Plant Tropical Cannas and Turn Your Garden into an Island Getaway

Are you dreaming of an island getaway? Us too! Until then, bring the tropics to your backyard with a few of these stunning tropicals that have those exotic flowers and leaves called Cannas. At Lively Root, we offer lots of fun, gorgeous bulbs that you're going to love! Read on and discover how to plant them!

If you've never had a Canna before, here are some ideas of where to use Canna lilies in your own garden space!

Re-blooming Canna Lilies

Canna lilies (Canna indica) are tropical and subtropical herbaceous perennials that produce lush, colorful flower spikes during summer. Their large and showy paddle-shaped leaves add to its exotic look. These beauties bloom in all heat climates and are re-bloomers throughout the growing season. Canna lilies are the most colorful and striking with various warm colors, and the palm-like leaves are often just as exotic.

Canna Colors and Varieties

Cannas come in fiery oranges, reds and golds, soft whites, and bicolor blooms, and many have striped or dark leaves that are just as showy as the flowers. Taller varieties reach 4-5 feet and make an excellent summer screen, while shorter ones around 2-3 feet are perfect for pots. Pair warm-colored cannas with purple or blue flowers, like Lobelia, for a striking contrast.

Best time to Plant Cannas

Check your planting zone for the last frost date on livelyroot.com to help with this. Generally, when the soil temps are at 70°F in late spring or early summer, and after the last frost, it's time to plant! And if you're not sure about the soil temp, wait until the daytime temps reach 60-70°F consistently for about 2-3 weeks. Another way is to get your kitchen meat thermometer and stick it in the soil where you're going to plant them and check that way. (We won't tell your mother about this.)

Deep and Wide

Canna rhizomes are sized by the number of eyes or buds they have. The more eyes, the larger the rhizome is, and hence, more blooms and leaves will sprout. Plant in soil that has warmed to 70°F and plant these 4-6 inches deep horizontally (with the eyes/buds facing upward) and two to three times the width of the rhizome.

So, for these, dig the hole down 4-6 inches and wide. Add 1/2 compost if your soil is compact. If you have clay soil, it will need amendments to fluff it up so oxygen can get to the roots. Mix in some bulb fertilizer with it to nourish the rhizomes. Plus, give it some 3-1-2 fertilizer mixed in water once a month.

Water initially and then be sparing with the irrigation to prevent root rot until sprouts appear above ground. (We love our plants sometimes too much and water them to death!) Shoots will take about three weeks to emerge in soil that is at 70°F.

Size Plant Spacing Container Size

1/2 eyes 2-3 feet 36 inch

Plant in full sun where the spot gets 6-8 hours of sun a day. If you are in a hotter climate, they can tolerate some shade in the afternoon heat. Canna lilies enjoy consistent moisture (but not soggy) each week, therefore water three times a week if the average rainfall isn't plentiful.

Planting tips for Canna Lilies

• After blooming, prune the stalk down to the Plant's base to stimulate more stems and blooms.
• They have an upright habit that can extend up to 6 feet tall, making it a lovely screening plant or a bold statement in container plantings. And bonus, they attract hummingbirds to the garden!
• Continue to apply fertilizer each month until six weeks before the first frost in the fall.

We hope you're looking forward to this season and planting these gorgeous canna lilies. If you've never tried these before, you're going to enjoy the vibrant colors they bring to your garden space. Send us a picture of your cannas on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #livelyroot so we can see where you are displaying yours!

If you have any questions about your bulbs or other plants, email us at support@LivelyRoot.com or ask in the comments below.

Until the next time, have a lively day!