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Common Name: canna
Type: Bulb
Family: Cannaceae
Zone: 7 to 10
Height: 4 to 6 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 4 feet
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Color: Orange
Bloom Description: Orange
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Colorful
Uses: Suitable as Annual
Culture
Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun. Rhizomes may be left in the ground in USDA Zones 7-10, however in the St. Louis area (Zones 6a-5b), the rhizomes should be lifted in fall for overwintering. Plant rhizomes 4-6” deep and 18-24” apart in spring after threat of frost has passed. Remove entire flowering stems immediately after bloom. In fall, cut plants to the ground after first frost and lift rhizome clumps for winter storage in a dry medium (peat or vermiculite) in a cool dry location than does not fall below 40 degree F. Rhizomes may be occasionally sprayed with water in winter to make sure they do not become so dry that root shriveling would occur. Container grown plants can be stored in their containers in winter. Propagate by division in spring before replanting outdoors.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Cannas are large rhizomatous tropical plants that produce flower spikes in summer atop erect stems sheathed in large paddle-shaped leaves. ‘Striata’ is a popular hybrid cultivar that grows 4-6’ tall. It features medium green leaves (to 10-20” long) with yellow-striped veins. Orange flowers (to 3” across) appear in racemes atop purplish stems from mid-summer to fall. Dramatic foliage provides considerable ornamental interest when the plants are not in flower. Synonymous with ‘Bengal Tiger’, ‘Pretoria’ and ‘Malawiensis Variegata’.
Plant of Merit
This large tropical canna grows 4-6 feet tall. It thrives in high heat and will serve as an excellent free-flowering annual for sunny garden areas or containers. Large, upright, paddle-shaped, yellow and green striped leaves are magnificent, especially when backlit by sun. Orange flowers bloom in racemes atop purplish stems from summer to early autumn. Rhizomes should be planted in the garden after last spring frost date and lifted in fall after the first frost for overwintering indoors.
Problems
Rhizomes may rot in poorly drained wet soils. Leaf spots, rust and bacterial blight may occur. Watch for aster yellows. Japanese beetles, caterpillars, slugs and snails may chew on the foliage.
Garden Uses
Group or mass in beds or borders. Effective planted with both annuals and perennials. Foundations. Large containers. Leaves are particularly impressive when backlit by sun.