Bold paddle-shaped leaves, often bronze or striped, topped by vivid tropical flowers all summer. Lush and fast in warmth, but the rhizomes can become invasive near waterways.
At a glance
- Plant type: Bulb
- Mature size: 1.8 m H × 60 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Canna Lily
Botanically, Canna indica is a fast-growing bulb in the Cannaceae family. It reaches around 1.8 m tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous, purple-toned and variegated foliage. Red, orange and yellow flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Canna Lily
Canna Lily suits subtropical, tropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Canna Lily provided drainage is reasonable. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Canna Lily does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Canna Lily after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Canna Lily in the garden
Canna Lily earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Canna Lily with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Canna Lily
Plant Sale lists Canna Lily as bulbs. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
