Canna Lily Flower Bed Ideas: How to Create Stunning Displays

Canna lilies are some of the most stunning plants you can grow in your garden. With their large, tropical-looking leaves and brightly colored blooms, they instantly add drama and excitement to flower beds. If you want to create a vibrant, eye-catching display, incorporating canna lilies is a must.

In this article we’ll explore some fantastic canna lily flower bed ideas to transform your landscape. From planning the perfect color schemes to picking the right varieties you’ll have all the tips you need to design a show-stopping canna lily bed. Let’s get started!

Choosing the Best Canna Lily Varieties

With so many exciting canna lily cultivars to choose from, it can be tricky to select the right ones for your flower bed. Here are some top variety recommendations:

• Tall varieties like ‘Wyoming’ and ‘Pretoria’ make excellent background plants Growing 5-7 feet tall, they create a lush, tropical backdrop

• For medium height options, try ‘Red King Humbert’ or ‘Erebus’, which reach 3-5 feet. Plant these in the middle of beds for bold color.

• Dwarf cannas like ‘Tropical Rose’ and ‘Australia’ grow just 2-4 feet tall, ideal for the front of beds or containers.

• Striped foliage varieties such as ‘Phasion’ and ‘Domino’ add striking color and texture.

• Pick a few different bloom colors like red, orange, yellow, and pink to create an eye-catching mix

Designing Stunning Color Combinations

One of the keys to creating a sensational canna lily flower bed is using smart color combinations. Some ideas to try:

• Contrasting colors: Orange cannas pop against blue or purple companion plants like salvia.

• Complementary colors: Yellow and violet cannas look fantastic together.

• Monochromatic: Use all one color like different shades of red for a bold, tropical look.

• Bright and bold: Hot pink, fiery orange, and sunny yellow make a lively trio.

• Pastels: Soft pink, pale yellow, and lavender cannas have a romantic cottage feel.

Mixing foliage colors like bronze, purple, variegated, and green adds extra visual interest.

Planting Canna Lily Flower Beds

When prepping your canna lily flower bed, make sure to give cannas the growing conditions they love. Here are some key tips:

• Choose a sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct light daily. Cannas thrive in full sun.

• Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or organic matter to improve drainage and nourish plants.

• Space rhizomes 1-2 feet apart to allow enough room for growth and airflow.

• Plant cannas at a depth of 4-6 inches in moist, fertile soil for best results.

• Water thoroughly after planting and provide consistent moisture, especially in dry periods.

Designing a Stunning Canna Lily Border

One of the most popular ways to showcase canna lilies is in a vibrant border. Follow these tips to create a show-stopping display:

• Use tall cannas like ‘Musifolia’ or ‘Pretoria’ at the back for dramatic height and tropical appeal.

• Plant medium-sized varieties like ‘Erebus’ or ‘Australia’ in the middle to add bold color.

• Edge the front with dwarf cannas or low spillers like sweet potato vine for texture contrast.

• Repeat colors down the border for cohesion but vary flower shapes and foliage for interest.

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and keep plants looking fresh.

Mixing Canna Lilies and Companion Plants

While cannas make a big statement, carefully chosen companion plants can make your flower bed design truly extraordinary. Consider these pairings:

• Tropical look: Mix cannas with elephant ears, crotons, coleus or caladiums.

• Cottage garden: Zinnias, salvia, lavender and snapdragons complement cannas beautifully.

• Water wise: Group cannas with succulents, agave and ornamental grasses for texture.

• Endless color: Combine cannas with echinacea, marigolds, verbena, pentas or nicotiana for non-stop blooms.

Aim for plants with contrasting shapes, sizes and foliage but coordinating colors. This creates a cohesive, lively display.

Designing a Canna Lily Cutting Garden

Want to enjoy vibrant canna lilies in bouquets? Plant a dedicated cutting garden! Follow these tips:

• Focus on long-blooming, prolific varieties like ‘Australia’, ‘Pretoria’ or ‘Intrigue’ for ample harvests.

• Deadhead frequently to encourage a flush of new flowers.

• Provide very rich soil and consistent water to fuel growth.

• Use sharp scissors or pruners to cut blooms that are half to fully open.

• Make early morning cuts when flowers are turgid.

• Condition in warm water before arranging for best vase life.

Creating Focal Points with Canna Lilies

Making cannas the star of your flower bed is easy when you use them as focal points. Some ideas:

• Plant a bold clump of red or orange cannas right in the center of a round bed. Underplant with blue or chartreuse flowers.

• Create a tall backdrop of mixed cannas along a fence or wall. Highlight them with pathway lighting.

• Use large planters overflowing with cascading cannas on the patio or either side of entryways.

• Frame or highlight water features and garden art with containers of canna lilies.

Designing Island Beds with Cannas

Secluded island beds are the perfect way to showcase cannas. Try these tips:

• Use medium or dwarf cannas in island beds surrounded by lawns or pathways. Go for visual impact!

• Mix colors and heights for maximum appeal. Edge with trailing plants.

• Underplant cannas with shade lovers like impatiens, coleus or begonias.

• Encircle cannas with decorative edging like bamboo, rocks or pavers to create a tidy island.

Caring for Canna Lilies in Flower Beds

To keep your cannas growing and blooming their best all season, be sure to care for them properly:

• Provide at least 1-2 inches of water per week, more in hot weather. Soak the entire root zone.

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

• Remove spent blooms and yellowing leaves to encourage more flowers.

• Stake tall varieties if needed. Site in protected spots if windy.

• Divide crowded clumps every 2-3 years in spring to rejuvenate plants.

Overwintering Canna Lily Flower Beds

In cold climates, you’ll need to overwinter dormant canna rhizomes indoors. Here’s how:

• When frost threatens, carefully dig up rhizomes. Remove all soil.

• Allow to dry and cure for 1-2 weeks in a warm, dry spot.

• Pack cured rhizomes in peat, vermiculite or sawdust. Store in a cool spot around 45-55°F.

• Don’t water until replanting outdoors the following spring after the last frost.

With the right varieties and design strategies, you can easily create a tropical paradise in your yard with stunning canna lily flower beds. Use these creative ideas to plan a beautiful, polished display that will have your landscape looking magazine-worthy in no time. Happy gardening!