orchid-like flowers, they transform any ordinary garden bed into a lush oasis. Whether you are looking to create a living privacy screen or add a pop of neon color to your patio containers, these plants are reliable performers that ask for very little in return.
At Longfield Gardens, we want every gardener to feel the excitement of seeing those first tropical leaves unfurl in the summer sun. Growing cannas is a straightforward process that rewards you with months of continuous color. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing, planting, and caring for your cannas to ensure a spectacular display.
By understanding a few simple basics about sun, water, and soil, you can enjoy these "floral fireworks" from midsummer until the first frost. Cannas are easy-to-grow, high-impact plants that make a big statement in any landscape.
Understanding the Canna Lilly Bulb
While most gardeners refer to the planting material as a canna lilly bulb, these plants actually grow from something called a rhizome. A rhizome is a thick, fleshy underground stem that stores energy for the plant. If you look closely at one, you will see small bumps or "eyes." These eyes are where the new shoots will emerge.
Cannas are not true lilies, but they share that same sense of elegance and stature. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions, which explains their love for heat and moisture. In the garden, they function as tender perennials. This means they grow vigorously in the summer but need protection from freezing temperatures in the winter.
Because they store so much energy in their rhizomes, cannas are incredibly resilient. They are often one of the last plants to stop blooming in the autumn, pushing out flowers until the weather turns truly cold. This makes them a valuable asset for any gardener wanting to extend the season of interest in their yard.
Selecting the Right Location
Success with cannas starts with choosing the right spot. Since these are tropical plants, they have specific preferences that mimic their natural environment.
Sunlight Requirements
Cannas are true sun-worshippers. To produce those iconic, bright flowers and keep their foliage looking vibrant, they need a lot of light. We recommend a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day.
If you plant them in too much shade, the plants may become "leggy," meaning they grow tall and floppy as they reach for the light. They will also produce fewer flowers. In very hot climates, a little bit of afternoon shade can help prevent the leaf edges from scorching, but full sun is generally the gold standard.
Soil and Drainage
"Drainage" simply refers to how fast water leaves the soil after a rain or watering. While cannas love moisture, they do not like to sit in stagnant, soggy mud, which can cause the rhizome to rot.
The ideal soil is rich, loamy, and full of organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or very sandy, you can improve it by mixing in some compost or well-rotted manure. This helps the soil hold onto the moisture cannas crave while still allowing the excess to drain away.
Space to Grow
Before you dig, consider how big your chosen variety will get. Some dwarf varieties stay around two to three feet tall, while giant types can tower over six feet. Check the height of your specific variety to ensure it won't block the view of other plants or outgrow its welcome in a small bed.
Key Takeaway: Choose a sunny, well-draining spot with enough vertical space for the variety's mature height.
Timing Your Planting
Timing is often more important than any special gardening "trick." Because cannas are tropical, they are very sensitive to cold soil and frost.
Waiting for Warmth
Do not rush to get your rhizomes in the ground. If the soil is cold and wet, the rhizome will simply sit there and may even decay before it has a chance to sprout. We recommend waiting until the danger of frost has completely passed and the soil temperature has reached at least 60°F.
In many parts of the United States, this happens in late May or early June. A good rule of thumb is to plant your cannas around the same time you would plant tomatoes or peppers. If the air feels warm enough for a t-shirt, it is likely warm enough for your cannas.
Shipping and Arrival
When you order from us, we time our shipping information based on your USDA hardiness zone. This ensures your plants arrive about two weeks before the ideal planting time for your specific area. If your order arrives and the weather is still unseasonably cold, keep the rhizomes in a cool, dry, dark place until the soil warms up.
How to Plant Canna Rhizomes
Planting a canna rhizome is a simple task that takes just a few minutes per plant. Once you have your spot ready and the weather is right, follow these steps.
Step-by-Step Planting
- Dig the hole: Create a hole about 4 to 6 inches deep.
- Position the rhizome: Lay the rhizome horizontally in the hole. Look for the "eyes" or any small sprouts and point them upward. If you can’t tell which side is up, don’t worry—the plant will eventually figure it out and grow toward the light.
- Spacing: For tall varieties, space them about 2 feet apart. For dwarf varieties, 1 foot is usually plenty. This gives them enough room for air to circulate, which keeps the foliage healthy.
- Cover and settle: Fill the hole with soil and gently pat it down with your hands. You don't need to pack it tightly; just ensure there are no large air pockets around the rhizome.
- Water in: Give the area a good soak immediately after planting to settle the soil and "wake up" the rhizome.
What to Do Next
- Mark the spot with a garden stake so you don't accidentally dig it up before it sprouts.
- Check the soil every few days to ensure it stays lightly moist.
- Be patient; it can take two to three weeks to see the first green shoots emerge.
Starting Cannas Indoors
If you live in a northern region with a short growing season, you might want to give your cannas a head start. Starting Canna Lily Bulbs Indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost allows you to have established plants ready to go as soon as the weather warms.
Using Pots
Choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with a high-quality potting mix. Plant the rhizome just as you would in the ground, but keep the pot in a warm, sunny window or under grow lights.
Once the outdoor temperatures stay consistently above 60°F, you can move the pots outside. To avoid shocking the plants, spend a few days "hardening them off." This means putting them outside in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours at a time, gradually increasing their exposure to sun and wind over a week.
Growing Cannas in Containers
Cannas are excellent candidates for large pots and planters. Their upright growth habit makes them a perfect "thriller" in the center of a mixed container.
Choosing the Right Pot
Because cannas grow quickly and can become top-heavy, choose a sturdy, heavy pot that won't blow over in the wind. A 12-inch diameter pot is usually the minimum size for one rhizome, but a 15-to-18-inch pot is even better. Ensure the pot has large drainage holes at the bottom.
Care for Potted Cannas
Plants in containers dry out much faster than those in the ground. During the height of summer, you may need to water your potted cannas every single day.
When you browse our selection at Longfield Gardens, consider matching a bold-foliage variety like 'Wyoming' with trailing silver or lime-green plants for a high-contrast look. For a ready-made mix, the Canna Assorted Mix - Bulk Offer is a simple shortcut.
Key Takeaway: Container cannas need daily water and a heavy pot to stay upright and healthy all summer long.
Summer Care and Maintenance
Once your cannas are growing, they are relatively low-maintenance. Following these basic care steps will keep them looking their best until autumn.
Watering Deeply
Cannas are thirsty plants. Rather than giving them a light sprinkle every day, it is better to water them deeply once or twice a week. This encourages the roots to grow deep into the soil. If the leaves start to roll or the edges look brown and crispy, the plant is likely telling you it needs more water.
Fertilizing for Blooms
To fuel all that rapid growth and flower production, cannas appreciate a regular "meal." Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time, or apply a liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Look for a fertilizer where the middle number (phosphorus) is slightly higher, as this supports flower development.
Deadheading
"Deadheading" is simply the process of removing faded flowers. Once a flower cluster has finished blooming, snip off the flower stalk. This prevents the plant from putting energy into making seeds and instead encourages it to produce more blooms. It also keeps the plant looking tidy and fresh.
Popular Varieties to Try
There is a canna for every style of garden. Depending on whether you want dramatic leaves or brilliant flowers, you can find a variety that fits.
- Red King Humbert: A classic favorite with dark, bronze-to-chocolate foliage and bright red flowers. It is a stunning contrast plant.
- Wyoming: Known for its massive, dark purple-green leaves and brilliant orange blossoms. It adds a true tropical feel.
- City of Portland: Canna Medium City of Portland is a lovely choice if you prefer green foliage and soft, coral-pink flowers. It feels a bit more "cottage garden" than the darker varieties.
- Muskifolia: If you want sheer height and "banana-leaf" drama, this variety is for you. It can reach 8 feet tall and is grown primarily for its massive green leaves with burgundy ribs.
- Richard Wallace: This variety offers bright green leaves and sunny yellow flowers with small orange speckles in the throat.
Winter Care: Lifting and Storing
In USDA zones 8 and warmer, cannas can usually stay in the ground year-round; the Hardiness Zone Map can help you confirm your zone. However, if you live in zones 3 through 7, the ground will freeze deep enough to kill the rhizomes. In these areas, you will need to "lift" and store them for the winter.
How to Lift Rhizomes
Wait until the first frost of autumn has turned the foliage black or brown. This signals that the plant is going dormant.
- Cut back: Use garden shears to cut the stems down to about 2 to 4 inches above the ground.
- Dig carefully: Use a garden fork or spade to gently lift the clump of rhizomes out of the earth. Be careful not to slice into the fleshy parts.
- Clean: Shake off the excess soil. You don't need to wash them perfectly; just remove the big clumps.
- Cure: Let the rhizomes sit in a dry, frost-free area (like a garage or shed) for a few days to dry out slightly.
Storage Tips
Store your rhizomes in a cardboard box or plastic bin filled with slightly damp peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings. The goal is to keep them from drying out completely without making them so wet that they rot. Keep the container in a cool, dark place (40°F to 50°F) until next spring. Check on them once or twice during the winter and add a tiny spritz of water if the rhizomes look shriveled.
Key Takeaway: In cold climates, dig up your rhizomes after the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place to replant next year.
Designing with Cannas
Cannas are incredibly versatile in the landscape. Because of their height, they are most often used at the back of a flower border. However, their architectural shape means they can also stand alone as a focal point.
Texture and Color
Try grouping cannas with plants that have different leaf shapes. The broad, smooth leaves of a canna look fantastic next to the fine, feathery texture of ornamental grasses or the airy flowers of Russian sage.
If you have a variety with variegated foliage, like Stuttgart, place it where it can be seen up close. The white and green stripes are a work of art on their own, even before the orange flowers appear.
Privacy Screens
Because some varieties grow so tall and thick, you can plant a row of cannas to create a "summer hedge." This is a great way to block a view of a neighbor's fence or create a sense of enclosure around a patio or pool area. Since they grow so fast, you'll have a full screen by mid-July.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While cannas are generally easygoing, you might run into a few minor hiccups. Most issues are easy to solve with simple steps.
Canna Leafrollers
In some regions, especially in the South, you might notice the leaves staying rolled up or having small holes in a row. This is usually caused by the canna leafroller, a small caterpillar. The easiest fix is to simply unroll the leaf and remove the caterpillar by hand, or trim off the affected leaf and dispose of it. Keeping the garden clean of debris at the end of the season also helps reduce their presence.
Lack of Blooms
If your plant has plenty of leaves but no flowers, it is usually due to one of three things:
- Not enough sun: Move the plant to a brighter spot next year.
- Not enough water: Increase your watering frequency.
- Immature plant: If you started with a very small rhizome, it might just need a few more weeks to reach blooming size.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves can sometimes indicate a nutrient deficiency or overwatering. Check that the soil isn't staying "swampy." If the drainage is good, try a balanced liquid fertilizer to give the plant a boost of nitrogen.
Why Choose Longfield Gardens?
We take pride in providing high-quality plant material that helps you succeed in your garden. Our canna rhizomes are sourced from trusted growers and are checked for quality before they leave our facility in Lakewood, New Jersey.
We stand behind our products with a 100% quality guarantee. If your items arrive damaged or don't perform as they should in their first growing season, our customer service team is here to help with replacements or credits. Our goal is to make gardening a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of their skill level.
Conclusion
Growing cannas is one of the easiest ways to add a "wow" factor to your summer landscape. These plants offer a rare combination of stunning foliage and brilliant blooms, all while requiring very little maintenance. By getting the basics of sun, water, and timing right, you can enjoy a tropical paradise right in your own backyard.
- Wait for warm soil and air before planting outdoors.
- Provide plenty of sun and consistent moisture for the best blooms.
- Don't be afraid to grow them in large pots for a portable tropical look.
- In cold zones, store the rhizomes indoors over winter to enjoy them year after year.
Gardening is a journey of discovery, and every canna leaf that unfurls is a reminder of how rewarding that journey can be. If you have questions about your order or need more advice, please customer service team at Longfield Gardens.
FAQ
When should I plant my canna lilly bulb?
You should wait to plant your cannas until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F. In most regions, this is around the same time you would plant warm-weather vegetables like tomatoes. Planting too early in cold, wet soil can lead to the rhizome rotting before it starts to grow.
Do canna lilies need full sun to bloom?
Yes, cannas 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 often become tall and floppy, and you will see significantly fewer flowers. The vibrant colors of both the flowers and the foliage are most intense when the plant is grown in full sun.
How deep should I plant the rhizomes?
Plant canna rhizomes about 4 to 6 inches deep in the soil. Place them horizontally in the hole with any visible sprouts or "eyes" pointing upward. If you aren't sure which side is the top, laying it flat will still allow the plant to grow correctly as it follows the warmth and light toward the surface.
Can I grow cannas in containers?
Absolutely! Cannas are wonderful container plants, especially dwarf and medium-sized varieties. Use a large, heavy pot with drainage holes and high-quality potting soil. Keep in mind that potted cannas dry out much faster than those in the ground, so you may need to water them daily during the heat of the summer to keep them looking lush.