Canna x generalis, commonly known as Canna Lily or simply Canna, is a striking flowering plant known for its vibrant blooms and lush foliage. Belonging to the Cannaceae family, it is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Central and South America.

Here's a brief description of Canna x generalis:

Appearance: Canna lilies are herbaceous perennial plants that can grow up to several feet in height, depending on the variety. They have large, paddle-shaped leaves that can range in color from green to burgundy and often have prominent veining.

Flowers: One of the most distinctive features of Canna x generalis is its large and showy flowers. The flowers are typically borne on tall stalks above the foliage and come in a wide array of colors, including shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and even bi-color combinations. The blooms have a unique structure, with three petals and three sepals that are often brightly colored and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Growing Conditions: Canna lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil. They are relatively easy to grow and are often used in tropical garden settings, borders, and as accent plants in landscapes. In regions with colder winters, they can be grown as annuals or dug up and stored indoors during the winter months.

Maintenance: Canna lilies are generally low-maintenance plants but benefit from regular watering during dry spells and occasional fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season.

Landscaping Uses: Due to their striking foliage and colorful blooms, Canna x generalis is often used as a focal point in garden beds and borders. They also make excellent container plants for patios and decks, adding a tropical flair to outdoor spaces. Additionally, they are sometimes used in mass plantings for a dramatic effect. Hardy in zones 7-11.

Growing Instructions

The seeds have a hard seed coat that has to be treated, or scarified, in order for water to enter the seeds so that they can sprout. The seeds can be planted outdoors at any time of the year or they can be grown in containers and then transplanted when they are large enough to be transplanted.

1. Scarify the seeds by filing a notch in the seed coat or use sandpaper to sand part of it down.
2. Soak the seeds in water for 48 hours.
3. Plant the seeds individually or in group of 4-5 in a small pot with potting soil.
4. When the seedlings are over 6 inches tall, they can be transplanted into larger pots or they can be transplanted outdoors.