Photo: Longwood Gardens
Want some wow-factor in your containers? Plant Cannas! Tropicanna Cannas make a great addition to your containers because of their tropical-like foliage, bright flowers and their great vertical height. If you’re getting bored with same old plants and flowers in your pots year after year, then you just might be ready to mix it up this season with the tropical plant Canna.
What are Cannas?
The Canna is a rhizome perennial plant that is easy to grow and their foliage and flowers offer long-lasting color in the garden or container. You can choose red, orange or yellow flowers and depending upon the variety, foliage color can be variegated or solid colors in green or bronze. They bloom early summer to frost. But the foliage is so dramatic that it provides interest even when plants are not flowering. They can grow up to 5’ tall. The flowers attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.
Tips for Success
Although they are truly low maintenance, they will really perform when you pay attention to the following four suggestions:
- Cannas like plenty of heat, so place your container in full sun. However, they can also tolerate partial shade. Don’t plant too early because they like warmth.
- Don’t neglect to water. They like to be kept moist. So increase your watering and they will be happy. A thin layer of mulch on top helps retain their moisture.
- Deadhead with care. Cutting off the bloom stalk when it’s finished blooming and starts to form seeds will help conserve the canna’s energy for future bloom, but be careful because there’s usually another cluster of blossoms starting right below the same stalk.
- Fertilize monthly with a fertilizer that is relatively higher in phosphate.
Treat Cannas as Annuals in Your Pots
Treating them as annuals makes it so much easier. It’s tricky to save the rhizomes for re-planting next season. You must remove the rhizome carefully, loosen the soil and lift out the clump. Then shake off the dirt and cut off the tops. The rhizome should be stored in a dry place at 45 to 50 degrees.
Are you anxious to plant something different this year? Tropical Cannas will definitely add an exotic touch to your planters. Give them a try…you won’t be disappointed.
Whitehouse Landscaping can help give your property some real curb appeal. Not only can we add eye-catching flowers and foliage to your landscape, but we can install plants, hardscape features, landscape lighting and more to match your ideas and budget. Call us at 484-300-4290, or fill out the contact form on our website to see how we can transform your property.