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Fall 2023 Shipping Schedule: 3/1/2024
Cannas are one of the easiest summer plants to grow. Cannas bloom and show off even during the hottest weeks of summer. Canna blooms range in color from bold reds, yellows, oranges, pinks and white. Their exotic, tropical foliage ranges from brightly variegated to shades of greens to almost black.
About this Variety
The South African Canna Pretoria is a very vigorous growing Canna with large flowers. The leaves are marked with prominent white lines that run the entire length of the leaves.
Highlights
- Lush, tropical foliage
- Easy color summer to frost
- Grows well in large containers, garden beds and borders
- Beneficial to pollinators; attracts hummingbirds
- Deer & critter resistant
Exposure:
Full Sun
Blooms:
Summer to Fall
Height:
Grows 48-60" tall
Spacing/Depth:
Plant 12-18" apart; 2-4" deep
USDA Zones:
Grow as Perennial in zones 7-11. Grow as Annual elsewhere.
Growing Instructions
Plant Cannas in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Cannas prefer full sun to partially shaded locations - full sun for cooler areas. The ideal soil is rich and porous and drains well, yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches. Plant rhizomes 3-5" deep and 4-6" apart. Cover with soil. When planting a large number of Cannas in one bed, excavate the entire area to the recommended depth, work fertilizer into the bottom of the trench, set out rhizomes and then cover all at once. Water thoroughly at planting. While actively growing, water frequently and thoroughly so that water will reach roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out. Apply fertilizer during growing season until foliage starts to turn yellow. After frost has damaged the foliage, dig up clumps, trim foliage, shake off soil and divide into 3-5 eye rhizomes. Place clumps in a plastic bag with peat moss to maintain a nice moisture balance. Add air holes to the sides of the bag to allow a small amount of air flow during storage. Store in a cool, dark place at 45-55ºF during the winter. Be sure to check on them a few times to make sure they are not too moist or too dry. Replant in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Care Tip
Plant cannas in large containers to add easy, tropical color to your patios and decks. Cannas can be planted after all danger of frost has past but they prefer soil temperatures of at least 65ºF.