Also known as Canna Lily · 280 saves
Canna
Canna, the genus most gardeners know as canna lily. We track 33 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Canna varieties
See all 33 Canna varieties →Search this genus →
2 species of Canna
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Canna in Sow
Save the Canna you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Canna
Whats common across all Canna varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 33 most-grown of them.
The Canna year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Plant rhizomes 2-3 inches deep after all danger of frost has passed
- FertilizeMay–August97% of varieties
Apply a balanced, high-potash fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Lift & StoreOctober and November97% of varieties
In Zone 7, dig rhizomes after first frost; store cool and dry for winter
- DeadheadJune–September79% 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 33 distinct Canna varieties. The most popular — ranked by 280 real gardeners — 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.