The Botanical Diary
C
Flowers

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis
Also known ascanna lily, Indian shot

Canna leaves were historically used to make gloves and packing material.

Regions
Centre, South, West
Colour
red, yellow, помаранчевий, pink
Canna Lily (canna lily, Indian shot)
🌸
Bloom
July–October
☀️
Light
Full sun
💧
Watering
High
📏
Height
0,6–1,8 m
❄️
Hardiness
Zone 9 (кореневища зберігати)

Canna Lily is a true tropical garden royalty, bringing exotic charm to temperate climates. This perennial beauty originates from South America and has delighted gardeners for over two centuries with its explosive flowers and regal presence. Modern hybrids (Canna × generalis) represent the dedicated work of breeders who combined the finest qualities of wild species into one universal plant.

Cannas impress with their architectural form: large, elliptical foliage ranging from vibrant green to deep burgundy creates dense clusters, above which inflorescences rise in shades of red, yellow, orange, and pink. Canna flowers open sequentially throughout summer and autumn, beginning in July. The variety of cultivars—from compact forms to tall giants—allows you to select a plant for any taste and garden situation.

In landscape design, cannas hold a special place: they work beautifully as specimens on lawns, as backdrops for plantings with shorter flowers, or as accent points near water features. Being moisture-loving, they thrive near ponds and even small boggy areas. Cannas combine the attractiveness of both foliage and flowers, remaining visually appealing throughout the season even during brief flowering breaks.

Fascinatingly, canna leaves were historically used for practical purposes—making gloves, packing materials for fragile goods, and even in food processing. This reminds us that exotic beauty is not merely ornamental but carries rich cultural heritage. If you wish to add a touch of tropical magic to your garden, canna awaits you.

Location & soil

Canna Lily — planting & location

LightFull sun
Soil typerich, moist, рН 6–7
Planting timeMay (після 15°C)
Plant spacing0,5–0,7 m
Planting depth10–15 см

Tropical appearance; rhizomes must be stored over winter

Water needs

How to water Canna Lily

IntensityHigh
FrequencyEvery 5–7 days (в)
Volume15–20
MethodAt the base

Prefers moist soil

Annual care

Fertilizing and pruning: Canna Lily

Spring fertilizingNitrogen (June)
Summer fertilizingPhosphorus–potassium (August)
Autumn fertilizingDo not fertilise
Pruning timeOctober (перед зберіганням)
Pruning typeSanitary

Cut foliage back to 15–20 cm before digging up

Cold hardiness

Canna Lily — winter hardiness & care

Hardiness zoneZone 9 (кореневища зберігати)
Winter coverStore at 5–8°C in peat moss
Cover timingOctober (до заморозків)
Plant protection

Diseases and pests of Canna Lily

Diseases
Mosaic virusбактеріальна гниль
Pests
Гусіньслимаки
Garden design

What grows well with Canna Lily?

Dahlia, гладіолус