Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Starting with Quality Canna Rhizomes
- The Best Time and Place to Plant
- How to Plant Canna Bulbs Correctly
- Summer Care and Maintenance
- How to Deadhead and Prune Cannas
- End-of-Season Care and Overwintering
- Digging and Storing Canna Rhizomes for Winter
- How to Divide Canna Bulbs
- Encouraging More Flowers
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
There is nothing quite like the sight of a canna lily in full bloom to make a backyard feel like a private tropical getaway. With their oversized, banana-like leaves and brilliant flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow, these plants bring an immediate sense of drama and height to any landscape. At Longfield Gardens, we love how cannas can transform a standard garden bed into a lush, architectural masterpiece with very little effort.
Taking care of cannas is a rewarding experience for gardeners of all skill levels. These plants are remarkably resilient and fast-growing, making them perfect for filling large spaces or adding vertical interest to containers. Whether you are a beginner looking for high-impact color or a seasoned gardener wanting to expand your collection, our How to Care for Canna Lily Bulbs guide is a great place to start.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing and maintaining these stunning plants. We will cover the best planting practices, summer maintenance, and how to keep your canna bulbs safe through the winter months. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a spectacular display of tropical foliage and flowers year after year.
Starting with Quality Canna Rhizomes
The journey to a beautiful garden begins with the quality of your planting material, and the Canna Assorted Mix is a simple place to start. While they are often called "bulbs," cannas actually grow from rhizomes. A rhizome is a thick, fleshy underground stem that stores energy for the plant. When you look at a canna rhizome, you should see small bumps or points known as "eyes." Each of these eyes is a potential new stalk.
When you receive your shipment from us, look for rhizomes that feel firm and heavy for their size. Larger rhizomes generally have more stored energy and more eyes, which translates to a bigger, more vigorous plant in its first season. A good rule of thumb is to look for pieces that have at least three to five eyes. This ensures the plant has enough starting power to establish itself quickly once the weather warms up.
It is important to keep your rhizomes in a cool, dry place until you are ready to put them in the ground. If you live in a cold climate and your shipment arrives before the soil is ready, you can keep them in their original packaging in a garage or basement. Shipping Information will help you plan timing by zone. Avoid letting them get too wet or too warm before planting, as this can encourage premature sprouting or soft spots.
The Best Time and Place to Plant
Cannas are true sun-lovers. To get the best performance, you must provide them with the heat and light they crave. Choosing the right spot in your yard is the first step toward a successful growing season.
Selecting the Right Location
For the most vibrant flowers and lush foliage, plant your cannas in a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. While they can grow in partial shade, they will likely produce fewer blooms and may become "leggy" as they stretch toward the light.
Cannas also appreciate a bit of protection from strong winds. Because their leaves are so large and soft, they can sometimes tear during heavy storms. Planting them near a fence, a wall, or a cluster of sturdy shrubs can provide a helpful windbreak without blocking the sun.
Soil and Drainage
These plants are unique because they actually enjoy more moisture than many other garden bulbs. They thrive in rich, fertile soil that stays consistently moist. If you have a low spot in your garden where water tends to settle, cannas might be the perfect solution. However, they still need some drainage; they should not sit in stagnant, stinking water.
Before planting, we recommend mixing a few inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. This provides the organic matter cannas need to fuel their rapid growth. If your soil is very sandy, adding compost will also help it hold onto the moisture the plants require.
Temperature and Timing
Timing is everything when it comes to cannas. These are tropical plants and they have no tolerance for frost. Wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F before planting them outside. A good indicator is often the time you would normally plant tomatoes in your area.
If you want to get a head start on the season, you can pot your rhizomes indoors about four to six weeks before the last frost date. Place the pots in a warm, sunny window or under grow lights. This gives the plants a few inches of growth so they can hit the ground running once the weather stays warm.
Key Takeaway: Always wait for warm soil and a frost-free forecast before moving your cannas outdoors. A sunny, wind-protected spot with rich soil will produce the most dramatic results.
How to Plant Canna Bulbs Correctly
Planting cannas is a straightforward process. Because they grow so quickly, getting the depth and spacing right at the start will save you maintenance time later in the summer.
Depth and Direction
Dig a hole or a shallow trench about 2 to 3 inches deep. Place the rhizome in the hole horizontally. You will notice the "eyes" or small sprouts on the surface of the rhizome. While it is best to point these eyes upward, don't worry too much if you can't tell which side is which. The plant is smart enough to find the light and will grow toward the surface regardless of how it is positioned.
Spacing for Success
Cannas need room to breathe and expand. If you are planting tall varieties, space the rhizomes about 1-1/2 to 2 feet apart. For dwarf or medium varieties, medium varieties 12 inches of space is usually sufficient. This spacing allows for good air circulation, which keeps the foliage healthy, and gives the rhizomes plenty of room to multiply underground throughout the season.
Initial Watering
Once the rhizomes are covered with soil, give the area a good soaking to settle the earth around them. After this initial watering, you can hold off on frequent watering until you see the first green shoots poking through the soil. Once the plants are actively growing, you can begin a more regular watering schedule.
- Step 1: Loosen soil to a depth of 12 inches and mix in compost.
- Step 2: Dig a hole 2 to 3 inches deep.
- Step 3: Lay the rhizome flat with eyes facing up.
- Step 4: Cover with soil and firm gently with your hands.
- Step 5: Water well to settle the soil.
Summer Care and Maintenance
Once your cannas are established, they are relatively low-maintenance, but they do have a few specific needs to stay looking their best through the heat of mid-summer.
Watering Needs
Cannas are thirsty plants. Unlike many perennials that prefer to dry out between waterings, cannas like to stay consistently moist. During the hottest weeks of July and August, you may need to water them every other day, or even daily if they are in containers. For more ideas on pot culture, see How to Grow Summer Bulbs in Containers.
A layer of mulch around the base of the plants is very helpful. Two or three inches of shredded bark or straw will help the soil retain moisture and keep the roots cool. If the leaves start to curl or the edges look brown and crispy, it is often a sign that the plant needs more water.
Fertilizing for Big Blooms
Think of cannas as "heavy feeders." Because they produce so much leaf and flower mass in a single season, they require plenty of nutrients. We suggest applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
As the season progresses, you can supplement this with a water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks. Look for a formula with a slightly higher middle number (phosphorus) to encourage more flower production. If you prefer organic options, fish emulsion or compost tea are excellent choices that cannas respond to quickly. Canna Medium Banana Punch is a good container-friendly choice.
How to Deadhead and Prune Cannas
To keep your garden looking tidy and to encourage the plant to keep producing new flowers, you will want to do some light pruning throughout the summer.
Deadheading Flowers
Canna flowers grow on long spikes. Usually, several buds will open one after another on the same spike. When a single flower withers, you can simply snip it off or pull it away. This keeps the plant looking fresh.
Once every flower on a particular spike has finished blooming, it is time to remove that entire stalk. Look down the stem to where it meets the next set of leaves. You will often see a new flower spike already starting to grow from that joint. Cut the old, spent stalk off just above that new growth point. This redirects the plant's energy away from making seeds and back into producing more blossoms.
Grooming the Foliage
Sometimes, the large leaves of a canna can get damaged by wind or scorched by intense sun. If a leaf looks tattered or brown, you can remove it at any time. Simply cut the leaf stem back to where it meets the main stalk. This won't hurt the plant and will immediately improve the appearance of your garden bed.
Key Takeaway: Regular deadheading and removing damaged leaves keeps the plant focused on new growth and ensures a continuous display of color until the first frost.
End-of-Season Care and Overwintering
As the summer fades and the first chilly nights of autumn arrive, your canna care routine will change. How you handle the end of the season depends entirely on your local climate.
Determining Your Zone
Cannas are hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11. Hardiness Zone Map can help you confirm your climate if you are not sure.
If you live in zone 7 or colder, the ground will freeze deep enough to damage the rhizomes. In these areas, you must "lift" and store the bulbs if you want to grow them again next year. At Longfield Gardens, we want you to enjoy your plants for many seasons, so taking the time to store them correctly is a worthwhile autumn project.
The Frost Trigger
Wait for the first light frost to hit your garden. You will know it has happened because the vibrant green or bronze leaves will suddenly turn black or dark brown and go limp. Don't worry—this doesn't mean the plant is dead; it just means the foliage is done for the year. This frost sends a signal to the rhizome to go dormant and store its energy for the winter. If you want more detail on timing, read When Do I Dig Up Canna Lily Bulbs? Timing and Care Tips.
Digging and Storing Canna Rhizomes for Winter
Storing canna bulbs is easy once you know the steps. The goal is to keep them dormant, cool, and just slightly moist so they don't shrivel up or rot.
Lifting the Rhizomes
Start by cutting the blackened stalks down to about 2 or 3 inches above the soil line. Use a garden fork or a shovel to gently loosen the soil around the clump. Be sure to start your digging about a foot away from the center of the plant to avoid slicing into the rhizomes. Lift the entire clump out of the ground and shake off the loose dirt.
Cleaning and Curing
You can use your hands to remove the bulk of the soil. Some gardeners like to rinse the rhizomes with a hose, but if you do this, make sure they dry completely afterward.
"Curing" is a critical step. Place your cleaned rhizomes in a dry, shaded area—like a garage or a covered porch—for about a week. This allows the outer skin to toughen up, which acts as a natural barrier against rot during the long winter months.
Packing for Storage
Once the rhizomes are cured, you need to pack them away. We recommend using a breathable container like a cardboard box, a wooden crate, or a paper bag. Do not use airtight plastic bins, as these trap moisture and lead to mold.
Layer the rhizomes with a packing medium to keep them insulated. Good options include:
- Peat moss
- Vermiculite
- Shredded newspaper
- Wood shavings
The packing material should be bone-dry or only very slightly damp. Arrange the rhizomes so they aren't all touching each other. This way, if one develops a spot of rot, it won't easily spread to the others. For a fuller storage walkthrough, see How to Divide and Store Canna Bulbs.
The Ideal Storage Environment
Place your boxes in a cool, dark, and frost-free location. A basement, a crawl space, or an insulated garage is usually perfect. The temperature should ideally stay between 40°F and 50°F. If the area is too warm, the bulbs might try to sprout too early. If it's too cold, they may freeze and turn to mush.
What to do next:
- Check your stored bulbs once a month during the winter.
- If a rhizome feels shriveled or very dry, lightly mist the packing material with water.
- If you see any soft or fuzzy spots, cut them away or discard that piece to keep the rest of the batch healthy.
How to Divide Canna Bulbs
One of the best things about cannas is that they multiply. One rhizome planted in the spring can easily turn into five or ten by the fall. Dividing them is a great way to get free plants for new garden beds or to share with friends.
When to Divide
You can divide your cannas either in the fall when you dig them up or in the spring before you replant them. Many gardeners prefer spring division because it is easier to see the "eyes" as they begin to swell with new life.
The Division Process
Use a clean, sharp knife or simply snap the rhizomes apart by hand. Each piece you save must have at least one healthy "eye" (a visible growing point), though two or three eyes per piece will give you a stronger plant faster.
If you make cuts with a knife, let the pieces sit in the open air for a day or two so the cut surface can "callus" over. This prevents soil-borne diseases from entering the fresh wound. Once the cut is dry and firm, the piece is ready to be planted or stored.
Encouraging More Flowers
If your cannas have plenty of leaves but aren't blooming as much as you'd like, there are usually three simple factors to check: light, water, and heat.
The Power of Sunlight
If cannas don't get enough sun, they simply won't have the energy to produce flowers. If your yard has become shadier over the years due to growing trees, you may need to move your cannas to a brighter spot next spring.
Consistent Moisture
Cannas will often stop blooming if they experience a "drought stress" period. If the soil stays dry for too long, the plant goes into survival mode and stops producing new flower spikes. Regular, deep watering is the best way to keep the flowers coming.
Heat Requirements
Cannas love the heat. In cooler climates or during an unusually cold summer, they may bloom later than expected. Be patient—once the "dog days" of summer arrive, cannas usually hit their stride and continue flowering until the frost.
Key Takeaway: For maximum flowers, prioritize a sunny location, keep the soil moist, and provide a monthly boost of fertilizer during the peak growing months.
Conclusion
Caring for cannas is one of the easiest ways to add a professional, high-impact look to your home landscape. From the moment you plant those first rhizomes in the warm spring soil to the day you lift them for winter storage, these plants offer constant rewards. Their fast growth, dramatic foliage, and vibrant colors make them a favorite for gardeners who want big results without a lot of stress.
At Longfield Gardens, we take pride in providing the highest quality rhizomes to help you find success in your yard. Remember that gardening is a journey, and every season brings a new opportunity to learn and grow. By mastering the basics of sun, water, and winter storage, you can enjoy the tropical beauty of cannas year after year.
- Plant in full sun after the soil reaches 60°F.
- Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the summer.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flower spikes.
- In cold zones, dig and store rhizomes in a cool, dry place for winter.
"A well-cared-for canna is more than just a flower; it is a vertical exclamation point that brings energy and excitement to the summer garden."
We are here to help you every step of the way. If you have questions about your specific climate or need more advice on choosing the right varieties, our team is always ready to support your gardening goals. Our 100% Quality Guarantee backs every order.
FAQ
Do cannas need to be dug up every year?
Whether you need to dig up your cannas depends on your USDA hardiness zone. If you live in zone 8 or warmer, you can leave them in the ground with a layer of mulch for protection. In zone 7 or colder, the rhizomes will freeze and rot during the winter, so they must be lifted and stored indoors to survive.
Why are the leaves on my canna turning brown at the edges?
Brown, crispy edges on canna leaves are usually a sign of "leaf scorch," which happens when the plant isn't getting enough water to support its large leaves in the heat. To prevent this, ensure you are watering deeply and frequently, especially during dry spells. Adding mulch around the base of the plant will also help keep the roots hydrated.
How deep should I plant my canna rhizomes?
Canna rhizomes should be planted relatively shallowly, about 2 to 3 inches deep. If you plant them too deep, they may take a long time to emerge or might not have enough energy to reach the surface. Cover them with about 2 inches of soil and tamp it down firmly to ensure good contact.
Can I grow cannas in containers?
Yes, cannas grow exceptionally well in containers and add wonderful height to patio displays. Short Cannas are especially handy for smaller pots.