Cannas require only four hours of full sun to produce nonstop color throughout the summer and often long into fall. Plant them in full sun or partial shade. A bonus for Napa Valley gardeners living in ...

Understanding the Context

Cannas (Canna × generalis) are tropical and subtropical flowering plants known for their large, bright flowers and banana-like leaves. Due to extensive hybridizing, there are many varieties to choose from, each with unique, showy characteristics. Whether planted in the ground or grown in containers, canna lily adds bold texture, color, and dimension to any garden while being easy to care for. The fast-growing plant, native to South and Central America, is known for its flashy flowers and equally stunning leaves.

Key Insights

How to Plant and Grow Canna Lily - Better Homes & Gardens Nothing beats cannas (Canna x generalis) for big, bold summer color. With flashy blooms and dramatic foliage that can reach 6 or taller, this striking subtropical perennial is an eye-catching addition to your garden or patio containers. Plant the rhizomes after the last frost. Learn how to plant and grow cannas—plus, get instructions for deadheading, cutting back, and overwintering. Cannas (Canna Indica) are unrelated to true lilies, even though they’re commonly called “canna lilies.” This flowering perennial plant is related to bananas and ginger!

Final Thoughts

The canna lily plant is a rhizomatous perennial with tropical-like foliage and beautiful large flowers that may be red, orange, or yellow. Depending on the variety, the canna’s foliage color varies from green to maroon, bronze, and variegated types. Canna indica, commonly called achira in Latin America, has been cultivated by Native Americans in tropical America for thousands of years, and was one of the earliest domesticated plants in the Americas. The starchy root is edible. Consistent moisture is a must for cannas. In fact, it’s possible to include some of them in or near a water feature or boggy area of the garden.

These plants are characterized by their rhizomatous roots, large leaves, and uniquely structured blooms. Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Splendid Canna Lilies - Gardenia