Canna Bulbs

The genus Canna contains herbaceous tender perennials, commonly called canna lilies, grown for their large, showy foliage and flowers. The colorful flower spikes are borne atop long, erect stems sheathed in fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves that are green, bronze, or purple-red, which sometimes appears almost black, and are often heavily variegated or striped. The flowers bloom in a wide range of colors and patterns but are typically warm shades of red, salmon pink, burnt orange, yellow, and creamy white.

Canna is a genus of around 10 species of tropical and subtropical rhizomatous plants that typically range in height from 1 to 5 feet tall, but some species can reach up to 10 feet tall. Canna lilies include both terrestrial and aquatic varieties and are used for both agricultural as well as horticultural purposes. C. indica (arrowroot, wild canna lily, Indian shot), C. glauca (water canna) and hybrids C x generalis (common garden canna) are a few species popular with home gardeners. Tough and low maintenance, these hardy plants grow quickly but spread slowly. They grow well in boggy areas and around water features. Grouped or massed, tall varieties create a theatrical backdrop for shorter plants in beds and borders, and they also make spectacular screens. Both tall and dwarf varieties can be container grown.