Canna Lily - Orange

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 2-6 feet
Spread: 1.5-2 feet
Flower Color: orange
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Canna Lilies: Bold Tropical Beauty for Arizona Gardens

Canna Lilies (Canna spp.) are exotic, tropical-looking perennials that bring a splash of vibrant color and architectural interest to any garden setting. Known for their striking foliage and colorful blooms, these plants are perfect for adding a touch of the tropics to desert landscapes and water features, or as stunning accents in containers.

Key Features of Canna Lilies

• Dramatic Foliage: With large, paddle-shaped leaves in shades of green, bronze, or variegated patterns, Canna Lilies create bold texture in garden beds and borders.
• Vibrant Blooms: From mid-summer to early fall, Cannas produce showy flowers in a range of colors—red, orange, yellow, pink, and multicolored varieties—adding vibrant contrast. Their blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies, enhancing pollinator appeal.
• Versatile Size Options: Varieties range from compact 2-foot types to towering 6-foot plants, providing options for different garden needs.

Growing and Care Tips

Adapted to full sun and partial shade, Canna Lilies thrive in Arizona’s warm, sunny climate with sufficient moisture. For best results:

• Soil: Plant in well-draining soil and keep moist, especially during dry periods.
• Water: Regular watering supports lush growth, especially in the summer heat.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage strong foliage and vibrant blooms.

Landscaping Uses

Canna Lilies are versatile plants for Arizona gardens. Their bold presence works well in:

• Tropical-Themed Gardens: Canna Lilies’ large leaves and bright blooms enhance a lush, tropical atmosphere.
• Borders and Walkways: Their height and color make them ideal for mass plantings along pathways or in mixed borders.
• Containers: As a focal point in large pots, they create striking visuals on patios or terraces.

Summary

Canna Lilies are an excellent choice for Arizona landscapes, offering year-round interest and tropical charm. With their ease of care, striking colors, and pollinator appeal, they are a favorite among gardeners looking to add vibrant color and texture to their outdoor spaces.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Canna Lily - Orange, Red, and Yellow

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal blooming, but they can tolerate some afternoon shade in hotter temperatures)
• Soil: Well-drained, rich, loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 1.5-2 feet apart for a dense appearance and optimal growth
• Planting Depth: Plant rhizomes 2-3 inches deep, ensuring the top of the rhizome is just below the surface
• Support: No staking required; Canna Lilies naturally grow upright with large, vibrant flowers

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Canna Lilies are considered established after 2-3 months when the rhizomes have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure that water reaches the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for even watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant, adjust as the plants mature
• Adjusting Frequency: In the summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days to keep the plants hydrated during high heat. In winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks or adjust based on rainfall

General Watering Tips for Candelilla & Canna Lilies (Orange, Red, and Yellow):

• Soil Check: Always check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches feel dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: These plants prefer well-drained soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage and avoid standing water.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds, but avoid placing mulch directly against the plant’s base.