Overview

Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Canna, part of the Cannaceae family. Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates rich and well-drained soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and tropical gardens. It is native to Peru.

About

Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii' is a herbaceous perennial in the Cannaceae native to Peru that flowers from July to October. It grows best in full sun or partial shade and favours rich, well-drained soil kept moist with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The plant prefers a sheltered position and is classed H4 for UK hardiness. Use it in borders, containers or tropical-style plantings where shelter and consistent moisture can be provided.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Canna 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 4.0Canna (plant)

In the garden

Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii' is a herbaceous perennial from Peru that produces its main display between July and October. As a member of the Cannaceae it is cultivated for summer to autumn interest and is commonly placed where its seasonal flowering can be seen at close quarters. Plants perform best in full sun or partial shade on rich, well-drained soils that are kept moist. Aim for a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH and avoid very dry sites; a sheltered position reduces winter exposure and wind stress. In the UK it carries an H4 rating, meaning average winter hardiness — siting in a protected spot will help plants persist through cooler winters. Canna 'Ehemannii' is suited to planted borders, containers and tropical-style garden schemes. In containers ensure the compost can retain moisture without waterlogging and place pots where they receive the recommended light levels. Use the suggested locations to show its seasonal flowers and foliage to best effect, and provide winter shelter where exposure is severe.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Canna

Sunlight
full sun, partial shade
Soil type
rich, well-drained
Soil pH
neutral to slightly acidic
Soil moisture
moist
Exposure
sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
herbaceous perennial
Suggested uses
borders, containers, tropical gardens
Native to
Peru

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii'

Cultivation
Plant rhizomes in spring after frost; keep soil moist; protect from frost in winter
Pruning
Remove spent flowers and dead foliage to encourage growth
Propagation
division of rhizomes

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii'?

Plant rhizomes in spring after frost; keep soil moist; protect from frost in winter.

Where is the best place to plant Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii'?

Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii' need?

Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii' grows best in rich and well-drained soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii'?

Remove spent flowers and dead foliage to encourage growth.

Is Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii' hardy in the UK?

Canna iridiflora 'Ehemannii' 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 'Ehemannii'?

Division of rhizomes.

More in the Canna genus

Browse all Canna