These dazzling flowers will add a tropical feel to any garden.
Then canna lilies are the whimsical flowers you’ve been searching for.
“Full sun is optimum for these flowers,” Borisevich says.
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“To ensure healthy growth, choose a free-draining, rich, moist soil.
Good drainage is important because this plant doesn’t enjoy being waterlogged,” she adds.
Borisevich advisesusing fertilizer to boost growthand increase blooming.
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Both experts say that the canna lily is a tropicalplant that also loves high humidity.
you’ve got the option to also utilize a humidifier to create ideal growing conditions for it.
One important pruning method is deadheading, which involves removing old flowers.
“This keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages more flowers to grow.”
He continues, Use a pair of sharp scissors or garden shears.
Cut about 1/4 inch above this point.
This keeps the plant healthy and neat.
He also says that you should cut back the plant at the end of the season.
Cut the stem down to about 2-3 inches above the soil.
This helps the plant rest over the winter and get ready for next year, he informs.
This will help keep the plant healthy and give it more room to grow.
As far as what tools to use, he advises using a good pair of scissors or garden shears.
But see to it theyre sharp, so you get a clean cut.
Take a look at your canna lilies every week or so to see if they need a little trimming.
It keeps them looking great.
Propagating
Borisevich says that rhizome division is the best way to propagate a canna lily.
“Use a sharp knife for this task.
Treat the cuts with activated charcoal to prevent rot or a pathogen infection.
While you might propagate canna lilies from seeds, Borisevich doesn’t recommend it.
“Firstly, not all varieties produce seeds,” she says.
“Secondly, plants that are propagated in this way rarely retain their varietal characteristics.
Lastly, canna lilies grown from seed start blooming only during their second year.”
Growing in Pots
“Cannas do well in large pots or containers,” Bowers says.
“Use a pot with good drainage, and double-check the soil stays moist.
Place the pot in a sunny spot, and fertilize regularly to keep the plant healthy.”
Borisevich says that a canna lily that lives indoorsshould be repottedonce every 12 to 18 months.
This can ensure the plant doesn’t outgrow its container and prevent problems that a rootbound plant can have.
Otherwise, they will only bloom as an annual flower.
Replant them in the spring once the danger of frost has passed.”
Common Pests/Diseases
Bowers warns that cannas can be affected bypestslike aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars.
Borisevich says that slugs and snails can bother your plant, too.
“Though relatively disease-free, this plant can be affected by rust.
This issue arises because of a fungal disease resulting from excessively moist soil.
As soon as you see orange spots on the plant’s leaves, remove and burn them.
Then apply a fungicide to protect the rest of the plant,” she instructs.
Canna lilies' beautiful blooms will add a whimsical touch to your garden and also help support important pollinators.
Canna lilies have rhizomes, which are underground stems that produce new shoots and become plants.
Canna lilies thrive in warmer climates and are technicallyperennial flowers.
