May 3, 2026
Plant Profile: Canna Lily
Create an instant tropical statement with Canna Lilies! The large, upright foliage and stunning blooms are the perfect centerpiece for any sunny garden or mixed container – they can even be planted at the edge of a pond or other water feature!
Light: Full Sun
Height: up to 48” (120cm)
Spacing: 10” (25cm) minimum in containers; 24” (60cm) in garden bed
Exotic Colours
Though planted like an Annual, Canna Lilies offer a double hit of tropical texture through their blooms and their foliage. Thick, upright stems hold up loosely tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and even pink, all of which bloom off and on all summer and are magnets for pollinators! These upright stems are enveloped with thick, banana-like leaves that can be either lush green or deep bronze to complete the tropical oasis look. The blooms and foliage are both perfect for cutting for fresh floral arrangements!
Give Them Space to Grow
Canna Lilies grow wonderfully in both garden beds and planters, and are known to multiply through their rhizomes under the soil. In the garden they can take off quickly over the growing season, reaching heights up to 6ft! They’re a bit more controlled within the confined space of a large planter, but it’s still recommended to allow them extra space in your mixed containers.
Full Sun, Moist Soil
It takes a lot of sunlight and water to look so good all summer long! Canna Lilies love the sunshine, so be sure to place them in full sun where they’ll get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. They can also be quite thirsty, and prefer their soil to be evenly moist – perfect for the edges of ponds and waterside gardens! Regular fertilizing will help keep those flower buds coming all season long.
Easy Care
Canna Lilies are incredibly easy to grow, once you give them the light, water, and feeding they need to thrive. All they require is a little deadheading: after all the blooms on a flower stalk are spent, simply cut to the next leaf node with a sharp knife or pruners. Placing them in a high wind area may leave their foliage looking ripped and a bit worse for wear; simply cut away the torn leaves or keep them for even more texture and movement in the garden.
Save for Next Spring!
Yes, you can save your Cannas for the following spring! Dig up your Canna Lily in the fall, using a sharp spade and aiming a few inches beyond their main clump just in case there are extra rhizomes hiding underground. Haul up the entire mass and shake off any loose soil. Cut back any remaining foliage, about two inches above the rhizomes. Allow your rhizomes to dry for a few days before packing them away in containers lined with newspaper or peat moss – for best results, make sure none of the pieces are touching any others. Store in a cool, dry place for the winter, and check them regularly for any signs of rot or mould. Remove any affected pieces immediately, as such issues can quickly spread and endanger the entire collection.
Post Views: 10
