Canna

The Canna, also called Canna lily, is a tropical plant from South America. Despite its nickname, it is not a real lily, but it belongs to the Cannaceae family. The plant is known for its large, banana leaf-like leaves and bright flowers in colours such as red, orange, yellow and pink.

Special Canna varieties

The Canna, also known as Indian Shot, is a summer bloomer with decorative leaves and fiery flowers. We have several special varieties in our webshop:

Canna Pretoria: This tropical topper immediately stands out because of its yellow-green striped leaves and contrasting deep orange flowers. The combination of striking leaves and bright flowers makes it one of the most popular varieties in both pots and borders.

Canna Wyoming: A real eye-catcher thanks to the dark brown-purple leaves that contrast beautifully with the intense orange flowers. This plant immediately gives a tropical feeling to any garden.

Canna Stuttgart: This variety is often chosen for its white variegated leaves, which radiate a rare coolness in summer borders. The flowers are light orange to pastel pink.

Canna Durban: Very decorative with flamboyant striped leaves in purple, orange, red and green. The flowers are warm orange. A favourite for lovers of tropical atmospheres.

Caring for the Canna plant

Although the Canna has a tropical origin, it is surprisingly easy to care for. We are happy to give you some tips for optimal growth:

Location and light: Cannas love sun. Place them in a place with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sun, the more exuberant the flowering.

Soil and nutrition: Use a humus-rich, well-drained soil. Add organic fertiliser regularly or use a liquid plant food during the growing season.

Watering: Cannas love moisture, especially during warm summers. Keep the soil moist but avoid stagnant water, especially in pots. Cannas usually flower from June to October. The flowers appear in clusters at the top of sturdy stems. By removing faded flowers (deadheading), you encourage longer flowering.

Cannas are usually planted in the spring, after the last night frost. You can grow them from tubers or buy them as pre-grown plants. Plant the tubers about 5-10 cm deep in the ground, with the growing point upwards.

Cannas do very well in pots and open ground. In pots they are easier to move and overwinter. Make sure you have sufficiently large pots with drainage holes. In borders they come into their own as a tropical accent between perennials.

Keeping Cannas over the winter

Most Cannas are not winter hardy in the Netherlands and Belgium. Follow these steps to successfully overwinter them:

Step 1: Remove the tubers from the ground before the first night frost. Step 2: Clean them a bit and let them dry for a few days in a cool, dry place.

Step 3: Store the tubers in a box with peat moss, newspapers or sawdust at a temperature of 5-10 degrees.

Take a look around the webshop and view all the beautiful Canna varieties. The surprising flowers of Canna immediately bring life, colour and a touch of the tropics to your garden. Give them a sunny spot, some love and water so that you can enjoy the beautiful Canna for a long time!

Frequently Asked Questions about Canna

How quickly does a Canna grow after planting?

A Canna grows relatively quickly and can reach its full height within a single growing season. You'll usually see strong new shoots appear within a few weeks.

• The final height varies by variety, but most reach 80–150 cm tall.
• Warmer temperatures significantly accelerate growth.
• Starting the plant early indoors can further extend the growth period.

Can you propagate cannas by division?

Yes, you can easily propagate cannas by dividing the root tubers. This is best done in spring.

• Make sure each section has at least one visible growth bud.
• Allow the divided pieces to dry out slightly first to prevent rot.
• Use fresh potting soil or nutrient-rich garden soil to ensure a good start.

Are Cannas attractive to bees and butterflies?

Cannas attract both bees and butterflies thanks to their nectar and striking colors. They are a beautiful addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.

• Warm-colored cultivars are particularly eye-catching for pollinators.
• Plant them in clusters for greater attraction.
• Combine them with other nectar plants for a longer flowering period in the garden.