Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Blue 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
In summer, water cannas (often bred from Canna glauca) can be placed in containers in ponds with no more than 15cm (6in) of water over the roots. They are also suitable for well-watered borders or conservatories where potted plants can be stood in deep saucers of water. Before autumn frosts, bring plants from outdoors into a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory. Keep the pots moist but not saturated. In April, increase temperatures and plant the sprouted plants out in late May when the risk of frost has passed. Further canna cultivation advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 21°C (70°F) in spring or autumn. Soak seed in warm water before sowing. Cultivars may not come true from seed. Propagate by division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to promote continued flowering. Leave to dieback in autumn
Pests
Glasshouse red spider mite, slugs and caterpillars may be troublesome
Diseases
Canna can be susceptible to a virus
Get involved
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