Overview
Canna indica is a perennial in the genus Canna, part of the Cannaceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Canna indica grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, water gardens and tropical-themed gardens. It is native to Neotropics.
About
Canna indica is a perennial in the Cannaceae that grows upright to about 1.5 m and is valued for its summer display. It prefers full sun and reliably moist but well-drained soils, accepting sandy, loamy or clay types. In the UK it is classed H5 (hardy) and flowers from July to October. Use it where a tropical effect or strong vertical presence is needed, for example in borders or water-garden margins.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Canna indica
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
Canna indica is a perennial originating from the Neotropics and belonging to the family Cannaceae. It forms upright stems to roughly 1.5 m, bringing height and a tropical character to a planting scheme without needing specialist soil. Flowering runs from July to October, providing a sustained summer and early autumn display. Plant Canna indica in a sunny, sheltered position; it requires full sun and a reliably moist but well-drained soil. The species is tolerant of a range of soil textures — sandy, loamy and clay — so long as water does not stand around the roots. In UK hardiness terms it is H5 (hardy), which means it can be grown outdoors across much of the country where frost exposure is moderate. Place it at the back of a mixed border, beside a pond or in a tropical-themed bed where its upright habit can form a backdrop for lower plants. At about 1.5 m tall it gives vertical structure through the summer months and into autumn. Its July to October flowering period makes it particularly useful for extending the season of colour in warm, sunny parts of the garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Canna
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Canna indica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, water gardens, tropical-themed gardens
- Native to
- Neotropics
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Canna indica
- Cultivation
- Prefers warm climates, plant in spring after last frost, requires regular watering
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers and dead foliage to encourage new growth
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Canna indica?
Prefers warm climates, plant in spring after last frost, requires regular watering.
Where is the best place to plant Canna indica?
Canna indica prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Canna indica need?
Canna indica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Canna indica?
Remove spent flowers and dead foliage to encourage new growth.
How big does Canna indica grow?
Canna indica reaches a height of 1.5 m.
Is Canna indica hardy in the UK?
Canna indica has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Canna indica?
Division of rhizomes, seed.
More in the Canna genus
- Canna 'America'Canna 'America'
- Canna 'Le Roi Humbert'
- Canna 'Wyoming'canna 'Wyoming'
- Canna 'Feuerzauber'
- Canna 'Liebesglut'
- Canna 'Madame Paul Casaneuve'