Canna Lily: Complete Plant Care And Growing Guide

Grow And Care For Canna Lilies In The Garden

Quick Facts:

Botanical name – Canna

Height – 2-8 feet (.6 - 2.4 m) 

Spread – 2-6 feet (.6 - 1.8m) 

Sun exposure – Full Sun 

Soil requirements – Neutral, Well-Draining

Hardiness zones – USDA Zones 7-10

When to plant – Spring, Early Summer

The canna lily plant is a rhizomatous perennial with tropical-like foliage and beautiful large flowers that may be red, orange, or yellow. Depending on the variety, the canna’s foliage color varies from green to maroon, bronze, and variegated types.

Canna lilies are low maintenance and easy to grow, and both their flowers and foliage offer long-lasting color in the garden. Let's look at how to plant canna lilies and tips for growing cannas.

The canna lily plant is a rhizomatous perennial with tropical-like foliage and beautiful large flowers that may be red, orange, or yellow. Depending on the variety, the canna’s foliage color varies from green to maroon, bronze, and variegated types.

Canna lilies are low maintenance and easy to grow, and both their flowers and foliage offer long-lasting color in the garden. Let's look at how to plant canna lilies and tips for growing cannas.

Canna Lily Care

Light

Canna lily care begins by making sure that new plants will receive ample light. Each canna should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sun per day. Though the plants can withstand intense amounts of light, those grown in especially warm regions may benefit from brief periods of shade throughout the hottest parts of the afternoon. Too much shade may cause plants to become extra tall or even inhibit the production of flowers. 

Water

Consistent moisture also plays a major role in canna plant care. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses work best throughout the growing season. To keep canna lily plants looking their best, we suggest deeply watering their beds at least once per week. 

Temperature & Humidity

Canna lily plants are an excellent choice for growers with warm summer climates. The plants thrive throughout extended periods of heat and can tolerate humidity well. Beyond their hardiness range, cannas will behave as an annual, provided their requirement for warmth has been met. 

Soil

When planting canna bulbs you should consider their soil carefully to be certain it’s well-amended, with excellent drainage. Drainage is key to avoid having soil that’s excessively wet or waterlogged. Though canna lilies will grow best in beds that are neutral, they’re considered to be highly adaptable and are able to thrive in a wide range of soil compositions. 

Fertilizer

Annual applications of a well-balanced, slow-release feed will help keep canna lily plants looking healthy and happy. This can be done in early spring, as the plants resume growth for the season. Liquid fertilizer may also be used throughout summer, but you should stop fertilizing when the plant begins to produce its first buds. 

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Canna lilies may be affected by several garden diseases. Aster yellows, bacterial blight, leaf spot, and rust are among the most common. Throughout the season, growers should monitor these plants for signs of infection and take appropriate action as problems arise. Frequent pests to canna lilies include slugs, snails, and Japanese beetles.

How & When to Plant Canna Bulbs

Since they are grown from rhizomes, new canna lilies will not tolerate cold soil. Before planting cannas, wait until the soil has warmed sufficiently, to at least 65 F (18 C). In most regions, this will occur sometime in late spring to early summer. Each rhizome should be planted with its growth eye facing up, approximately 2 in. (5 cm) below the soil. New plantings should then be watered well and allowed to sit until growth begins to emerge.  

How to Grow Canna Lily from Seed

Canna lilies can also be grown from seed, though results may vary. Many hybrid and open-pollinated types will produce plants that are similar to their parent. However, gardeners often report low germination rates or the need for special seed treatment before planting. Canna lilies grown from seed will require some patience, as it may take several seasons for new plants to become established. 

How to Deadhead a Canna Lily

Canna lily plants benefit from removing their spent blooms, or “deadheading.” This helps to maintain a neat appearance within beds and prevents seed pods from forming. Routine deadheading may also extend the bloom period of each plant, aiding in the production of new flower buds.

Propagation

Propagation through division is helpful if you want to increase the numbers of plants in your garden. This can be done any time the plant is dormant, but most prefer to divide their cannas in fall. To do so, carefully dig around each plant. After lifting the rhizome from the soil, cut it into several smaller segments, making certain each new piece has viable growing eyes. 

Growing Canna Lilies in Containers - Repotting

After division, new rhizomes can be planted directly into the garden or placed into containers. Each pot should be approximately twice the height and twice the width of the rhizome, and filled with a high-quality potting mix. Each new planting should then be watered well and placed in a warm, bright location. 

Canna Lily Winter Care

Preparation for winter is an essential aspect of  canna lily maintenance. When they’re planted within their hardiness range they can remain in the garden, provided you have good drainage within the beds. Cannas in cooler zones need to be lifted from the soil and stored indoors for the duration of winter. To begin this process, you will need to cut the plant back to the ground after the first frost of the season. The rhizomes can then be lifted and placed in peat or vermiculite. Cool storage temperatures should not fall below 40 F (4 C).

Canna Lily Varieties

Here’s a short list of some favorite varieties of canna lilies:

Apricot Dream Canna Lily

City of Portland Canna Lily

Crimson Beauty Canna Lily

Los Angeles Canna Lily

Tropicana Series Canna Lily

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Canna Lilies Spread?

Canna lily rhizomes are known for their tendency to multiply quickly. As more are produced each season, plantings become larger and larger. This may cause a decrease in flowering over time, as older rhizomes are choked out by new growth. To keep your plants looking their best, we suggest dividing canna lilies every 3-5 years. 

Will Canna Lilies Bloom More Than Once?

Canna lilies are valued for their ability to bloom throughout the entire summer. Regular deadheading helps increase flower production and prevents the plants from going to seed. It’s best to deadhead the blooms as soon as each flower has faded.