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Exotic fiery Cannas
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The unusual foliage and fabulous flowers of Cannas make them look like a cross between a Gladioli and a Banana plant. But with these typical features they can give every garden a tropical look. In the border as a sturdy background plant, or as a solitary focal point in a minimalist garden, a Canna is a real gem. Moreover, Cannas can also be grown in large pots to give an exotic and luxurious touch to your patio or balcony. So there are plenty of reasons to try this remarkable flower.
Cannas originate from the rainforests of South-America, where they grow in clearings. However, in Europe they grow well too, provided the tubers are protected from frost in winter.
Cana seeds in anecdote
The hard, black, pea-like seeds of Cannas have generated several stories about their use. One name for the seeds is 'Indian shot', because they are said to have been used as musket ammunition against the American Indians. However, in Asia the Canna seeds are used in a much more peaceful way. Buddhists use them as prayer beads!
Canna foliage
The most common Cannas have splendid deep-red to almost brown foliage. But there are other varieties with bright green, shiny foliage. This interesting foliage, together with strong tall flower stalks that do not need any support, are guaranteed to be an impressive sight in any garden.
Exotic flowers
From August through to October the plant produces astonishing flowers. Among the 150 or more cultivars, there are Cannas with Gladioli-shaped blooms and others with Orchid-like flowers. The colours range from bright reds to pinks and yellows, with or without contrasting veins or specks. These impressive flowers grow on plumes and by removing the faded flowers, your Canna will keep on flowering for months.
Recommended varieties
If you like the deep-red foliage varieties, the cultivar C. 'Nuebert', with its large, red flowers is worth a try. If you are not keen on red flowers, C. 'Melody Dream', with its hard pink flowers is a good option.
A lovely Canna with green foliage is C. 'Rosemond Cole', which has deep orange and yellow blooms. The yellow flowers of the C. 'Yarra' has beautifully contrasting, red veins, while C. 'Golden Tiger' has little red specks all over its yellow blooms. Finally, C. 'Brilliant' cannot be left unmentioned. Its blood red flowers are particularly dramatic.
All these varieties reach a maximum height of 90cm and are therefore classed as dwarf Cannas.
Care tips
Cannas like a fertile, loose soil and a sunny site. If you intend to plant them in the garden, do this in the second half of May and keep feeding them regularly. They will soon start forming large clumps. Potted Cannas will need to be fed weekly and given plenty of water. The huge foliage causes the plant to lose large amounts of moisture through evaporation.
After the first night frosts, cut the leaves back and lift the tubers. Put the tubers in pots with dry soil and give them a frost-free place for the winter. In March you can start watering the tubers again and they will soon produce new shoots.
Good combinations
The elaborate flowers of the Canna look stunning in a rather austere, formal garden, accompanied by, for example, some large stones. In the border and on the patio they combine well with all sorts of Dahlias. The red-leafed Cannas will contrast beautifully with any grey foliage plants.
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