Do I need to dig up the rhizomes in winter?

In areas with freezing ground, you should dig them up and store them in a cool, dry place.

How much sun do they need?

They thrive in full sun to light shade.

Plant guide

Canna Lily.

Canna indica

Pronounced KAN-uh IN-dih-kuh

Also known as African arrowroot, Canna plurituberosa, Cannon, Indian Canna, Indian Shot, Indian-shot, Queensland arrowroot

Canna lilies are bold tropical perennials that bring a dramatic, exotic flair to any garden. They feature large, paddle shaped leaves and vibrant, iris like flowers that bloom throughout the summer. These plants thrive in heat and moisture, making them perfect for sunny spots.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: direct
Water: Every 2 to 4 days
Mature size: 150 to 200 cm
Growth rate: fast
Hardiness: USDA 7 to 11
Bloom time: Early summer to early autumn

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist and provide plenty of direct sunlight for the best blooms. Watch for yellowing leaves which may indicate overwatering or poor drainage. In colder climates, dig up the rhizomes before the first frost to store them indoors for winter.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Repotting: Repot when the rhizomes become crowded in the container.
Soil: Rich, loamy, well-draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 10 to 35°C
Humidity: 50 to 80%
Drought tolerance: low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant stops producing new shoots.
The rhizomes have completely filled the pot.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The large, heavy leaves can be a hazard if a child pulls on them, potentially causing the container to tip over.
Contact allergens: The leaves can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to their texture.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of respiratory allergies associated with this plant.
Edibility: While the rhizomes are technically edible after thorough cooking, they are often fibrous and not typically consumed in modern gardening.

How to identify it

Large, paddle shaped foliage
Bright, iris like flowers
Tall, unbranched stems
Rhizomatous root system

Height: 0.6 to 2.5m
Spread: 0.45 to 0.9m
Leaves: green, bronze, variegated, deciduous
Flowers: red, orange, yellow, pink, 5 to 12cm

Common problems

Canna leaf roller — Caterpillars roll the leaves and feed inside, causing unsightly damage.
Rust — Fungal infection causing orange or brown spots on the foliage.

Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: In cold climates, cut back the foliage after the first frost and lift the rhizomes for indoor storage. Keep them in a cool, dark, and dry area until spring.
In containers: They grow very well in containers, provided you use a large pot at least 12 inches wide to accommodate the rhizomes.

Rhizome Division

Dig up the clump carefully in spring.
Use a sharp, clean knife to cut the rhizome into sections.
Ensure each section has at least one healthy eye or bud.
Replant the sections in moist, rich soil.

Pair these with plants that enjoy consistent moisture to ensure everyone stays happy in the same bed.

Grows well with

Elephant Ear — They share similar moisture and light requirements for a lush tropical look.
Coleus — The colorful foliage of coleus complements the bold leaves of the canna.
Sweet Potato Vine — This trailing plant fills the space at the base of the tall canna stems.

Similar species

Canna glauca — This species has narrower leaves and is even more adapted to aquatic environments.

Science

Family: Cannaceae
Genus: Canna
Order: Zingiberales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
Conservation: This plant is widely naturalized and not of conservation concern.

It grows naturally in moist, sunny areas like marshes and riverbanks where it can spread through rhizomes.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: hummingbirds, bees
Uses: ornamental foliage, tropical border, water garden feature

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 8/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Do I need to dig up the rhizomes in winter?: In areas with freezing ground, you should dig them up and store them in a cool, dry place.
How much sun do they need?: They thrive in full sun to light shade.

Where the name comes from

The name Canna comes from the Greek word for reed, referring to the plant's stem structure. Indica refers to its historical association with the East Indies, even though it is native to the Americas.

Good to know

Cannas are not true lilies despite their common name.
They grow very quickly in warm weather.
The seeds are so hard they have been used as beads in jewelry and as shot in rattles.

Is your canna lily looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.