Cannas contribute tropical splendor to the summer
garden. In early spring, rhizomes send up thick stems bearing
broadly oval, sheathing leaves 1-2 feet long. These stems end in
spikes of irregularly shaped, flashy flowers: cream, yellow, orange,
red, apricot, pink an red and yellow combinations. Some varieties
and strains are dwarf to 2-3 feet, while the more familiar old hybrids
reach about 6 feet. Plants are evergreen in frost free areas; else
where, sharp frost kills leaves and stems back to the ground.
Give cannas good well drained soil, plenty of water, and full
sun. Where rhizomes won't survive winter outdoors, dig clumps in autumn,
dry rhizomes for a few days, then store them in sawdust in a cool (but not
freezing place until the following year. After date of last expected hard
frost, plant rhizomes 4 inches deep.
Give cannas good well drained soil, plenty of water, and full
sun. Where rhizomes won't survive winter outdoors, dig clumps in autumn,
dry rhizomes for a few days, then store them in sawdust in a cool (but not
freezing place until the following year. After date of last expected hard
frost, plant rhizomes 4 inches deep.