Gardening 101: Cannas – Gardenista

Gardening 101: Cannas – Gardenista

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Canna, Canna: “Tropical Burst”

Do you want a perennial that joyously sings of faraway lands stuffed with tropical loveliness? (Who doesn’t?) Common with Victorian plant collectors who prized the crops for his or her dramatic foliage and crayon-colored flowers, cannas can lend an unique air to any backyard. (However when you reside in a USDA rising zone colder than 8, you have to to dig them up and retailer them indoors throughout winter.)

Please learn on to be taught extra about these tropical beauties:

Photograph by Hafiz Issadeen via Flickr.
Above: {Photograph} by Hafiz Issadeen by way of Flickr.

The identify canna comes from the Latin phrase for a cane or a reed, and this appears fully wise after you’ve gotten grown this very upright, good-postured perennial. Native to semi-tropical and tropical elements of North and South America, the rhizomatous bulb (which means it spreads by rhizomes) makes itself joyful in wealthy soil and produces a summer season explosion of inflorescences.

Curiously, cannas are a worthwhile meals supply for sure cultures as a result of the basis incorporates a high-quality starch, and have been cultivated for extra 4,000 years. Right this moment extra nutritious and better yielding crops equivalent to corn and potatoes are changing cannas.

Canna
Above: Canna ‘Bengal Tiger’. {Photograph} by Wht Wolf9653 by way of Flickr.

My best choice is ‘Bengal Tiger’, which seems superb even when not blooming due to its inexperienced and yellow striped leaves edged with crimson.

Canna
Above: Canna ‘Tropicanna Gold’. {Photograph} by Ted by way of Flickr. A Canna Lily Tropicanna Gold bulb is $16.19 from Excessive Nation Gardens.

Cannas are available a wide range of colours and sizes, and a few boast multi-colored veined leaves on high of flamboyant flowers. Colours vary from sherbet oranges and yellows to vivid reds and scorching pinks.

Cheat Sheet

  •  Cannas are flower for a pollinator backyard; all are appreciated by bees and hummingbirds.
  • Due to their daring colours and enormous leaves, cannas most naturally pair with different brightly coloured perennials, together with begonia and heuchera, whereas additionally trying nice subsequent to different robust-leafed crops together with palms, ferns, and bromeliads.
  • Plant this exotic-looking tropical the place its summer season blooms might be absolutely appreciated. Additionally, as a result of most varieties are tall, they need to be planted behind the mattress, or because the centerpiece in a container with lower-growing crops circling them.
Pink canna lilies in bloom in a Cape Town garden. Photograph by Marie Viljoen.
Above: Pink canna lilies in bloom in a Cape City backyard. {Photograph} by Marie Viljoen.

For extra of this backyard, see Again to Africa: At House in My Mom’s Backyard.

Maintain It Alive

  • Blooming late spring till frost in hotter climates, these unique beauties love solar and fertile, moist soil. Mulch to assist moisture retention and supply winter safety.
  • After blooming, lower every stem to the bottom. Additionally, regardless of being robust, canna leaves are adored by snails and slugs so prune broken leaves and apply an natural bait, equivalent to Sluggo.
  • The place not hardy, plant outdoor in early summer season (tip: plant once you plant tomatoes) and carry the rhizomes to retailer for winter in case your floor is understood to freeze.

N.B.: This submit is an replace; it was first printed Could 2017.

For extra of our favourite tropical crops, see:

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10 thoughts on “Gardening 101: Cannas – Gardenista

  1. I found the section on maintenance particularly helpful. Knowing how to protect cannas during winter and manage pests like slugs will certainly aid new gardeners looking to cultivate these vibrant flowers successfully.

  2. I found the information about cannas quite informative, particularly their pollinator-friendly nature. It’s nice to see plants being highlighted for their ecological benefits, especially in today’s gardening trends focused on sustainability.

  3. This piece does well in detailing how to care for cannas, especially regarding winter storage in colder zones. It’s good advice, as proper care can lead to beautiful blooms that last throughout the summer.

  4. The information about cannas being cultivated for thousands of years adds depth to the article. It’s fascinating how these plants have evolved over time, even with modern crops taking precedence in agriculture.

  5. This piece does a great job explaining the growing conditions for cannas. The emphasis on their pollinator-friendly nature is a vital point for anyone looking to attract wildlife to their garden.

  6. The article provides a comprehensive overview of cannas, highlighting their beauty and care requirements. It’s interesting to note their historical significance and use as a food source in certain cultures. A great read for garden enthusiasts.

  7. I had no idea that cannas were cultivated for such a long time and served as food sources in certain cultures. This adds an interesting layer to understanding these plants beyond just aesthetics.

  8. The article offers a great overview of cannas and their care. I appreciate the historical context about their cultivation and how they can enhance a garden. It’s always interesting to learn about plants that have such a rich background.

  9. I appreciate the detailed descriptions of different canna varieties. The suggestion to plant them behind lower-growing plants for visual impact is practical. I might consider adding them to my garden this spring.

  10. The variety of colors and sizes available for cannas is intriguing. It seems like they could add a vibrant touch to any garden design. The tips on planting and maintenance are also quite helpful for those new to gardening.

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