Canna indica
Indian shot
An erect perennial to around 2m tall with ovate, dark green leaves often flushed bronze. Racemes of small red or dark orange flowers with some yellow on the lip are borne from midsummer into early autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Red Yellow | Bronze Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red Yellow | Bronze Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Cannaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Canna are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with erect stems bearing ovate leaves, with showy flowers with showy petal-like staminodes and small, coloured petals and sepals, borne in racemes or panicles in summer and autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Neotropics
How to grow
Cultivation
Needs a sheltered, warm site and plenty of watering. In autumn, rhizomes can be lifted and stored in a frost-free place or, in mild gardens, left in the ground covered with dry mulch. See canna cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Leave to die back in autumn
Pests
Caterpillars, glasshouse red spider mite and aphids may be a problem
Diseases
May be affected by canna viruses
Get involved
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