Overview
Canna 'America' is a perennial in the genus Canna, part of the Cannaceae family. Canna 'America' grows best in full sun, and tolerates rich and well-drained soil soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and tropical-themed gardens.
About
Canna 'America' is a perennial in the Cannaceae that provides an extended flowering period from July to October. It prefers full sun and rich, moist but well-drained soil. Suitable for borders, large containers and tropical-themed schemes, it brings late-summer and autumn interest. Its hardiness rating is H4 (average), so siting and winter protection should reflect local exposure.
About the genus
Canna is a genus of flowering plants consisting of 10 species known as cannas or canna lilies. It is the only genus in the family Cannaceae. All of the genus's species are native to the American tropics and were naturalized in Europe, India and Africa in the 1860s.
Wikipedia contributors, "Canna (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Canna (plant)
In the garden
A member of the Cannaceae grown for its long display of summer-to-autumn flowers, Canna 'America' is used where bold, architectural planting is required without exotic care routines. As a perennial, it establishes as a clump that flowers from July to October and is commonly included in borders, containers and tropical-themed plantings. Plant in a sunny, sheltered position with rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture; avoid waterlogged sites. Regular watering through the growing season helps maintain vigour, especially in containers where the root run is limited. Feed with a balanced fertiliser during spring and summer to support sustained flowering, and apply a mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Canna 'America' carries an H4 (average) hardiness rating, which means it will suit much of the UK with some winter protection in colder or exposed gardens. It works well at the back of perennial borders, as a feature in a large patio pot, or within a tropical-themed bed where its extended July–October bloom helps bridge late summer into autumn and keeps containers and borders active into the cooler months.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Canna
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained soil
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Canna 'America' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, tropical-themed gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Canna 'America'
- Cultivation
- Plant rhizomes in spring after the last frost; keep soil moist and warm.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms; cut back in autumn.
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Canna 'America'?
Plant rhizomes in spring after the last frost; keep soil moist and warm.
Where is the best place to plant Canna 'America'?
Canna 'America' prefers full sun.
What soil does Canna 'America' need?
Canna 'America' grows best in rich and well-drained soil soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Canna 'America'?
Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms; cut back in autumn.
Is Canna 'America' hardy in the UK?
Canna 'America' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Canna 'America'?
Division of rhizomes.
More in the Canna genus
- Canna 'Le Roi Humbert'
- Canna 'Wyoming'canna 'Wyoming'
- Canna 'Feuerzauber'
- Canna 'Liebesglut'
- Canna 'Madame Paul Casaneuve'