Do I need to deadhead the flowers?

Yes, removing spent flower stalks encourages the plant to produce more blooms. It also keeps the plant looking tidy.

How much water do they need to bloom?

Cannas love moisture. If the soil dries out completely, the plant will stop blooming to conserve energy.

Why is my Canna Lily not producing flowers? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Count how many hours of direct sun the plant gets.
Check the soil moisture to ensure it is not too dry.
Look at the fertilizer label to check the nitrogen levels.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks tall and thin, and it refuses to set buds. Cannas need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun to bloom.
What to do: Move the container to a sunnier spot or trim back nearby branches that are casting shade. If planted in the ground, ensure no large shrubs are blocking the light.
Improper Fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant is lush and green but has no flowers. This often happens if you use a fertilizer with too much nitrogen.
What to do: Switch to a balanced fertilizer or one higher in phosphorus to encourage blooming. Apply it once every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your canna lily

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If your plant has had full sun all season and still has no buds by mid summer, something is wrong. It is normal for young plants to take a season to establish before blooming well.

Stopping it coming back

Plant your Cannas in the sunniest part of your yard. Feed them regularly with a bloom boosting fertilizer starting in late spring.

Canna Lily: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your canna lily and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Do I need to deadhead the flowers?: Yes, removing spent flower stalks encourages the plant to produce more blooms. It also keeps the plant looking tidy.
How much water do they need to bloom?: Cannas love moisture. If the soil dries out completely, the plant will stop blooming to conserve energy.

Why is my Canna Lily not producing flowers?