Canna Lily is an ideal addition to tropical gardens as their green or bronze banana-like foliage is topped with pink, red, salmon, yellow, orange or cream flowers. There are also dwarf varieties which are great for containers and the front of borders.
Planting Calendar
Canna can be planted all year round, though they are a perennial and become semi-dormant in winter. Plants are usually in store from November to February.
Prepare
Position
Cannas can grow in partial shade, but for best flower production sun is preferred.
Soil
When planted into the ground, Cannas like a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up your soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When grown in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and General Garden Fertiliser, then mix together. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
Care
Watering
During the hotter months and flowering season provide consistent moisture, do not allow the soil to dry out. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
Feeding
Feed your Canna at planting time and again mid season to encourage blooms with Kings General Garden Fertiliser. A monthly application of Sheep Pellets and Aquaticus Garden Booster will ensure a healthy strong plants and soil.
Protecting
Protect against slugs and snails with applications of Tui Quash, reapply after rain. If you live in frosty areas protect with frost cloth.
Spraying
If caterpillars are a problem spray with Kiwicare Caterpillar Bio Control.
Pruning
Regularly deadhead spent flowers during summer to keep the plant looking tidy, this will encourage more flowers. In winter cut all the spent stems right down to ground level and cover with Tui Mulch and Feed - this will help protect the dormant plants in the ground as a tuberous rhizome over winter.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Tip
Once established as a sizeable plant, you can dig up and divide the clumps and move them to other areas of your garden.
Top Varieties
Tropicana
This tropical beauty produces orange flowers set off against its foliage of burgundy, gold, yellow, pink and green. Growing 1.5m x 0.6m.
Bengal Tiger
With its orange flowers against foliage of yellow and green stripes this variety really makes a statement. Growing 1.5m x 0.6m.
Kneehigh Series
These kneehigh Cannas are dwarf and are great for pots growing 65cm x 50cm.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Canna has finished flowering and is looking very scruffy, What should I do now?
Regularly prune off finished flowers during the flowering season, this helps keep the plant looking tidy and encourages more flowers. In Winter prune all stems right back to ground level, cover cut stems with mulch to protect during winter. In Spring feed your plants with Kings Sheep Pellets and use a Slug and Snail bait, like Quash to protect new growth tips.
What are Canna Lilies?
Canna Lilies are vibrant, tropical perennials known for their large, colourful flowers and lush, broad leaves. They are a popular choice for adding a splash of colour to gardens in Auckland.
How often should I water Canna Lilies?
During the hotter months and flowering season provide consistent moisture, do not allow the soil to dry out. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
Do Canna Lilies require fertiliser?
Feed your Canna at planting time and again mid season to encourage blooms with Kings General Garden Fertiliser. A monthly application of Sheep Pellets and Aquaticus Garden Booster will ensure a healthy strong plants and soil.
What pests and diseases should I watch out for?
Canna Lilies are generally hardy but can be affected by pests such as slugs, snails, and caterpillars. Check for signs of fungal diseases like rust or leaf spot and treat them promptly.
