Ruqayyah Snyder
Canna lilies are flashy, tall plants that can grow in most areas of Australia. They are sun-loving, tropical or subtropical perennials that thrive in hot and humid conditions. With their bright and colourful flowers, they can add a tropical touch to gardens, water features and poolside plantings. Canna lilies grow from thick underground roots or rhizomes and can be planted in spring through early summer. They require full sun, moist soil and a pH of around 6.0-7.0. They are generally low maintenance and can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Canna lily |
| Botanic name | Canna x generalis |
| Height | 0.6–3m tall |
| Foliage | Large, broad, oblong to elliptical leaves |
| Foliage colours | Green, blue-green, bronze, purple or multicoloured |
| Flower colours | Red, orange, yellow, pink, apricot, white |
| Flower shape | Irregular, lily-like |
| Climate | Tropical, warm and cool temperate |
| Soil | Moisture-retentive, humus-rich, pH 6.0–7 |
| Position | Full sun to partial shade |
| Feeding | Organic fertiliser, liquid or granular |
| Growth | Rhizomes with 3-5 eyes |
| Containers | Minimum 18" diameter |
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What You'll Learn
Canna lily soil requirements
Canna lilies are sun-loving plants that require full sun for good flowering. They grow naturally in tropical conditions and will tolerate warm and cooler temperate climates. They can also be grown in wet soils along with other bog plants.
Canna lilies require a humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil with a pH of around 6.0-7.0. The soil should be consistently moist, and well-drained. Add lime before planting if your garden soil is acidic (low pH). The soil must be 60ºF or warmer before planting rhizomes.
To improve flowering and foliage, keep the plant moist from spring through to autumn. Canna lilies will happily grow in waterlogged conditions or partially submerged in pots in ponds or water features. In pots and containers, always use a premium standard potting mix and keep your plant well-watered throughout summer.
Canna lilies are heavy feeders and respond well to added nutrients. They grow well in compost-enriched soil with organic matter such as well-rotted manure or garden compost. Fertilise in late winter with a mixture of four parts blood and bone and one part sulphate of potash. Water well before and after fertilising.
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How to plant canna lilies
Canna lilies are flamboyant tender perennials that are easy to grow and provide a strong ornamental interest. They are perfect for growing at the back or middle of a mixed or tropical border. They can also be grown in containers, but they need large, sturdy containers—at least 18 inches in diameter per rhizome—to thrive.
The best time to plant canna lilies is in April and May, and they are usually best started off in pots. Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of 1 foot, then mix in 2 to 4 inches of compost. Dig a hole 2 inches deep and set the rhizome 1 to 2 inches below the soil with the “eyes” (bumps or nodes, which are growth sprouts) pointed up. Cover with 1 to 2 inches of soil. Tamp firmly. Water thoroughly, then withhold water for as long as three weeks and watch for signs of growth. Once sprouted, water at least once a week by slowly soaking the area around the roots. Full foliage colour develops when days are warmer (59ºF or more). Blooms should appear in 10 to 12 weeks.
Canna lilies need full sun for good flowering and consistently moist, rich, and well-drained soil with a pH of around 6.0-6.5. Add lime before planting if your garden soil is acidic (low pH). Position plants away from strong wind; their large, soft leaves are vulnerable to damage. They are very sensitive to frost and are only hardy to zones 8-11. In cooler areas, their bulbs will have to be dug up before the first frost and stored indoors over the winter in a dry place before being replanted in spring.
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Canna lily care and maintenance
Canna lilies are flashy, flamboyant, and tropical-style plants that can grow in most areas of Australia. They are closely related to ginger and banana plants. They thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. They can also be grown in waterlogged conditions or partially submerged in ponds or water features.
To prepare the soil, dig in well-rotted manure or garden compost. In colder climates, add lime if your soil is acidic. Canna lilies are heavy feeders and respond well to added nutrients. Use a controlled-release organic fertiliser around the plants in spring, followed by regular applications of granular or liquid fertilisers until autumn. Deadhead the flowers throughout the growing season to encourage further flowering and remove spent flower heads to maintain an attractive display.
Canna lilies grow from thick underground roots (rhizomes) and can be planted from spring through early summer. In frost-prone areas, cover the rhizomes with mulch or lift and store them over winter. If you are growing different varieties, label the rhizomes before storing them. Keep the rhizomes barely damp and frost-free over winter, checking regularly to ensure they are not too moist or dry.
Canna lilies are tall plants with extensive root systems, so they need large, sturdy containers to thrive. Choose containers that are at least 18 inches in diameter per rhizome. If you are planting in a basket, use a loam-based compost and cover the surface with gravel or cobbles. Keep the plant well-watered throughout the summer.
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Canna lily growing conditions
Canna lilies, also known as Indian shot, are a sun-loving tropical or subtropical herbaceous perennial plant. They can grow in most areas of Australia and are suitable for both large and small gardens. They can also be planted in pots, as well as near ponds or water features. They can grow up to 3 metres tall and produce colourful foliage and flowers. They are closely related to the ginger and banana plant families.
Canna lilies grow from thick underground roots, or rhizomes, and are not true bulbs. The rhizomes can be planted from spring through early summer, after the danger of frost has passed. In frost-prone areas, it is recommended to cover the rhizomes with mulch or lift and store them over winter. They should be planted in full sun, in organically rich, moist, and well-drained soil with a pH of around 6.0-7.0. They can also be grown in wet soils, along with other bog plants, and can be partially submerged in water.
To encourage flowering and foliage, the plant should be kept moist from spring through autumn. Regular applications of fertiliser should be applied during this time to encourage healthy foliage and colourful flowers. Deadheading can also help to encourage further flowering. Canna lilies respond well to added nutrients and applications of well-rotted cow manure. They should be kept mulched and well-watered, particularly during dry spells.
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Overwintering canna lilies
Canna lilies are tropical plants that do not fare well in freezing weather. If the winter in your region is cold enough to freeze the ground, you will need to bring your canna lilies inside for the season.
To prepare your canna lilies for overwintering, first trim the stems, leaving about 6 inches (15 cm) of the stem above the root. This will make it easier to handle the plant and prevent damage to the rhizome. You can then carefully dig out the plant, freeing it from the soil with your hands or a garden fork. Be careful not to damage or bruise the rhizomes, as this can affect their viability.
Once you have dug up your canna lily, you will need to remove the rhizomes from the soil. Trim the thick roots and stems to make them more manageable, but be careful not to damage the rhizomes. Allow the rhizomes to dry for a few hours in a dry, shaded area, but do not let them freeze. If the soil is very wet, you may need to dry it out before storing the rhizomes.
To store the rhizomes, place them in a container with peat moss or wrap them in newspaper. Cover the rhizomes with peat or newspaper, ensuring that the pieces do not touch to prevent rot. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a basement, garage, or cellar. Check the rhizomes periodically for mould and condensation, rotating them as needed.
With proper care, your canna lilies will survive the winter and be ready for replanting in the spring.
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Frequently asked questions
Canna lilies grow in most areas of Australia and are suitable for both large and small gardens. They can also be grown in pots, as well as for waterside and pond planting.
Canna lilies can be planted from spring through early summer. In colder climates, they can be started indoors a month before the average last frost date.
Canna lilies require a humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil with a pH of around 6.0-7.0. They grow well in compost-enriched soil with added organic fertilisers.
