Family: Cannaceae

Originally from tropical America, these robust perennials are very well suited to warm temperate and subtropical areas. In frost-prone climates, canvas are used for summer display in gardens and overwintered in the dormant state under glass. In their natural habitat, cannas grow from 75 cm (30 in) to 3 m (10 ft) tall. With their terminal clusters of showy, colourful flowers and striking foliage, they are very useful for planting in large garden beds.

Species

There are many cultivars of cannas and these are generally preferred to the species. They are available in a range of heights and colours, from dwarf to tall, and in shades of red, pink, salmon, yellow, orange and white. There are also cultivars with bicoloured flowers. Among many other good cannas are C. flaccida which grows to 1.5 m with 60 cm long leaves and yellow flowers. This species is the prime parent of over 200 modern varieties.

A very well-known canna is C. indica, popularly called Indian shot, which grows to around 1 m in height and produces 45 cm long leaves. The flowers are bright red. This species from tropical America has become naturalised in various warm and tropical areas including the far south of North America.

Cultivation

Cannas grow from thick rhizomes. In frost-prone climates, these are started into growth in a warm greenhouse in early spring. Put them in pots of soilless potting compost. Plant out when danger of frost is over, in early summer. Lift in autumn when frosts have started, cut down stems and foliage, and store rhizomes for the winter in slightly moist peat in frost-free conditions. In frost-free climates, plants can be left in the ground all year round. Water regularly and well in summer during dry weather and feed with a liquid fertilizer. Large clumps can be divided in the spring when potting or planting.

Climate

Zone 10.