Containerized Canna Adds a Tropical Effect to Patios and Pool Areas

A couple years ago when I was adding furniture and new containerized plants to my front patio, I decided to buy a Canna for its bold colors and tropical effect. I had not purchased one before because the High Desert is not in the proper zone according to the Sunset Western Garden Book. Some other research revealed that it would grow in USDA zones 8-11, which would work since this area is in USDA zone 8b. Canna certainly does not belong in a drought-tolerant landscape, but in containers where water use can be limited, or near ponds and pools, it is a beautiful and dramatic addition.

Cannas bold effects come from its huge leaves and striking flowers that are available in many different colors depending on the specific variety. The one I have right now is called ‘Tropicana’ and it features brightly colored variegated leaves with hot orange blooms. It flowers intermittently early summer through fall, but the foliage is so pretty that I enjoy it whether it has flowers or not. A couple of other varieties I would like to get include “Black Knight’ with blackish bronze foliage and deep red flowers, and ‘Nirvana’ which has white and green striped leaves and butter-yellow flowers. There are many varieties available in nurseries or through catalogs and online. 

 Cannas prefer full sun, plenty of heat, and just about any type of soil, but because of the large leaves they need to be somewhat protected from the wind. They are heavy feeders, so they need regular fertilizing and plenty of moisture. Cannas can benefit from a layer of mulch to help the soil retain moisture. Some varieties get quite tall, so staking them might be necessary. Removing faded flowers encourages the plant to produce more blooms. If Cannas get a little ratty looking during the summer, they can recover quickly by cutting them back to the ground and adding fertilizer/compost and water. 

After the fall frost blackens the leaves, the stems should be cut back to ground level and then covered with a heavy layer of mulch. I usually cut back my containerized plant and place it in the garage for the winter, watering occasionally to keep it from drying out. It has grown quite a bit over the past two years so this fall I will pull it out of the container and divide the bulbs, which means next year I should have three or four containers of this beautiful Canna.