Canna lily
Also known as
Canna, Garden canna, Hybrid canna, Indian shot
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Canna lily
Canna × hybrida comprises showy, rhizomatous perennials bred from several American Canna species, valued for bold, tropical foliage and long-lasting, vibrant blooms. Plants range from compact forms under 24 inches to towering cultivars exceeding 8 feet. Leaves are large, paddle-shaped, and may be green, bronze, purple, or variegated, creating strong architectural presence in borders or containers. Flower spikes in red, orange, yellow, pink, or bi-color appear from early summer to frost, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Cannas thrive in warm weather with abundant sun, moisture, and fertility. They are commonly used as focal points, mass plantings, and near water features, and many cultivars tolerate temporarily wet soils. In frost-free climates they are perennial; in colder areas, rhizomes are lifted and stored for winter. While often called “lilies,” they are unrelated to true lilies. With regular feeding, moisture, and deadheading, hybrids deliver months of color and lush texture in both contemporary and cottage-style plantings.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Canna lily
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Provide roughly 1–1.5 inches (25–38 mm) of water per week, increasing during extreme heat or in sandy soils. Mulch 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) to reduce evaporation and stabilize moisture. In containers, water thoroughly until excess drains; in midsummer you may need daily watering. Avoid standing water in pots, which invites rhizome rot. Reduce watering as temperatures cool and growth slows; keep stored rhizomes barely dry during dormancy.
Light
Full sun (6–8+ hours daily) yields the strongest flowering and best foliage coloration, particularly in bronze or purple-leaved cultivars. In very hot, arid climates, light afternoon shade reduces leaf scorch and water stress. Too much shade (under ~4–5 hours) reduces bloom quantity and causes lanky growth. Indoors or on balconies, give the brightest possible exposure, such as a south or west aspect, and shelter tall stems from strong winds.
Nutrients
Cannas are heavy feeders. At planting, mix in compost and a slow‑release balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10). During active growth, apply a balanced or slightly phosphorus‑leaning feed every 3–4 weeks in beds, or a half‑strength liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks in containers. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth at the expense of blooms. Maintain soil fertility with organic mulch. Flush containers occasionally to prevent salt buildup, and cease fertilizing a few weeks before lifting rhizomes for winter.
Temperature
Best growth occurs between 65–90°F (18–32°C). Plant outdoors only after the last frost when soil is at least 60°F (15°C). Foliage is damaged by frost; in USDA Zones 8–11 many cultivars overwinter in the ground, but in colder zones lift rhizomes before hard frost and store at 40–50°F (4–10°C). Cannas tolerate summer heat if soil moisture is ample. In cool spells below 60°F (15°C), growth slows; protect emerging shoots from late frosts.
