Canna: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Canna Plants...Why Won't My Cannas Grow?

Cannas are an easy way to create tropical flair.Cannas have large, banana-like leaves.Cannas' popularity and active hybridizing have resulted in a dazzling array of cannas to choose from, many with large, showy flowers and variegated leaves that look like stained glass when the sun shines through them.

Cannas are grown for their foliage alone.The large, paddle-like leaves can be found in a range of greens and blue-greens.Canna flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, red, and pink and are found on tall stalks poking out of the foliage.After the last frost, it will take a few weeks for rhymes to grow and may even flower in the first year.

Cannas are rarely classified and are simply considered hybrid because most of them are the result of many crosses.

Cannas will bloom throughout the year in zones 9 and above in planting zones 8 and up.You can either let them die off each fall and start with fresh rhizomes in the spring, or you can pot the plants and bring them indoors to live as houseplants.

Cannas aren't bothered by insects or diseases.Their leaves are covered with a waxy substance that repels water.The leaves may be damaged by insects.

Cannas are best in the sun.They need heat to spur their growth, but may need more water in hot climates.In the hottest part of the country, afternoon shade helps flowers last longer.

Cannas need consistent water and moist soil.Water is often used in extreme heat.The leaves will crack if there is insufficient water.

It depends on weather and climate.The plants may be slow to start in areas with cool springs.If you put them up indoors before the last frost date, they will bloom earlier.If they are properly watered, cannas can tolerate relative dryness, even though they prefer humid air.

Cannas need a lot of water and have some food in their rhizomes.Feed them in the spring and summer.

Canna lilies are usually grown from rhizomes rather than seeds.If you want to preserve your plants for the next season, you should cut the foliage and stem to 6 inches.In a shady spot, dig the rhizomes and let them dry.When dry, shake off the excess soil, wrap the rhizomes in newspaper, and store them in a dark, cool location until the spring.They should be checked periodically to make sure they are not rotting.