Cannas are not actually part of the lily family. Thanks to their large tropical looking leaves, which may be brightly hued or nicely patterned, and stunning, brightly coloured flowers on tall, sturdy stems, cannas add bold drama to any garden or large container. Canna blooms, which are irresistible to butterflies and hummingbirds, come in variations of cream, yellow, pink, orange, salmon or red and can be striped, streaked or spotted. They are low-maintenance plants that will grow and multiply quickly and flower continuously from midsummer until fall. Amazingly versatile, cannas can be successfully used in mixed borders, massed in garden beds by themselves, tucked between small to medium shrubs and in moist areas. Dwarf varieties work well as edgings and in large containers with smaller plants around them.
Care and Maintenance:
Cannas should be treated as annuals or tender perennials that must be overwintered until March. Bring the rhizomes indoors and allow to dry, then place in paper bag with peat moss and store for the winter. Occasional misting to retain some moisture is welcomed.
