Canna Lilly
Canna x generalis
In stock
1 gallon; 5 gallon
Plant Care
Native region:
Water needs:
Exposure:
Mature size:
Growth rate:
Desert Adapted
Moderate
Full Sun; Filtered Sun
6'
Fast
Flower color:
Flower season:
Pruning:
Orange
Spring - Summer
Cut stalk to the ground when stalk starts to yellow after blooming is complete
Wildlife
Monarchs:
No
Nectar pollinators:
Yes
Nighttime pollinators:
No
Rabbit resistant:
Yes
Garden Canna is a herbaceous perennial and is most likely the hybrid of Canna indica and Canna glauca or Canna iridiflora. Currently, all Canna hybrids are included under the scientific name of Canna x generalis. The plants are very large and grow up to 6 feet tall. They will attract attention to any garden whether planted as an accent or in a mass planting. They have large colorful flowers and tropical-appearing foliage. The foliage and flower color vary depending on the cultivar but this flower is orange.
Garden Canna prefers sunlight to light shade, soils with high organic matter, and slightly acidic pH. They grow best in moist, well-drained soils, but they can tolerate some standing water or drought once they are established. They have a high heat tolerance, but they are prone to wind damage. Spent flowers should be removed to encourage continued flowering. The plant has fleshy rhizomes. The stems are 3-6 feet tall, unbranched, and enveloped by leaf sheaths. The flowers are 4 to 6 inches long and appear on the ends of the stem. The flowers bloom from spring through summer. In the desert, there is no special care for the rhizomes. They may be left in the ground over the winter. After blooming, once the leaves begin to yellow, cut the stalks to the ground. Native to the tropics - South America and India
Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information
The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!
Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.
Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.