Overview
Canna iridiflora is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Canna, part of the Cannaceae family. Canna iridiflora grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates rich and well-drained soil soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental, borders and tropical gardens. It is native to Peru.
About
Canna iridiflora is a herbaceous perennial in the Cannaceae native to Peru and grown for ornamental use. It prefers full sun or partial shade and a rich, well-drained soil that remains moist. In the UK it flowers from July to October. Hardiness is rated H4 (average) for British conditions.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Canna iridiflora
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 iridiflora belongs to the genus Canna and originates from Peru; it is cultivated primarily as an ornamental perennial and is commonly used in borders and tropical-style plantings. In the UK it flowers from July to October, providing a summer-to-autumn display where conditions suit. Position the plant in full sun or partial shade and work in plenty of organic matter to create a rich, well-drained soil that retains some moisture. It prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH and benefits from consistent soil moisture during the growing season; avoid placing it in permanently waterlogged ground. Hardiness is H4 (average) in the UK, so give the plant a location that reflects that tolerance in your area. Use Canna iridiflora where its summer flowering complements borders or themed plantings that favour warmth and moisture, and allow space so it contributes to the overall structure of a mixed bed. Flowering is reliably between July and October in British gardens.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Canna
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- rich, well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- neutral to slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Canna iridiflora size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Suggested uses
- ornamental, borders, tropical gardens
- Native to
- Peru
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Canna iridiflora
- Cultivation
- plant rhizomes in spring after frost; keep soil moist; protect from frost
- Pruning
- remove dead flower stalks and foliage to encourage growth
- Propagation
- division of rhizomes
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Canna iridiflora?
Plant rhizomes in spring after frost; keep soil moist; protect from frost.
Where is the best place to plant Canna iridiflora?
Canna iridiflora prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Canna iridiflora need?
Canna iridiflora grows best in rich and well-drained soil soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Canna iridiflora?
Remove dead flower stalks and foliage to encourage growth.
Is Canna iridiflora hardy in the UK?
Canna iridiflora 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 iridiflora?
Division of rhizomes.
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'