Canna Lilies

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.

Full Growing Notes for Canna Lilies

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.

 

CLOVER HILL PLANTS - 02 4782 9225
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com

LYNN'S RARE PLANTS
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au

NUTSHELL PERENNIAL NURSERY and PLANT FARM
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au

 

GARDEN EXPRESS - phone :1300 606 242
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

 

PERENNIALLE PLANTS - phone: 0427077798 
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

TESSELAAR BULBS - Phone: 1300 428 527
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