Landscaping with Canna Lilies

Canna Lilies are a BRILLIANT addition to your landscape. Many people recognize Canna Lilies when they see them, but cannot “put the name with the flower”. Cannas grow from tubers rather than bulbs, so technically they are not true lilies. Regardless, they produce large, bright tropical flowers in dramatic oranges, reds, pinks, and yellows. They range from bright yellow-green to a deep green, almost black, rich in foliage. Cannas typically reach heights of 3 to 6 feet and no flower provides quite the same drama or focal point. Planted in clusters, cannas can even provide some privacy on patios and decks.

Cannas are even more exciting because they are inexpensive ($1.50-$3.00 each) and require virtually no care other than watering once planted. These South American natives enjoy warm weather, which is excellent for landscaping in hot, humid coastal areas, as long as they get direct sun at least 4 hours a day. The tubers should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart due to their size. They sprout and grow to full size very quickly.

Northern Delaware falls in Zone 7 and Cannas will grow well in this far north. Depending on soil conditions, weather conditions, and the distance and location around your home, tubers can survive the winter and grow again and again. Mulching about 6 inches, after trimming the foliage in the fall, increases your chances of survival. If you don’t want to risk it, the tubers can be removed and stored indoors all winter in a basement or garage. Storage conditions should be cool (around 50 degrees) and humid. Allowing them to dry out completely reduces the chances that they will be viable in spring.

There are many varieties of cannas, but among the most popular are red and yellow King Humberts, Tropical Sunrise and Tangelo (lovely shades of peach), Cleopatra (red and yellow bloom with gold flecks), and Wyoming orange. Groups of these in a large bed mixed with other types of smaller lilies and annuals like marigolds create striking curb appeal.