Creating clumps of canna colour
BY LYNDA PAPESCH
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The canna or canna lily is a genus of 19 species of flowering plants in the Cannaceae family.
Related plant families include gingers, bananas, marantas, heliconias and strelitzias.
The name canna comes from the Celtic word for cane or reed.
Notable for large attractive foliage and vibrant flowers, it is easily grown in most areas, especially hot, sunny climates, so long as it receives a minimum of six hours' sun daily during summer.
Modern cannas come in a vibrant range of colours, including oranges, reds, yellows, as well as pale pinks and peaches.
Variegated varieties are also available.
The leaves, too, are visually attractive, ranging from pale green-grey to burgundy and variegated.
Cannas grow best in full sun with moderate water in well-drained rich or sandy soil, and thrive in compost-boosted beds.
Cannas can be planted outside in early spring after the last frost or started indoors and transferred after all danger of frost has passed. They look best grown in clumps or in pots.
Tips
Protect in winter with a thick layer of mulch.
To grow from seed, take a small nick out of the seed, soak overnight in water, then transfer to pots.
Divide clumps and replant in spring.
Don't overwater.
Remove dead foliage inwinter.
- The Marlborough Express
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