Growing Guide

Canna Lilies are very easy to grow — all that's generally required is a full sun or partly shaded position.

To perform at their best they love heat, water, sunlight, well-decomposed compost and animal manures, and will benefit from mulching. Once established, they don't need a lot of care at all, and you'll be rewarded with flowers for 6 months or more.

Planting

Plant rhizomes about 10cm beneath the surface and give them only a very light water when first planted — it's better to water less until they get established. Once you see new rhizomes pushing through and new foliage appearing, you know they're establishing.

If you've bought rhizomes from us, they'll stay fresh in their zip-locked bag for a few weeks stored in a well-lit area out of direct sunlight, though it's always best to get them in the ground as soon as possible. Rhizome size varies naturally by variety, so don't be alarmed if you receive different sized rhizomes on arrival.

Watering

During the growing season Cannas will take as much water as you give them, and will even grow happily in shallow water. Once established they're quite drought tolerant, and a good soak once a week is all that's needed. They'll even handle grey water and septic effluent all year round.

Through the Season

As daylight hours decrease, flowering will start to decrease too. You can simply leave your Canna Lilies in the ground over winter, or chop them back to tidy up.

Frost & Winter Care

If you experience frost, it's best to leave the old foliage on your Cannas over winter — it helps protect the rhizomes. Mulching heavily around them with straw or similar also helps.

Once frosts have passed and you see new rhizomes and foliage appearing, cut back the old stems and away they go again.

Dividing Clumps

Every few years it's worth dividing your Canna Lilies to freshen them up, as a congested clump can result in fewer flowers.

Questions?

Every variety is a little different. If you've bought a Canna from us and have a question about it, get in touch via our Contact page.