Cannas are tropical plants that thrive in wet conditions, making them ideal for growing in water gardens and ponds. Their lush foliage and bright blooms can transform plain water features into stunning focal points. Follow this complete guide to successfully cultivate cannas as aquatic plants.
Why Grow Cannas in Water
Native to tropical wetlands and marshes, cannas naturally flourish with wet feet. Their moisture-loving nature allows them to thrive along pond margins and immersed in shallow water. Cannas offer many benefits when grown as water plants:
- Unique display for visual interest
- Height and volume contrasts to water surface
- Bright flowers to enliven water features
- Foliage for texture and tropical effects
- Soften hard edges of ponds and fountains
Growing cannas in water enables creating vibrant aquatic gardens, softening pond edges, and highlighting water features Their lush leaves and dazzling blooms bring the tropics to backyard ponds and fountains
Best Cannas for Water Gardens
While most cannas adapt to life in water, some varieties particularly suit growing immersed. When selecting cannas for aquatic use, seek out types marketed for ponds, fountains and bog culture. Recommended water-friendly cannas include:
- Tropicanna – Vibrant orange and yellow striped leaves
- Australia – Mottled red, green and yellow foliage
- Red King Humbert – Large red blooms
- Striata – Green and white striped leaves
- Pretoria – Variegated cream and green leaves
Avoid dry-land cannas lacking adaptations to thrive in soggy soil and flooded conditions Consult local nurseries and online sources to find suitable water-loving varieties best suited to aquatic environments
Planting Cannas in Water
Follow these simple steps to successfully establish cannas in water features
- Select young actively growing plants free of pests/disease
- Transplant from pots into aquatic baskets or containers with drainage holes
- Use a rich potting mix amended with slow release fertilizer
- Set containers in 2-6 inches of water to keep soil constantly moist
- Anchor pots in place with rocks or weights to prevent floating
- Situate in full sun (minimum 6 hours direct sun)
- Maintain water depth of 2-6 inches and top off weekly
- Apply liquid fertilizer monthly per product instructions
- Divide congested plants in early spring before new growth emerges
Proper preparation when planting enables cannas to flourish when grown in water gardens, pond margins or fountain basins.
Growing Cannas in Ponds
Follow these tips for successfully cultivating cannas in backyard ponds:
- Use large containers for pond edges, smaller pots for shallow sections
- Contrast fine foliage with cannas’ bold leaves
- Group in threes or fives for greater visual impact
- Combine colors for vibrant compositions or monochromatic themes
- Allow plants to intermingle for naturalistic look
- Trim and confine to control spread for neater designs
Strategic placement and creative designs enable pond owners to maximize the visual appeal of water-grown cannas.
Overwintering Water Cannas
In cold climates, water-grown cannas require special winter care:
- Cut back foliage after first hard frost
- Lift containers from water and allow soil to partly dry out
- Move to a frost-free location like a greenhouse or sunny window
- Water sparingly to keep soil slightly moist but not saturated
- Resume normal watering in spring after frost danger passes
- Transplant back into water feature once new growth reaches several inches
Proper overwintering ensures water-grown cannas survive cold temperatures and re-establish readily in spring.
Design Inspiration
When incorporated into water features, cannas create stunning effects:
- Repeated along pond margins for tropical atmosphere
- Combined with grasses and iris for textural contrast
- Clustered in containers to frame fountains and waterfalls
- Mixed with lotus and water lilies in backyard ponds
- Edging streams and brooks that meander through landscapes
- Lining pool edges to soften hardscaping and add privacy
With proper selection and care, gardeners can successfully grow cannas in water. Their lush tropical foliage and flamboyant flowers enable creating spectacular aquatic displays. By following key planting and maintenance guidelines, even novice gardeners can easily cultivate cannas in ponds, fountains and water gardens. The end result brings vibrant tropical flair to backyard water features.
Pond Cannas & Taros Beautiful LIVE plants, not dormant bulbs as many other companies would send you! Cannas and Taros are shallow water plants that can grow both in the pond or out. Adjust outside the pond slowly with regular watering the first few weeks as we have acclimated them to a lot of water. Both plants are also amazing bog filtration plants. They love running water in streams but if using rock near the base make sure it is small 1/4 inch in diameter or smaller (aquarium gravel is great) as larger rock slow growth and damage the plant. These are great in the pond on a shelf 1-3 inches submerged in heavy loam soil in a large planting basket or 14″ fabric pot. Outside the pond they do well in the topsoil of a garden.
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Cannas For Your Pond (A Great Pond Plant With Beautiful Flowers!)
FAQ
Can canna lilies grow in just water?
Tropicanna cannas are ideal in ponds and water features, adding an exotic touch. However, for ultimate success, it’s important to follow these 4 easy preparation steps for how to plant Tropicanna cannas in water.
Can canna lily grow in a pond?
Beautiful LIVE plants, not dormant bulbs as many other companies would send you! Cannas and Taros are shallow water plants that can grow both in the pond or out.
Can calla lilies grow in water?
Growing requirements as an aquatic plant: The Calla Lilly grows best at the edge of the pond or where the water does not cover the crown of the plant.
What is a water canna?
Clump-forming perennial suited to aquatic and bog gardens, growing to about 1.5m tall, with large, paddle-shaped grey-green leaves, and iris-like, pale …
Do Cannas grow in water?
With their large, lush leaves and vibrant blooms, cannas make a striking addition to water features. Their ability to grow directly in ponds and fountains creates unique displays. Follow proper planting techniques for the best results when cultivating these semi-aquatic plants in water. Why Grow Cannas in Water?
Can canna lilies grow in water?
Believe it or not, canna lilies can actually grow in water. They make an excellent shallow plant for ponds, and can thrive there. If you want to give it a try, rinse the dirt from the roots, then plant it into a container using aquatic potting soil. Can a Canna grow in a water garden?
Can a Canna grow in a pond?
If growing in zones eight or higher, you can leave the Cannas in the aquatic garden or pond. You only need to make sure the plant is submerged in the water enough to protect the roots from any frost damage. The Cannas can be stored in their pots. It is best to cut the foliage down to the soil level.
How much water do water cannas need?
Water cannas should be planted in several inches of rich soil and up to 6 inches of water. Photo by Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 When planting water canna in a pond, if planting an already mature plant be sure that crown of the plant (where the roots attach to the stem) is under no more than 8 inches of water and soil.
How do you grow Cannas in water?
Follow these tips to successfully establish cannas in water: Start with young actively growing plants free of pests and disease. Transplant from pots into aquatic baskets or containers with drainage holes. Use a rich soil-less potting mix amended with controlled release fertilizer.
Where do Cannas grow?
Cannas originate in tropical and subtropical wetlands They thrive in moist soil and flooded conditions in nature This makes them well-suited to growing as marginal aquatic plants. Their lush foliage adds texture, height and visual appeal to pools, ponds and fountains.