Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Choose Canna Bulbs Online?
- Understanding Canna Rhizomes
- Selecting the Right Varieties for Your Space
- Right Plant, Right Place: Site Selection
- How to Plant Canna Bulbs
- Growing Cannas in Containers
- Seasonal Care for Vibrant Blooms
- Shipping and Delivery Facts
- Our Quality Guarantee
- Designing with Cannas
- Managing Cannas at the End of the Season
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
There is a unique thrill in watching the first pointed shoots of a canna lily poke through the soil in late spring. These plants are the ultimate "statement" additions to any landscape, offering a lush, tropical feel that few other perennials can match. Whether you are looking to create a backyard oasis or simply want a bold splash of color in a patio container, cannas provide an easy-to-grow solution that thrives even in the peak of summer heat.
When you look for canna bulbs online, you are opening the door to a much wider world of color and texture than what is typically found at a local garden center. At Longfield Gardens, we specialize in providing high-quality rhizomes that are ready to burst into life as soon as the weather warms. Our goal is to make it simple for every gardener to enjoy these magnificent plants, regardless of their experience level.
This guide will help you navigate the process of choosing, buying, and planting cannas to ensure your garden is the highlight of the neighborhood. We will cover the best varieties for different spaces, how to time your planting for success, and the simple steps needed to keep your cannas looking spectacular from midsummer through the first frost. Buying plants online is a convenient way to plan your dream garden from the comfort of home, and we are here to support you at every step. Your order is then timed to arrive exactly when it is safe to plant in your specific USDA hardiness zone.
Why Choose Canna Bulbs Online?
Shopping for canna bulbs online offers several distinct advantages for the home gardener. While local stores often carry a limited selection of basic varieties, online specialists provide access to a diverse array of heights, flower colors, and foliage patterns. This variety allows you to tailor your garden design to your specific vision, whether you need towering 6-foot giants for a privacy screen or compact 2-foot versions for a decorative pot.
Quality is another critical factor when ordering online. We work closely with experienced growers to ensure that the rhizomes we ship are healthy, firm, and true to their variety name. Because we manage the storage and shipping process in our climate-controlled facility in Lakewood, New Jersey, we can maintain the ideal conditions for the bulbs until they are ready to be sent to your door.
Convenience is perhaps the most appreciated benefit. Instead of hunting through bins at a store, you can browse detailed descriptions and photos at your own pace. Your order is then timed to arrive exactly when it is safe to plant in your specific USDA hardiness zone. This "timing beats tricks" approach takes the guesswork out of the process, ensuring your cannas spend less time in a box and more time growing in your soil.
Understanding Canna Rhizomes
While many people refer to them as "bulbs," cannas actually grow from rhizomes. A rhizome is a thick, fleshy underground stem that stores energy for the plant. If you look closely at a canna rhizome, you will see small bumps or "eyes." Each of these eyes has the potential to become a new stalk of foliage and flowers.
When you receive your order, you may notice that the rhizomes vary in shape and size. This is perfectly normal, as different varieties naturally produce different types of rhizomes. The most important thing is that the rhizome feels firm and heavy for its size. This weight indicates that it is full of stored moisture and nutrients, ready to fuel that first push of growth in the spring.
It is a common misconception that a larger rhizome always equals a better plant. While size matters, the presence of healthy "eyes" and the overall vitality of the specimen are what truly drive performance. We ensure that every piece we ship meets our standards for vigor, giving you the best possible start to the season.
Key Takeaway: Cannas grow from rhizomes, which are fleshy stems that store energy. Look for firm, heavy rhizomes with visible "eyes" for the best results.
Selecting the Right Varieties for Your Space
One of the joys of looking for canna bulbs online is discovering the incredible range of foliage options. Cannas are unique because their leaves are often just as beautiful as their flowers. When choosing your varieties, consider both the height of the plant and the look of the leaves.
Foliage Colors and Patterns
- Bright Green: Classic and refreshing, green-leaved cannas like City of Portland provide a clean, tropical backdrop that makes their pink or red flowers pop.
- Bronze and Burgundy: Varieties such as Pretoria (Bengal Tiger) feature dark, smoky foliage that adds drama and contrast to the garden. These look particularly stunning when back-lit by the afternoon sun.
- Striped and Variegated: For a true conversation piece, look for Phaison (Tropicanna). These feature intricate yellow, orange, or cream stripes on their leaves, making them beautiful even when they aren't in bloom.
Flower Colors
Canna flowers come in a "hot" palette of reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks. Some varieties even feature "speckled" or bicolor petals. When planning your garden, think about how these colors will interact with your existing perennials. Yellow flowers can brighten up a sunny corner, while deep reds add a sophisticated touch to a modern landscape.
Matching Height to Location
Cannas are generally categorized into three height groups:
- Dwarf (2–3 feet): Ideal for the front of a border or for smaller containers on a patio. Short Cannas are a great fit.
- Medium (3–5 feet): The most versatile size, perfect for mid-border planting or large pots. Medium Cannas are especially useful here.
- Tall (5–7+ feet): These are best used at the back of a flower bed or along a fence line to create a living screen. Tall Cannas make the biggest impact.
Right Plant, Right Place: Site Selection
The secret to thriving cannas is matching their needs to the right spot in your yard. Cannas are sun-loving tropicals, and they require three main things to succeed: heat, light, and moisture.
Sunlight Requirements
For the most vibrant foliage and the most frequent blooming, cannas need full sun. This means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. While they can grow in partial shade, they will likely produce fewer flowers and the stalks may become "leggy" as they stretch toward the light. If you live in an extremely hot climate, a little bit of afternoon shade can actually help prevent the leaf edges from drying out, but generally, more sun is better.
Soil and Drainage
"Drainage" simply refers to how fast water leaves the soil. Cannas are unique because they are very tolerant of moist conditions; in fact, some cannas can even be grown at the edge of a pond. However, for standard garden planting, you want soil that stays consistently moist but isn't soggy or waterlogged for long periods.
If you have heavy clay soil, adding some organic matter like compost can help improve the texture. If your soil is very sandy, you may need to water more frequently to keep the rhizomes hydrated.
Space to Grow
Cannas are fast growers. In a single season, one rhizome can grow into a substantial clump. When planting, space your rhizomes about 1–2 feet apart depending on the variety. Giving them enough room ensures that air can circulate around the leaves, which keeps the plants healthy and prevents them from competing too much for nutrients.
How to Plant Canna Bulbs
Planting cannas is a straightforward process that anyone can do. The most important rule to remember is that cannas love warmth. Planting too early in cold, wet soil can cause the rhizomes to sit dormant for too long.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Wait for the Warmth: Ensure all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F. In most regions, this aligns with when you would plant tomatoes or zinnias. For a deeper look, see How Deep Do You Plant Canna Bulbs?.
- Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole about 4 to 6 inches deep.
- Position the Rhizome: Place the rhizome in the hole horizontally. If you see the "eyes" or small sprouts, point them upward. If you can't tell which side is which, don't worry—the plant will naturally find its way to the surface.
- Cover and Press: Fill the hole with soil and press down gently with your hands to remove any large air pockets.
- Water In: Give the area a good soaking to settle the soil around the rhizome.
What to Do After Planting
- Be Patient: Cannas can take a few weeks to show their first leaves. They are waiting for the sun to warm the earth.
- Mulch: Adding a thin layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps weeds from competing with your new plants.
- Label Your Varieties: If you planted several different types, use a small garden stake to remember which is which until they bloom.
Key Takeaway: Plant rhizomes 4–6 inches deep in warm soil (60°F+) and space them 1–2 feet apart for the best results.
Growing Cannas in Containers
If you don't have a large garden space, or if you want to decorate a deck or balcony, cannas are excellent candidates for container gardening. Growing cannas in containers is also a smart way to show off their bold foliage close to where you spend time outside. Because they grow vertically, they don't take up much "footprint" while providing a lot of visual height.
Choosing the Right Pot
A canna needs a sturdy pot with drainage holes at the bottom. For a single dwarf variety, a 12-inch pot is usually sufficient. For taller varieties, look for a heavy 15- to 18-inch container. Large pots are better because they hold more soil and moisture, which keeps the tall stalks stable and prevents the plant from drying out too quickly on hot days.
Potting Mix and Planting
Always use a high-quality potting soil rather than garden soil in containers. Potting soil is lighter and designed to drain well while holding the right amount of moisture. Plant the rhizomes at the same depth (4–6 inches) as you would in the ground.
Container Care
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 day. They are also "heavy feeders," meaning they appreciate a bit of liquid fertilizer every few weeks to keep their foliage lush and their flowers blooming.
Seasonal Care for Vibrant Blooms
Once your cannas are established, they are remarkably low-maintenance. However, a few simple tasks can help you get the most out of your plants throughout the season.
Watering Correct, Not Constant
The rule for cannas is "deep, then let it dry a bit." Instead of a light sprinkle every day, give them a thorough soaking once or twice a week (more often in extreme heat or for containers). This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the plant more resilient.
Fertilizing
Because cannas produce so much foliage and big flowers in a short amount of time, they benefit from a boost of nutrients. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season is usually all they need. Always follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.
Deadheading
"Deadheading" is the practice of removing spent flowers. When a flower cluster has finished blooming, cut the individual stem back to the next leaf or flower bud. This keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages it to put its energy into producing new flowers rather than seeds.
Pest and Disease Management
Cannas are generally very healthy plants. Occasionally, you might see small holes in the leaves, which are often caused by caterpillars or "canna leaf rollers." If you notice this, you can usually remove the affected leaves or pick off the pests by hand. Keeping the garden clear of debris and ensuring good airflow between plants are the best ways to prevent most issues.
Shipping and Delivery Facts
When you order from us, we want you to feel confident about the arrival of your plants. Our Shipping Information page explains where we ship and how we time each order.
We ship our products throughout the 48 contiguous United States. Due to agricultural regulations, we do not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or US Territories, and we are unable to ship allium bulbs to Idaho.
We time our shipments based on your USDA hardiness zone. This means we wait to send your bulbs until your local weather is approaching the ideal planting window. You will receive a tracking number once your package has been picked up and scanned by the carrier (typically UPS or FedEx). This allows you to prepare your garden beds so you are ready to plant as soon as the box arrives.
If you are new to gardening, checking your USDA zone is a great first step. This map tells you the average minimum winter temperature in your area, which helps determine which plants will thrive as perennials and which may need extra care in the winter.
Our Quality Guarantee
At Longfield Gardens, we stand behind every rhizome we sell. Our 100% Quality Guarantee ensures that your items arrive in prime condition and are true to the variety described.
If you receive a shipment and notice any damage or label issues, please contact us promptly so we can make it right. We also provide support if you encounter performance issues during the first growing season. Depending on the situation, we may offer a replacement, store credit, or a refund. We believe that a beautiful garden starts with high-quality plants and excellent customer support, and we are here to ensure you succeed.
Designing with Cannas
Cannas are incredibly versatile in the landscape. Their bold texture makes them a perfect companion for plants with finer foliage, such as ornamental grasses or ferns.
Create a Focal Point
A single large container of 'Pretoria' canna placed at the end of a walkway or in the center of a circular bed acts as a stunning focal point. The bright, striped leaves draw the eye and provide structure to the garden.
Privacy Screens
If you have a seating area that feels a bit too exposed, a row of tall cannas can create a "living wall." Varieties that reach 6 feet or more will fill in quickly during the summer, providing a lush, green screen that filters noise and provides a sense of seclusion.
Color Echoing
Try "echoing" the colors of your cannas with other plants. For example, if you plant a red-flowering canna with bronze leaves, pair it with a red-flowered salvia or a dark-leaved sweet potato vine. This creates a professional, cohesive look that makes your garden feel thoughtfully designed.
Key Takeaway: Use the height and bold colors of cannas to create privacy, focal points, or cohesive color schemes in your landscape.
Managing Cannas at the End of the Season
In warmer climates (USDA zones 8–11), cannas can stay in the ground year-round. In these areas, they will naturally go dormant in the winter and regrow in the spring. You simply need to cut back the dead foliage after the first frost to keep the garden neat.
For gardeners in cooler climates (zones 7 and lower), cannas are treated as "tender perennials." This means they will not survive a freezing winter in the ground. You have two easy options:
- Treat them as annuals: Many gardeners choose to enjoy the plants for one season and simply buy fresh rhizomes the following year. This is a great way to try new varieties every season.
- Overwinter the rhizomes: If you have a favorite variety you want to keep, you can dig up the rhizomes after the first light frost. Clean off the soil, let them air dry for a few days in a cool, dry place, and then store them in a box with some peat moss or newspaper in a frost-free area like a basement or garage.
Neither method is "better" than the other—it simply depends on how much time you want to spend in the garden during the fall.
Conclusion
Adding cannas to your garden is one of the easiest ways to bring a sense of adventure and tropical beauty to your home. By choosing to shop for canna bulbs online, you gain access to a world of stunning colors and patterns that can transform any outdoor space. Whether you are planting a single pot on a sunny balcony or a long border along your fence, these resilient plants will reward you with lush foliage and vibrant blooms all summer long.
At Longfield Gardens, we are committed to helping you find the perfect plants for your unique space. We believe that gardening should be a source of joy and relaxation, and we provide the high-quality rhizomes and practical advice you need to feel confident in your results.
- Choose varieties that match your height and color preferences.
- Plant in a sunny spot with warm soil for the best growth.
- Water deeply and enjoy the tropical transformation of your yard.
"A beautiful garden is a journey that begins with a single rhizome and a bit of sunshine."
Ready to start your tropical escape? Explore our selection of premium canna rhizomes and find your new favorite variety today.
FAQ
When is the best time to buy canna bulbs online?
The best time to order is in the late winter or early spring. By ordering early, you ensure the best selection of varieties before they sell out. We will hold your order and ship it to you at the correct planting time for your specific USDA zone, so you don't have to worry about storing the bulbs yourself for too long.
How deep should I plant my canna rhizomes?
Canna rhizomes should be planted about 4 to 6 inches deep. If you want a more detailed reference, How Deep Do You Plant Canna Bulbs? covers the basics in more depth. Dig a hole or trench, place the rhizome in horizontally, and cover it with soil. If you are planting in a container, stick to the same depth to ensure the roots have enough room to stabilize the tall stalks.
Why aren't my cannas blooming yet?
Cannas are heat-lovers and usually start blooming in mid to late summer. If your plants have plenty of leaves but no flowers, they may need more sunlight or a bit more fertilizer. Ensure they are getting at least 6 hours of direct sun and that the soil is kept consistently moist, as drought can sometimes delay blooming.
Can I grow cannas if I have clay soil?
Yes, cannas are quite adaptable and can handle clay soil better than many other bulbs. However, they will grow best if you mix in some compost or organic matter to help loosen the soil texture. This allows the roots to spread more easily and ensures that the rhizomes don't sit in water that is too stagnant.