GO TROPICAL IN THE GARDEN WITH CANNA LILIES

Canna Lilies or cannas (Canna x generalis) are native to tropical and subtropical areas. They add a tropical look to any garden with their banana-like leaves and stunning, brightly colored flowers on tall, sturdy stalks that grow from 2 1/2 to more than 6 feet tall, depending on the variety. Their large, glossy green leaves are 6-12 inches wide. Their blossoms are clustered at the top of flower spikes which can be up to one foot long. They are low-maintenance and will grow and multiply quickly, flowering continuously from midsummer until fall. And as an added bonus, their glorious colors-variations of white, cream, yellow, pink, orange, salmon, or red-are irresistible to butterflies and hummingbirds. They make a very attractive planting for a large container, in raised beds or as background plants.

Cannas may be started indoors by planting them three to four inches deep in pots, then transplanting them outside. They will also bloom well if planted directly into the garden as soon as the soil has warmed and danger of frost has passed. Plant the rhizomes 3-4 inches deep and 11/2 to 3 feet apart. Cannas grow best in full sun and hot weather, providing they have adequate moisture and a soil rich in organic matter. They will bloom in a warm site that gets part day sun, such as along a house wall.

They are not hardy in Minnesota. They need to be dug up after frost has blackened the foliage. In the fall, dig up the rhizomes, cut the stems back to 2-3 inches, and let them dry. Store bulbs in barely moist sterile sand, peat moss, or vermiculite in a cool, dark location. Do not let rhizomes dry out during storage, but don't let the medium remain wet or the bulbs will rot. Every few years, the rhizomes may be divided. When dividing, each piece must have an eye or growing point on it. Let the cut up rhizomes dry for 1-3 days before planting them.

GROWING TIPS:

Choose rhizomes that are thick and firm with at least one eye (growing point).

Cannas will not tolerate dry conditions, so wherever you plant them, make sure they will receive a regular supply of moisture.

Make sure they have full sun for a minimum of 4 hours a day with good air circulation.

Plant bulbs about 4 inches deep, laying rhizomes horizontally with visible eyes pointing up. Cover with about 2 inches of soil.

When cannas really need water, their leaves will begin to curl slightly.

Feed every two weeks during active growth with all-purpose, water-soluble (20-20-20) fertilizer or once a month with granular bulb fertilizer.

Avoid watering blooms from overhead, as the water can damage the petals.

Deadhead to promote continuous flowering.

Once all the flowers on a stalk have opened, remove the stalk by cutting it off down to the next side shoot, where a secondary stalk will appear. Most canna cultivars will produce two to four secondary flower stalks, becoming progressively smaller until the entire main stalk has been removed. This can take and entire season.

There is no need to support canna stems, as they are very strong.

If cannas are planted in a windy location they may need some protection to prevent leaves from becoming tattered and torn.

Do not wash rhizomes before storage in the fall.