Order Canna Bulbs: Tips for a Vibrant Tropical Garden

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Canna Lilies are a Garden Essential
3. Choosing the Best Varieties to Order
4. Understanding What You are Ordering
5. When to Place Your Canna Order
6. Receiving and Storing Your Order
7. Preparing the Perfect Planting Spot
8. How to Plant Your Canna Rhizomes
9. Success with Container Gardening
10. Summer Care for Your Cannas
11. Managing Common Garden Visitors
12. Saving Your Cannas for Next Year
13. Designing with Cannas
14. Why Quality Matters
15. Conclusion
16. FAQ

Introduction

There is something truly thrilling about the first time a canna lily unfurls its giant, paddle-shaped leaves in your garden. These plants bring an immediate tropical flair to any space, whether you have a sprawling backyard or a few sunny pots on a balcony. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping homeowners transform their outdoor spaces with these high-impact, easy-to-grow canna lilies.

When you decide to order canna bulbs, you are choosing a summer of bold textures and bright, orchid-like flowers. This guide will help you understand how to select the right varieties for your space, when to place your order, and what to expect when your plants arrive. We want to ensure you feel confident and excited as you plan your upcoming gardening season.

Ordering cannas is the first step toward a summer filled with lush foliage and vibrant colors that thrive even in the heat of July and August.

Why Canna Lilies are a Garden Essential

Cannas are unique because they offer beauty from both their foliage and their flowers. While many plants are grown specifically for their blooms, canna leaves are often just as decorative as the petals. You can find varieties with leaves in shades of deep forest green, chocolatey bronze, or even dramatic stripes of yellow and cream.

These plants are also incredibly resilient. They love the heat and are one of the few plants that won't wilt when the summer sun is at its strongest. In fact, the hotter it gets, the faster they seem to grow. They are also relatively pest-resistant and are rarely bothered by deer, making them a reliable choice for many different environments.

Whether you use them as a privacy screen along a fence or as a focal point in a decorative container, cannas provide a structural element that few other summer bulbs can match. They fill vertical space quickly and provide a lush backdrop for smaller perennials and annuals.

Choosing the Best Varieties to Order

When you are ready to order canna bulbs, the first thing to consider is the size of the space you want to fill. Cannas generally fall into two categories: standard canna varieties and dwarf.

Standard Canna Varieties

Standard cannas are the giants of the garden. They typically grow between 4 and 6 feet tall, though some can reach even greater heights in ideal conditions. These are perfect for:

• Creating a living privacy screen.
• Filling the back of a flower bed.
• Adding height to a large landscape island.
• Softening the corners of a house or garage.

Dwarf Canna Varieties

Dwarf cannas are much more compact, usually topping out between 2 and 3 feet. These varieties are the best choice for:

• Small garden borders.
• Decorative patio containers.
• Planting in front of taller shrubs.
• Urban gardens with limited space.

Selecting Foliage and Flower Colors

Beyond height, you should think about the "look" you want to achieve. If you love a moody, sophisticated garden, look for varieties with dark bronze or burgundy leaves. These contrast beautifully with bright red or orange flowers.

If you prefer a bright, cheerful tropical vibe, green-leaved varieties with yellow or spotted flowers are a classic choice. Variegated varieties, which have striped leaves, are excellent for adding visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.

Key Takeaway: Match the height of the canna variety to its role in your garden. Use standard types for height and privacy, and dwarf types for pots and borders.

Understanding What You are Ordering

While most people search for "canna bulbs," what you are actually ordering are called rhizomes. A rhizome is a thick, fleshy underground stem that stores energy and water for the plant.

When you receive your order from us, the rhizomes will look like lumpy, elongated roots. They may have small "eyes" or points on them, which are the spots where new growth will emerge. A healthy rhizome should feel firm and heavy for its size.

We maintain a trial garden to evaluate different varieties and ensure they perform well for home gardeners. This allows us to select only the most vigorous and beautiful options for our customers. When you order from a trusted source, you can be sure that the rhizomes have been stored at the correct temperature and humidity to arrive in prime condition for planting.

When to Place Your Canna Order

Timing is important when it comes to ordering summer-blooming bulbs. Most gardeners begin planning their spring gardens in the middle of winter.

Pre-Ordering for Spring

Ordering early in the season, typically between January and March, ensures you have the widest selection of varieties available. Many popular colors or leaf patterns can sell out quickly as the planting season approaches. When you place an order early, we hold your items and schedule them to ship at the appropriate time for your area.

Shipping Schedules

We ship orders based on the USDA hardiness zone of the shipping address, and our Shipping Information page explains the timing in detail. Our goal is to have your canna rhizomes arrive about two weeks before the ideal planting time in your region. This ensures the rhizomes are fresh and ready to go into the ground as soon as the soil is warm enough.

We currently ship to the 48 contiguous United States. Because cannas are tropical plants, we monitor weather patterns closely to make sure they aren't sitting in a freezing delivery truck during transit. If there is a sudden cold snap, we may delay shipping for a few days to protect the health of your plants.

Receiving and Storing Your Order

When your box arrives, it is a good idea to open it immediately. Take a moment to check your rhizomes and make sure everything looks healthy and firm.

If you are not ready to plant right away because the ground is still too cold or wet, you can store the rhizomes for a short period. Keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a garage or a basement. A temperature between 45°F and 55°F is ideal. Avoid places that are too humid, which can cause rot, or too dry, which can cause the rhizomes to shrivel.

What to Do Next:

• Open the box as soon as it arrives.
• Verify the varieties against your packing slip.
• Keep the rhizomes in their original packaging or a paper bag.
• Store in a cool, dark place until the danger of frost has passed.

Preparing the Perfect Planting Spot

Cannas are not particularly fussy, but they do have a few "must-haves" to look their best. Getting the basics right from the start will save you time and effort later in the summer.

The Importance of Sunlight

Cannas are sun-worshippers. To get the best foliage color and the most flowers, they need full sun. This means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. While they can grow in partial shade, the stems may become "leggy" as they reach for the light, and they will produce far fewer blooms.

Soil and Drainage

"Drainage" refers to how quickly water moves through the soil. While cannas love moisture, they do not like to sit in soggy, stagnant mud, which can lead to the rhizomes rotting. If your soil is heavy clay, you can improve it by mixing in some compost or well-rotted manure. This helps create a looser texture that allows roots to grow easily.

Space to Grow

Because cannas grow so quickly and have such large leaves, they need room to breathe. When planting, space standard varieties about 18 to 24 inches apart. Dwarf varieties can be planted a bit closer, around 12 to 18 inches apart. Giving them enough space ensures that air can circulate between the plants, which keeps the foliage healthy.

Key Takeaway: Choose the sunniest spot in your yard and ensure the soil is loose and well-draining for the healthiest plants.

How to Plant Your Canna Rhizomes

Once the soil has warmed up and the danger of frost is completely gone, it is time to plant. In most regions, this is around the same time you would plant tomatoes or peppers.

Planting Depth

Planting at the correct depth is a simple way to ensure success, and How Deep to Bury Canna Bulbs covers the details. Dig a hole about 4 inches deep. Place the rhizome in the hole horizontally. You do not need to worry too much about which side is "up," but if you see any small sprouts or eyes, point those toward the sky. Cover the rhizome with soil and press down gently to remove any large air pockets.

Watering After Planting

After you have tucked your rhizomes into the ground, give them a good drink of water. This helps settle the soil around the rhizome. After this initial watering, you don't need to water again until you see the first green shoots poking through the soil. Overwatering a dormant rhizome in cold, wet soil is one of the few ways to cause problems, so a little patience here goes a long way.

Success with Container Gardening

If you don't have a large garden bed, or if you want to dress up your porch, cannas are excellent container plants.

Choosing the Right Pot

For standard cannas, you will need a large, heavy pot—at least 15 to 18 inches in diameter. Because these plants grow tall and have large leaves, they can act like a sail in the wind. A heavy ceramic or stone pot provides the stability needed to keep the plant from tipping over. Dwarf cannas can live happily in slightly smaller containers or as part of a mixed arrangement.

Potting Mix and Care

Use a high-quality potting soil rather than garden soil. Potting soil is designed to stay loose and provide the drainage that container plants need. Since pots dry out faster than the ground, you will need to check the moisture level daily during the heat of the summer. Cannas in pots are also "heavy feeders," meaning they appreciate a bit of liquid fertilizer every few weeks to keep their colors vibrant.

Summer Care for Your Cannas

Once your cannas are established, they are remarkably low-maintenance. However, a few simple tasks will keep them looking like they belong in a professional botanical garden.

Water Correcty, Not Constantly

Cannas love water, especially during the peak of summer. The rule of thumb is to water deeply, then let the top inch of soil dry out a bit before watering again. If the leaves start to look a bit crispy at the edges, it is usually a sign that they need more frequent moisture.

Feeding Your Plants

Because cannas produce so much foliage and big flowers in a single season, they use a lot of energy. Adding a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time is a great start. If you want to give them an extra boost, you can use a water-soluble fertilizer once a month through mid-summer.

Deadheading for More Blooms

"Deadheading" simply means removing the spent flowers. How and Why to Deadhead Flowers explains why removing spent blooms helps plants conserve energy. When a flower spike has finished blooming, you can snip it off. This prevents the plant from putting energy into making seeds and encourages it to send up new flower stalks. It also keeps the plant looking tidy.

Key Takeaway: Keep your cannas well-watered and fed throughout the summer to maintain their lush, tropical appearance.

Managing Common Garden Visitors

While cannas are generally tough, you may occasionally see a few insects taking an interest in those large leaves.

Leafrollers

In some parts of the country, you might notice the leaves of your cannas staying rolled up or having small holes. This is often caused by a small caterpillar known as a leafroller. The simplest way to handle this is to keep an eye on your plants and manually remove any visible pests. Encouraging birds in your garden is also a great natural way to keep caterpillar populations in check.

Slugs and Snails

Because cannas like moist soil, they can sometimes attract slugs or snails, especially when the plants are young and the leaves are close to the ground. If you see jagged holes in the lower leaves, you can use a pet-safe slug bait or simply clear away any mulch or debris from the base of the plant to make the area less inviting for them.

Saving Your Cannas for Next Year

If you live in a warm climate (USDA zones 8–11), your cannas can stay in the ground all year round. They will go dormant in the winter and sprout back up when the weather warms.

However, if you live in a cooler region (zones 3–7), the winter frost will be too much for the rhizomes. The good news is that cannas are very easy to "lift" and store, so you can enjoy the same plants year after year. Storing Canna Lily Bulbs Over Winter is a simple way to keep them safe until spring.

Lifting the Rhizomes

After the first frost has turned the foliage brown, cut the stems down to about 4 inches above the ground. Use a garden fork to gently lift the clump of rhizomes out of the earth. Shake off the excess soil and let them sit in a dry, protected spot for a day or two to "cure."

Winter Storage

Place the cleaned rhizomes in a box filled with slightly damp peat moss or sawdust. Store the box in a cool, dark, frost-free place like a basement. Check on them once or twice during the winter to make sure they aren't rotting or becoming completely shriveled. If they look very dry, you can give them a tiny spritz of water. In the spring, you can divide the clumps and start the process all over again.

Designing with Cannas

The bold look of cannas makes them a favorite for landscape designers. Because they are so vertical, they provide a sense of structure that "anchors" a garden bed.

Companion Planting

To create a layered look, plant cannas behind lower-growing flowers like zinnias, marigolds, or sweet alyssum. The fine texture of ornamental grasses also provides a beautiful contrast to the broad, heavy leaves of the canna. If you are going for a true tropical theme, pair them with elephant ears (Alocasia or Colocasia) and hibiscus.

Creating Privacy

If you have a patio that feels a little too exposed to the neighbors, a row of standard cannas in large pots can create a beautiful, flowering screen. By mid-July, they will be tall enough to provide a sense of seclusion without the permanence or cost of a wooden fence.

Why Quality Matters

When you order canna bulbs, the quality of the starting material is the biggest predictor of your success. Large, firm rhizomes have more stored energy, which leads to faster growth and more flowers. At Longfield Gardens, we take pride in sourcing high-quality rhizomes that are true to variety. This means when you order a specific color or foliage pattern, that is exactly what will bloom in your garden.

We stand behind the quality of our plants with a 100% quality guarantee. We want your gardening experience to be rewarding and stress-free. If your order arrives damaged or there is a label issue, our customer service team is here to help you. We believe that gardening should be an enjoyable hobby for everyone, and we are committed to providing the support you need to succeed.

Key Takeaway: Starting with high-quality, firm rhizomes from a trusted source is the easiest way to ensure a beautiful summer display.

Conclusion

Ordering cannas is a simple way to bring a touch of the tropics to your home. These plants are rewarding, fast-growing, and adaptable to many different garden styles. By choosing the right varieties for your space and giving them plenty of sun and water, you can enjoy a spectacular display of color and texture from mid-summer until the first frost.

As you prepare to order canna bulbs, remember these simple steps:

• Select standard varieties for height and dwarf varieties for pots.
• Plan for a sunny spot with good drainage.
• Order early to get the best selection of colors and patterns.
• Keep your plants well-watered and fed during the summer heat.

We are excited to be a part of your gardening journey. Whether you are planting your first canna or adding to a long-standing collection, these plants are sure to bring a smile to your face every time you look out the window. Visit us at Longfield Gardens to explore our selection and start planning your most beautiful summer yet.

To get the most out of your cannas, treat them like the sun-loving tropicals they are. Provide plenty of light, consistent moisture, and a little bit of food, and they will reward you with a stunning vertical display that lasts all season long.

FAQ

When is the best time to order canna bulbs?

The best time to order is in late winter or early spring, typically between January and March. This ensures you have access to the widest variety of colors and leaf patterns before they sell out. We will then ship your order at the ideal time for planting in your specific USDA hardiness zone.

How many canna rhizomes do I need for a large pot?

For a standard 15-to-18-inch container, How Many Canna Bulbs Should I Plant Together in Pots? is a helpful guide. Cannas grow very quickly and will fill out the pot with large leaves in a matter of weeks. If you are using a very large planter, you can plant three rhizomes in a triangle shape for a fuller, more immediate effect.

Can I leave cannas in the ground over winter?

This depends on where you live. In USDA zones 8 through 11, cannas are generally hardy and can stay in the ground year-round. In zones 3 through 7, the ground freezes deep enough to damage the rhizomes, so you should lift them in the fall and store them in a frost-free place until spring.

What should I do if my cannas haven't sprouted yet?

Cannas need warm soil to "wake up" and start growing. If the weather has been cool or rainy, they may take several weeks to show their first green shoots. You can encourage them by ensuring they are in a sunny spot and avoiding overwatering until you see growth, as cold, wet soil can slow them down.