Overview
Canna variabilis is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Canna, part of the Cannaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Canna variabilis 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 variabilis is a cultivar of the Canna genus, which comprises herbaceous perennials with rhizomatous growth and upright stems. This clump-forming plant has deciduous foliage and produces prominent flowers with petal-like staminodes in clusters during spring and summer. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect with moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Suitable for patios, containers, bedding, conservatories, greenhouses, and flower borders, it requires watering during establishment and can be propagated by division of rhizomes in spring. It is hardy to UK zone H3.
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 variabilis 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 variabilis
- 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 variabilis?
Canna variabilis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Canna variabilis need?
Canna variabilis grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Canna variabilis hardy in the UK?
Canna variabilis 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 variabilis?
Division of rhizomes in spring.
More in the Canna genus
- Canna 'Intrigue'
- Canna 'Roma'
- Canna 'Yellow Humbert'canna 'Yellow Humbert'
- Canna cinnabarina
- Canna coccinea
- Canna compacta
- Canna glauca
- Canna hybrid
