General Culture: Click for monthly care information.
Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun. Rhizomes may be left in the ground in USDA Zones 7-10, however in the St. Louis area (Zones 6a-5b), the rhizomes should be lifted in fall for overwintering. Plant rhizomes 4-6” deep and 18-24” apart in spring after threat of frost has passed. Remove entire flowering stems immediately after bloom. In fall, cut plants to the ground after first frost and lift rhizome clumps for winter storage in a dry medium (peat or vermiculite) in a cool dry location than does not fall below 40 degree F. Rhizomes may be occasionally sprayed with water in winter to make sure they do not become so dry that root shriveling would occur. Container grown plants can be stored in their containers in winter. Propagate by division in spring before replanting outdoors.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Cannas are large rhizomatous tropical plants that produce flower spikes in summer atop erect stems sheathed in large paddle-shaped leaves. ‘Striata’ is a popular hybrid cultivar that grows 4-6’ tall. It features medium green leaves (to 10-20” long) with yellow-striped veins. Orange flowers (to 3” across) appear in racemes atop purplish stems from mid-summer to fall. Dramatic foliage provides considerable ornamental interest when the plants are not in flower. Synonymous with ‘Bengal Tiger’, ‘Pretoria’ and ‘Malawiensis Variegata’.
Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.
Rhizomes may rot in poorly drained wet soils. Leaf spots, rust and bacterial blight may occur. Watch for aster yellows. Japanese beetles, caterpillars, slugs and snails may chew on the foliage.
Uses:
Group or mass in beds or borders. Effective planted with both annuals and perennials. Foundations. Large containers. Leaves are particularly impressive when backlit by sun.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2009
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