Coming in a range of species or varieties as well as lots of new and rare cultivars Canna Lilies are available for sale in Australia. From the taller varieties that can reach 2m in height to smaller growing types that will reach around .5m, they are a versatile plant that suit many landscaping situations.
Species include canna generalis, gluaca, indica, tuerckeimii and variegated canna as well as dwarf and water loving varieties.
The brilliant flowers of cannas (see picture right) and colorful foliage are the signatures of these useful garden plants. A long flowering season from spring to summer is an advantage.
Canna tropicanna is a colorful foliage plant with great dark red foliage veined with crimson and attractive yellow flowers. Most varieties are grown both for flowers and foliage.
Care and growing conditions
Canna Lilies prefer a position in full sun in a well drained soil rich with humus and well rotted compost. Rotted cow manure is a great fertilizer. Mulch well to retain moisture. Cannas can be cut back to 2 – 3 cm from the ground at the end of the flowering season (making sure to leave the new shoots alone as these will be next years flowers.
After the flowers fade, they can be dead headed just below the spent flower. Pale and white flowering varieties are best shaded from the hot afternoon sun. Cannas can make great foliage plants, and can look great in front of a wall or fence, or at the back of the border. Divide every 3-4 years to promote flowering and keep healthy. Plant cannas from winter through to early spring.
Canna Lilies and Full sun
With a few very hot spells over the past few years we have had a few questions about growing canna lilies in full sun. We have seen photographs of brown and scorched foliage.
This is caused by two factors :
- Leaf scorch from very hot sun. The leaves and stems will turn brown and shrivel up. This is particularly a problem if the plants are facing the west. The solution is to shift them, however, some shade cloth draped over them on those 40 degree days can also help.
- During hot weather, especially hot windy weather the soil dries out very quickly, so water well in the evening as soon as the sun goes off the plants.
Canna Lily Bulbs and plants for sale online.
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
Information on cultivars grown, bred and found throughout Australia, great site for plant identification of old heirloom cultivars and plant breeders, from the 1800s to now. A research and info site only, (all plant sales now ceased )
www.cannas-australia.com
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
CANNABIZ – phone: 073 8021296
89 Talinga Dr Park Ridge Brisbane Qld 4125
email bsyorke@optusnet.com.au
Hybridizer of cannas and begonias…have been hybridizing begonias for over 30 years.
RORAIMA NURSERY
20 Swan Street, Lara, Vic. 3212 Contact: Ph/Fax: (03) 5282 8704
Mail Order and Retail NurseryCacti and succulents. Wide range of trees, palms, ferns, shrubs & perennials.