Canna advice

17th March, 2009

by Bob Willard, General Manager of www.dejager.co.uk

Cannas are so big, bold and colourful and I think it is such a shame that they are rarely seen in people’s gardens. This half-hardy plant blooms from mid-summer until the onset of frosts and it can make a great centrepiece in bedding schemes and large containers. Their architectural form and stunning flower colours give such a tropical look to the garden. It’s no wonder they are a favourite with flower arrangers who love their large blooms, up to 5ins (12.5cm) across, with large leaves. They are so decorative.

For the best results start the rhizomes plant horizontally in compost in March and then plant out in early June. Lift the plants in autumn and dry out the rhizomes before storing them in sand or peat. As with any rhizomes, it is wise to dust them in sulphur before storing. To grow as a pot plant, plant in March, set in an inch of compost (2.5cm) below the surface and repot every year.

Cannas loves a humus rich soil and to bathe in full sun. They should be planted out in June, 12inches (30cm) apart and will grow to a height of 12inches (30cm).

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