Canna lilies have been much grown in Australian gardens, particularly when they were all the rage for boggy areas in the garden.Most are tall growing with bold orange or red gladiolus-like flowers. Some have contrasting burgundy leaves. There is a new variety being sold as ‘Tropicanna’.
Plant Details
Common name: Canna, Canna lilies.
Botanic name: Canna ‘Phasion’ marketed as ‘Tropicanna’. The genus name Canna is a Greek and Latin word for a type of reed, referring to the foliage appearance of the plant.
Best climate: Grows in almost all parts of Australia (see climate map).
Size: It will grow to 1.2m (4′) in the first year and can go to 1.8m (6′) in the second year.
Best look: This cultivar has dark leaves striped a reddish strip with burnt orange orchid-like flowers in summer. Tropicanna is dramatic, massed in garden beds and makes a spectacular feature plant on a patio or growing indoors. It will give a tropical feel to your landscape or complement a garden full of hot colours; red, oranges and yellows. This plant will die back in winter but reshoots in spring.
Good points:
- Will grow almost anywhere.
- Grows in a swampy position.
- Adds colour and interest to the garden.
- Foliage changes colour through the season from red, through orange and yellow to green, making it an interesting feature all year round.
Likes:
- Full sun to partial shade.
- Swampy, damp position.
- Keep well watered.
- Protect from frosts and wind.
Care:
Stress from cold, or insufficient water will cause Tropicanna to lose colour. Remove colourless leaves, water, keep warm for new growth.
Use snail bait, for protection from snails, particularly when plants are young.
Getting started: Tropicanna is available from nurseries throughout Australia. Cost for a 15cm (6″) pot is about $15.
