Cannaceae - Botanical Family

Canna glauca, commonly known as Water Canna, is a rhizomatous perennial in the Cannaceae family, native to wetlands from the southeastern United States and Mexico through Central America and parts of South America. It typically grows 3-6 ft (0.9-1.8 m) tall, with slender upright stems and distinctive narrow, blue-green to gray-green leaves. The flowers are relatively delicate compared with the large blooms of modern garden cannas and are usually yellow, sometimes with orange markings. Canna glauca is also important in horticulture as a parent of water-loving hybrids, especially the popular Longwood Hybrids, developed for growing in shallow water. Well-known cultivars in this group include 'Endeavor' with red flowers, 'Ra' with yellow flowers, 'Erebus' with soft pink flowers, and 'Taney' with orange flowers.

Water Canna grows best in full sun and consistently moist to wet, rich soil and can thrive at pond margins or in shallow standing water. It is also suitable for ordinary garden beds if supplied with abundant moisture during active growth. Plants spread by rhizomes and flower during the warm season. Canna glauca is generally suitable for USDA Zones 8-11; in colder climates, rhizomes can be lifted and stored frost-free over winter. Its narrow glaucous foliage and tolerance of aquatic conditions distinguish it from most commonly cultivated cannas.

Despite its botanical name, Canna indica comes not from India but from tropical America and the Caribbean. It was introduced elsewhere quite early, however, and the numerous hybrids have long been a favorite with gardeners throughout the tropics, especially planted in large beds. The more known flower has colors red and yellow, but they are also found in orange, pink, cream, and mixtures and with many leaf variations. The fleshy stalks grow to around 7 ft and it blooms better in full sunlight; each stalk must be cut back to the ground after blooming. The underground rootstocks spread rapidly and in time may become overcrowded. Some gardeners recommend digging up the entire bed annually, dividing the roots, and replanting in freshly manured soil. Remove spent flowers, and cut the stalk to ground after all the flower clusters have bloomed to push the plant to produce more stalk.

Most Indian Shot used in seed jewelry probably comes from the seeds of Canna indica, a common Caribbean wayside wildflower that is naturalized throughout the Old and New World tropics. This species is also used for necklaces and rosaries in India. The seeds of a similar tropical American species (C. coccinea) are also used as beads. There are at least 50 species of Canna in the world and undoubtedly some of these are used for beads; however, Canna indica has some of the most uniformly-round, BB-like seeds. In many hybrid cannas in cultivation, the seeds are more oblong-shaped.

In cold regions where winter temperatures may dip to 20s F, it's best to grow Canna lilies (Canna sp.) in containers to provide a more mild environment. Containers can be moved to a sheltered spot indoors or even in a heated garage. Canna lily flowers come in a range of colors, including pink, red, crimson and vinous. Some varieties also have yellow and orange flowers. Canna lilies can also provide an ornamental foliage. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. If planted in the garden, Cannas make a beautiful addition to the landscape, and are sure to add a splash of color to any garden. Canna lilies are very low-maintenance plants and they are fairly flood-tolerant.

Cannas need full sun in order to produce profuse flowers. In fact, the more sun the plant receives, the better. These lilies are heavy feeders, so it is important to provide them with plenty of compost or a good liquid fertilizer in order to keep them looking healthy. Without sufficient nutrients and moisture, Cannas may appear unattractive. If your Canna plant appears ratty during the summer, this is a sign that it needs additional food.

Canna x hybrida is a widely grown group of ornamental canna hybrids in the Cannaceae family, developed from crosses involving several Canna species. This group was formerly widely known as Canna x generalis, a name still frequently encountered in horticultural literature and plant catalogs. Cannas are vigorous rhizomatous perennials valued for their large, paddle-shaped leaves and showy upright flower clusters in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, cream, and numerous bicolor combinations. Cultivars vary greatly in height, flower form, and foliage, which may be green, bronze, purple, striped, or variegated. Their bold appearance makes them staples of tropical-style gardens and warm-season displays worldwide.

Canna x hybrida grows best in full sun and fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, with regular watering and feeding during active growth. Plants flower repeatedly through the warm season and are excellent for beds, borders, mass plantings, and large containers. They are generally grown outdoors year-round in USDA Zones 8-11, although hardiness varies among cultivars and adequate winter protection may be needed near the colder end of this range. In colder climates, the rhizomes can be lifted after frost and stored dormant indoors for winter. Established clumps are easily propagated by rhizome division.