Tropicals – Canna Lily

• Canna lily

Botanical name: canna x generalis 

Beginner friendly?: no

Average size at maturity: up to 8 ft in height and 3 ft in width 

Bloom time:  summer

Hardy zone: zones 7 – 12

Flower color: red, orange, white, yellow, pink

Foliage color: green, yellow

Growth rate: can reach mature height in first growing season 

Pruning instructions: remove leaves as they become yellow. When the plant is done flowering just before the first frost of the year you can cut the plant down to about 6 inches off of the ground 

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: can be used for a boarder or barrier or for privacy 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun a day

Special features: attracts hummingbirds and butterflies 

Watering instructions:   likes consistently moist soil but cannot handle being waterlogged for too long

Fertilizing instructions : use N-P-K 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 once a month during growing season

Best time to plant: spring or summer

Best type of soil: loam or sand

Companion plants: milkweed, dahlias, elephant ears 

Toxicity level: potentially mildly toxic if ingested 

Invasive species: yes