Also known as Canna Lily · 181 gardener saves
Canna: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Canna, the genus most gardeners know as canna lily. We track 32 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Canna varieties
Of 32 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedCanna Lily
Canna generalissimum 'Orange Punch'
#2 most savedBengal Tiger Canna
Canna generaliss 'Bengal Tiger'
#3 most savedCanna Lily
Canna x generalis 'Mactro'
Canna Lily
Canna generalississima 'Blueberry Sparkler'
Canna Constitution
Canna x generalis 'Constitution'
Wyoming Canna
Canna indica 'Wyoming'
Pretoria Canna Lily
Canna indica 'Pretoria'
Queen Charlotte Canna
Canna x generalis 'Reine Charlotte'
Tropicanna Black Canna
Canna x generalis 'Tropicanna Black'
Tropicanna Canna
Canna x generalis 'Durban'
Canna 'Minerva'
Canna x generalis 'Minerva'
Cleopatra Canna
Canna generalist 'Cleopatra'
Browse all 32 Canna varieties →
How to grow Canna
What the Canna varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 32 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Canna year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Plant rhizomes 2-3 inches deep after all danger of frost has passed
- FertilizeMay–August100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, high-potash fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Lift & StoreOctober and November100% of varieties
In Zone 7, dig rhizomes after first frost; store cool and dry for winter
- DeadheadJune–September81% of varieties
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage continuous blooming
Do
- Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms
- Water consistently during the growing season 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rhizome rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rot ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendment
- Don't plant in poorly drained soil
What goes wrong with Canna
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Canna leafroller | Bending or rolled leaves with webbing | Use organic neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Canna Leaf Roller | Lacy, rolled or distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with horticultural oil and increase humidity |
| Rhizome rot | Foul smell and rotting rhizomes | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Canna Rust | Orange pustules on undersides of leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide |
| Canna rust | Orange pustules on leaf undersides | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
Making more Canna
Rhizome division
- Dig up rhizomes in early spring
- Cut into sections with a sharp knife
- Allow cut surfaces to dry for 24 hours
- Plant sections 4 inches deep in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Wait 6 weeks for new growth
Seed propagation
- Collect seeds from mature seed pods.
- Sow seeds in moist seed-starting mix.
- Maintain warm temperatures (~75°F) for germination.
- Transplant seedlings after they develop true leaves.
Canna questions
How many types of Canna are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 32 distinct Canna varieties. The most popular — ranked by 181 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Canna grow in?
Across its varieties, Canna covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Canna bloom?
Most Canna varieties bloom in summer to fall, mid-summer, mid-summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Canna should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Design with Canna in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
