Cannas

Canna Lily Bulbs for Sale From K. van Bourgondien

Generations of gardeners have treasured cannas for their large, tropical foliage and clusters of showy flowers. Read on to learn more about canna lily care and how you can get the most out of your beautiful canna lilies.

When Do Canna Lilies Bloom?

Canna lilies bloom from midsummer to frost. Growing up to 6 ft. tall, these reliable plants are often found in home gardens and public parks and spaces. Cannas thrive in full sun and heat and grow best in well-drained soils rich in organic matter and where they receive adequate moisture. Deer tend to pass them by.

Because they aren't winter hardy, canna lilies are often grown as annuals, or the canna bulbs are lifted in the fall in northern regions. Another option is to plant canna lily bulbs in large patio pots and bring them indoors during the winter months. In the South (zones 8-10), cannas can be grown as perennials.

Dwarf cannas offer the same showy flowers and foliage as giant canna lilies, but only grow 2-3 ft. tall. This makes them more suitable for planting in containers and growing as houseplants.

When to Plant Canna Lily Bulbs

Canna bulbs are planted in the spring. To get a jump-start on summer blooms, some gardeners start canna lily bulbs indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost date. Others plant canna bulbs directly into the ground after the danger of spring frost has passed. Depending on the growing conditions, cannas usually flower about 10-12 weeks after planting.

How to Deadhead Cannas

Some gardeners deadhead Cannas while others say deadheading canna lilies is unnecessary. Cannas are prolific bloomers and often flower until frost, especially if they have plenty of moisture, sun, and organic fertilizer. Deadheading or cutting the spent flower stalks to the ground gives the plants a tidy look and can result in more flowers.

How to Store Canna Lily Bulbs

In zones 3-7, canna lily bulbs must be lifted or dug up in the fall. Dig up the canna bulbs and cut the stems back to 2-3 inches above the rhizome. Remove excess dirt and allow the canna bulbs to dry. Canna lily bulbs can be stored in a cool place where they will not freeze and the temperatures are between 40 and 50 degrees. Unheated basements are ideal. Some gardeners store canna bulbs in a box; others store them in peat moss.

If Cannas are grown in a container, the plant can be brought indoors over winter. They will need plenty of light, regular watering, and a slow-release fertilizer.