Overview
Canna indica edulis is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Canna, part of the Cannaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Canna indica edulis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, bedding, conservatory and greenhouse and flower borders and beds.
About
Canna indica, commonly known as Indian shot, African arrowroot, edible canna, purple arrowroot, Sierra Leone arrowroot, is a plant species in the family Cannaceae. It is native to the Americas and naturalized elsewhere.
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)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Canna
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Canna indica edulis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Bedding, Conservatory and greenhouse, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Canna indica edulis
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in spring
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, slugs and snails, caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to canna viruses
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Canna indica edulis?
Canna indica edulis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Canna indica edulis need?
Canna indica edulis grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Canna indica edulis hardy in the UK?
Canna indica edulis has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Canna indica edulis?
Division of rhizomes in spring.
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'