CANNA

Found throughout the tropics and subtropics of the Americas, and widely naturalized elsewhere, there are just 9 spices in this genus. Cannas are vigorous perenial plants with strong, upright, reed-like  stalks that sprout from rhizomes and bear long lance-shaped leaves. Heads of lily-like flowers generally an shades of yellow, tengerine, and red, either as solied colors or in patterns appear throughout the growing season. They make excellent pot plants and are effective in mass plantsings. The common name indian shot comes from the story that the hard, round, black seed were sometimes substituted for buckshot; the seeds are certainly hard enough, but they are so light that thier range would have been very limited.

CULTIVATION

Although often tropical in origin, most spices can withstand light frosts when dormant if thier roots are well insulated with mulch. Plants in full sun in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and feed well. propagation of selected forms is by division in early spring. Seeds will often self-sow but rarely result in superior plants.

Top Tip

cannas are not restricted to the tropics they will happily grow in cold climates in a container or green house.Divide the clumps for easy propagation.