Damon Mcknight
Cannas (Canna x generalis) are a great choice for adding a tropical feel to your garden. They are suitable for all climatic zones and can be grown in most areas of Australia. With their bright flowers and attractive large leaves, they are a great way to fill in boggy areas of your garden. They can be grown from rhizomes or bought as fully grown plants, and they thrive in a sunny position with well-drained, moist soil enriched with organic matter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Cannabis is illegal in Australia, except for some pilot medical marijuana programmes. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has decriminalised home cultivation, allowing up to four plants per household and possession of up to 50 grams of dried cannabis. |
| Growing environment | Australia offers a range of climates and microclimates, from true tropics to latitudes similar to Barcelona. |
| Sunlight | Cannabis plants require 12 hours or more of direct sunlight per day. |
| Humidity | Indoor humidity can affect cannabis plants; dehumidifiers can regulate humidity and prevent mildew and fungi. |
| Pests and diseases | Natural fungicides and pesticides like neem oil protect young plants. Natural growth stimulants like fermented aloe, malted grain extracts, and beneficial fungi can boost plant immunity. |
| Licences and permits | A medicinal cannabis licence is required for cultivation and/or production, granted by the Office of Drug Control (ODC) under the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967. The cost to apply is at least $50,000, with an annual charge of $27,830. |
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What You'll Learn
Canna rhizome planting and care
Cannas (Canna x generalis) are a great choice for gardens with boggy areas. They produce showy tropical-like flowers and attractive large leaves in deep green or variegated forms. They can be grown in all climatic zones and are a good option for privacy screening, shade, and protection for more tender perennial plants.
When planting cannas, choose a well-drained spot in the garden that attracts full sun to part shade. Enrich the soil with some compost and plant fertiliser before planting. Place the rhizomes directly where the plant is to grow at a depth of about 5 cm and a minimum of 50 cm apart. Water well after planting to ensure the soil does not dry out.
Canna rhizomes can also be planted in pots, especially if you live in a cool climate. Plant them in early spring and keep them in a sheltered spot, away from frost. Once the risk of frost is over, you can move them outdoors.
To care for your cannas, remove any dead leaves and branches in winter, cutting them back to the rhizome. Clean up the plants by removing any damaged leaves or flowers. Fertilise with a mixture of blood and bone and sulfate of potash, or use well-rotted cow manure. Keep the plants mulched and water well, especially during dry spells. Remove spent flower heads to maintain an attractive display, but be careful not to cut off more than 15 cm as new flowers will be forming lower down the stem.
It is important to note that cannas do not respond well to frost and need protection in frost-prone areas. Canna virus is also common in some parts of Australia, so it is a good idea to check the leaves for any mottled or withered appearance before purchasing.
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Canna virus and how to avoid it
Canna viruses are common in Europe, the USA, the UK, and parts of Australia. They cause pale, streaky leaves, distorted flowers, and affect the vigour of the plant. The most common viruses are BYMV, CMV, and TAV, which are transmitted by aphids. To avoid canna viruses, it is recommended to grow cannas away from vegetable gardens to keep them virus-free. Insecticide treatments can also repel or kill target pests to reduce the likelihood of virus transmission.
When buying cannas, it is important to inspect the plants for any signs of the virus. Look for healthy leaves that are not mottled or withered. Buying fully grown plants is a good option because you can see exactly what you are getting. It may be better to buy from a nursery where they are grown so you can inspect them for any signs of the virus. Most garden centres sell cannas, but these may be more vulnerable to the virus due to large-scale exportation.
When growing cannas, it is important to choose a well-drained spot in the garden that attracts full sun to part shade. Enrich the soil with compost and plant fertiliser before planting the rhizomes at a depth of about 5 cm and a minimum of 50 cm apart. Water well after planting and ensure the soil does not dry out.
To avoid spreading viral diseases, be cautious when dividing and replanting rhizomes. The method of division can spread viruses, resulting in a decline in clonal vigour. Rhizomes should be inspected for any signs of infection before planting, as they can carry the virus inoculum and spread it throughout the garden. It is recommended to separate new plants from established flower beds to avoid the spread of viruses.
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Canna watering and fertilisation
Cannas need consistent watering and fertilisation to thrive. They are tropical and subtropical flowering plants that require lots of sun and water. In hot climates, they may need more water, but they need heat to spur their growth. Water generously, especially in hot climates, and ensure the soil stays consistently moist. Insufficient water will cause the leaves to tear or crack.
When it comes to fertiliser, feed them in early spring and mid-summer with a well-balanced, slow-release fertiliser. For the amount, follow the product label instructions. To keep canna lilies blooming all season, feed them with a 5-10-5 fertiliser in the spring.
If you are planting cannas in a pot, ensure there is a gap of 5-7cm between the soil line and the rim of the container. Fill the container with rich soil, but do not pack it in—a gentle pat will do. Water generously to help the roots settle. If you are planting Tropicanna cannas in water, fertilise them monthly with a fertiliser designed for aquatic plants.
If you live in a cool climate, plant the rhizomes in pots from early spring onwards and keep them in a sheltered spot, away from frost. You can also buy cannas as fully grown plants, so you know exactly what you are getting.
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Canna sun and shade requirements
Cannas are well-suited to Australia's varied climate, and they can be grown in most areas of the country. They thrive in full sun but can also tolerate part shade. When choosing a spot for your cannas, select an area that receives direct sunlight for at least part of the day. Keep in mind that cannas do not respond well to frost, so ensure that the chosen spot is sheltered and protected from frost.
In terms of planting, it is recommended to choose a well-drained area in the garden that receives full sun to part shade. If you live in a cooler climate or an area prone to frost, it is advisable to plant the rhizomes in pots that can be kept in a sheltered spot during colder months. You can also purchase fully grown canna plants, which guarantees that you know exactly what you're getting in terms of size and health.
The amount of sunlight your cannas receive will impact their growth and flowering. Cannas are known for their love of sunny positions, and they will reward you with a full display of flowers and foliage when given ample sunlight. Mass planting cannas in a sunny spot will create an exotic and tropical look in your garden. However, it is important not to overwater them as this can lead to rot, especially for small plants.
While cannas prefer sunny conditions, some varieties, such as those with off-white flowers, favour dappled shade. These varieties will still grow and bloom, but they perform well with a mix of sun and shade throughout the day. If you are unsure about the specific needs of your canna variety, it is best to provide them with partial shade, as intense sunlight can be harsh, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Overall, cannas are quite adaptable and will grow in a range of lighting conditions. They can be strategically planted to provide privacy, shade, and protection for other plants in your garden. By choosing the right location and providing the appropriate care, your cannas will thrive and add a vibrant touch to your outdoor space.
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Canna division and propagation
Canna lilies are tropical plants with colourful foliage and bright red, orange, or yellow flowers. They are suitable for all climatic zones, but they do not respond well to frost and need protection in frost-prone areas. In cool climates, canna bulbs are planted each spring and dug up, divided, and stored over winter to be replanted in spring. In warmer climates, cannas should be dug up and divided every 4-5 years to prevent overcrowding, disease, and pests.
Canna flowers are not true lilies, and their root structures are more like irises. Like iris plants, canna rhizomes multiply quickly, and older rhizomes in the centre can be choked out. Dividing perennial-grown cannas every 3-5 years will keep them growing in smaller, healthier clumps. In zones 8-11, where cannas grow as perennials, dividing and transplanting canna lily plants should be done when they have finished blooming and the foliage begins to die back. To divide the rhizomes, carefully dig up the rhizome mass and cut any remaining stems or foliage back to about an inch (2.5 cm). Brush off any soil stuck to the rhizomes so you can see the joints where new rhizomes grow from older ones. You can use a sharp, sterile knife to cut the rhizomes apart, but they usually break apart cleanly and easily. Each section you cut or break off should have at least one eye (like a potato tuber) and preferably some roots. After dividing the rhizomes, many gardeners will dip them in a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water to kill any infectious diseases or pests.
In warm climates, divided canna lilies are then transplanted 6 inches (15 cm) deep, and the rhizomes will settle into their new home through the winter. In cooler climates (zone 7 or lower), the rhizomes need to be dried out and stored indoors throughout the winter in a location that does not get colder than 45 degrees F (7 degrees C). In spring, when all danger of frost has passed, these stored canna lilies can be replanted outdoors in the garden or containers. When planting cannas, choose a well-drained spot in the garden that attracts full sun to part shade. Place rhizomes directly where the plant is to grow at a depth of about 5 cm deep and a minimum of 50 cm apart. Water well after planting, ensuring that the soil does not dry out.
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Frequently asked questions
Cannas are great for boggy areas of the garden, and they can tolerate chlorine water, so they can be planted near swimming pools. They like full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Place rhizomes directly where the plant is to grow at a depth of about 5 cm deep and at a minimum of 50 cm apart. Enrich the soil with compost and fertiliser before planting and water well after.
Cannas don't respond well to frost and are susceptible to canna virus, which is common in parts of Australia. Slugs and snails also enjoy the big paddle-shaped leaves, so be vigilant.
