Proper watering, the right temperature and neutral soil helps a canna lily thrive. Learn all about good canna care.
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Canna lilies are stunning tropical plants known for their large, paddle-shaped leaves and showy flowers. Their height and width can vary greatly depending on the variety. When choosing cannas for your garden, it’s important to consider their mature size to find the right fit for your space. This article will look at the typical height and width of different canna lily types to help you make the best selection.
Typical Canna Lily Height
Most cannas grow from 2-8 feet tall, There are three main size classes
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Dwarf cannas – These cute little cannas grow 2-4 feet tall. Popular dwarf varieties include ‘Picasso’, ‘Wyoming’, and ‘Little Gem’.
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Medium cannas – Ranging from 4-6 feet tall, these are a versatile size for beds and borders. Some examples are ‘Lucifer’, ‘Pretoria’, and ‘Erebus’
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Tall cannas – Reaching upwards of 8 feet, tall cannas make a bold statement. Popular varieties include ‘Musifolia’, ‘Ra’, and ‘Ambassador’.
Average Canna Lily Width
In addition to varying heights, cannas spread out to different widths:
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Narrow-leaved cannas – Many newer hybrids have slender leaves and a width of just 1-2 feet. ‘Intrigue’ and ‘Australia’ are narrow-leaved varieties.
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Medium width cannas – Most cannas spread 2-4 feet wide. This includes classics like ‘Stuttgart’ and ‘The President’.
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Wide cannas – Some cannas have very large leaves and spread 5-6 feet wide. ‘Musifolia’ and ‘Cleopatra’ are examples of wide cannas.
Matching Height and Width to Your Garden
When selecting your cannas, think about the amount of space you have and where you want to place them. Here are some tips:
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For the back of borders, choose tall cannas with narrow or medium foliage like ‘Ra’ or ‘Erebus’.
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Plant medium cannas like ‘Tropicanna’ in the middle of beds and borders.
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Use dwarf cannas such as ‘Little Gem Pink’ in containers or the front of beds.
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Give wide-leaved cannas plenty of room in island beds or pond margins.
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Mix heights and widths for visual interest. Pair a wide-leaved giant like ‘Musifolia’ with medium ‘Australia’.
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Allow more space for cannas grown in partial shade, which results in larger foliage.
Other Factors Affecting Canna Height and Width
While the variety determines their basic size, other factors can affect cannas’ ultimate height and width:
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Climate – Cannas grow taller in tropical or subtropical climates. Those in cooler regions remain more compact.
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Sun exposure – Cannas grown in full sun are more compact than those in partial shade.
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Fertilization – Generous fertilization leads to bigger cannas. But take care not to overfeed.
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Crowding – Good spacing and division every few years keeps cannas at their ideal sizes.
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Water – Consistent moisture results in the largest cannas within a variety’s range.
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Container size – Cannas left in pots too long become pot-bound and stay small. Re-pot frequently in big containers.
Achieving the Perfect Scale for Your Space
With hundreds of canna varieties and many factors affecting their size, you’re sure to find the ideal cannas to suit your garden’s needs. Focus on their labeled mature height and width, then fine-tune with proper care. With the right cannas in place, you’ll enjoy these exotic beauties all season long. Their huge leaves and dazzling flowers transform gardens into tropical paradises.
Grow And Care For Canna Lilies In The Garden
Quick Facts:
Botanical name – Canna
Height – 2-8 feet (.6 – 2.4 m)
Spread – 2-6 feet (.6 – 1.8m)
Sun exposure – Full Sun
Soil requirements – Neutral, Well-Draining
Hardiness zones – USDA Zones 7-10Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
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When to plant – Spring, Early Summer
The canna lily plant is a rhizomatous perennial with tropical-like foliage and beautiful large flowers that may be red, orange, or yellow. Depending on the variety, the canna’s foliage color varies from green to maroon, bronze, and variegated types.
Canna lilies are low maintenance and easy to grow, and both their flowers and foliage offer long-lasting color in the garden. Lets look at how to plant canna lilies and tips for growing cannas.
The canna lily plant is a rhizomatous perennial with tropical-like foliage and beautiful large flowers that may be red, orange, or yellow. Depending on the variety, the canna’s foliage color varies from green to maroon, bronze, and variegated types.
Canna lilies are low maintenance and easy to grow, and both their flowers and foliage offer long-lasting color in the garden. Lets look at how to plant canna lilies and tips for growing cannas.
Light
Canna lily care begins by making sure that new plants will receive ample light. Each canna should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sun per day. Though the plants can withstand intense amounts of light, those grown in especially warm regions may benefit from brief periods of shade throughout the hottest parts of the afternoon. Too much shade may cause plants to become extra tall or even inhibit the production of flowers.
Water
Consistent moisture also plays a major role in canna plant care. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses work best throughout the growing season. To keep canna lily plants looking their best, we suggest deeply watering their beds at least once per week.
Temperature & Humidity
Canna lily plants are an excellent choice for growers with warm summer climates. The plants thrive throughout extended periods of heat and can tolerate humidity well. Beyond their hardiness range, cannas will behave as an annual, provided their requirement for warmth has been met.
Soil
When planting canna bulbs you should consider their soil carefully to be certain it’s well-amended, with excellent drainage. Drainage is key to avoid having soil that’s excessively wet or waterlogged. Though canna lilies will grow best in beds that are neutral, they’re considered to be highly adaptable and are able to thrive in a wide range of soil compositions.
Fertilizer
Annual applications of a well-balanced, slow-release feed will help keep canna lily plants looking healthy and happy. This can be done in early spring, as the plants resume growth for the season. Liquid fertilizer may also be used throughout summer, but you should stop fertilizing when the plant begins to produce its first buds.
Problems, Pests & Diseases
Canna lilies may be affected by several garden diseases. Aster yellows, bacterial blight, leaf spot, and rust are among the most common. Throughout the season, growers should monitor these plants for signs of infection and take appropriate action as problems arise. Frequent pests to canna lilies include slugs, snails, and Japanese beetles.
How to Grow Canna Lily from Seed
Canna lilies can also be grown from seed, though results may vary. Many hybrid and open-pollinated types will produce plants that are similar to their parent. However, gardeners often report low germination rates or the need for special seed treatment before planting. Canna lilies grown from seed will require some patience, as it may take several seasons for new plants to become established.
Five mistakes to Avoid When Planting and Growing Canna Lilies
FAQ
How big does a canna lily get?
Canna lilies typically grow to a height of 1.5 to 8 feet (0.45 to 2.4 meters) and spread 1 to 6 feet (0.3 to 1.8 meters) wide, forming clumps, according to plant information sites.
Do canna lilies come back every year?
Yes, canna lilies can come back every year, but their perennial status depends on the climate. In warmer climates (zones 7-10), they can be left in the ground and will return each spring.
Do canna lilies spread out?
Cannas bloom from mid-summer to fall, with continuous flowering when deadheaded. Do Canna lilies spread? Yes, they spread slowly by underground rhizomes and can be divided every few years.
Do canna lilies like to be crowded?
Cannas bloom best in full sun. Drought or overcrowding can reduce blooming. Provide consistent moisture and divide if needed.May 21, 2024