Canna lilies are one of the most popular tropical flowers that people grow in their yards these days. It’s easy to see why. Their big leaves look like bananas, and their bright flowers come in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and more. One especially stunning canna series is Canna Cannova. But will Canna Cannova come back? Let’s look more closely at what makes this canna series unique.
An Overview of Canna Cannova
Some important things about Canna Cannova are that it is not a single variety but a group of cultivars that were created by Takii Seed Company and first came out around 2015.
- Large, showy blooms in various colors like red, orange, yellow, pink and bicolor
- Robust growth habit and extensive branching
- Unique large leaves in green, bronze, variegated or black
- Early flowering and long bloom duration
- Compact, upright plant shape
- Excellent performance in hot climates
There are around 10 different named Canna Cannova varieties currently available. This canna series was created to offer enhanced aesthetics, flowering and durability compared to older cannas.
Are Canna Cannova Perennials?
Cannas are herbaceous perennials in tropical and subtropical climates. However, in temperate zones with cold winters, they behave as tender perennials or annuals. So are Canna Cannova perennials?
The Canna Cannova varieties are tender perennials, like their canna relatives. They lack the cold hardiness to survive freezing winter temperatures. Gardeners in zones 8 and warmer can grow Canna Cannova as perennials. Those in cooler climates must treat them as annuals and replant each spring.
Growing Canna Cannova as Annuals vs. Perennials
Growing Canna Cannova as annuals or perennials involves slightly different care:
As Annuals
In cold winter climates, start cannas indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant them out after temperatures have warmed in late spring. Site them in full sun in rich, moist soil. Fertilize regularly and water during droughts. Dig up the bulbs before the first fall frost and store them over winter in a dry, cool spot.
As Perennials
In frost-free climates, Canna Cannova can remain in the garden year-round. Plant in spring once the soil has warmed. Provide full sun, frequent watering and regular feeding. Cut plants back to the ground after frost damage. Mulch the roots to protect them from cold. New shoots will emerge when temperatures rise. Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years.
Tips for Growing Canna Cannova
Here are some top tips for getting the most out of Canna Cannova each season:
- Choose a site with full sun to light shade and shelter from wind
- Prepare a bed with rich, moist, well-draining soil
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart for growth
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist
- Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growth
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
- Dig and store bulbs in fall where not winter hardy
- Plant in groups or blocks of color for maximum impact
Choosing a Canna Cannova Variety
One of the best parts of the Canna Cannova series is the diversity of flower colors and foliage effects. Some top varieties include:
- Canna Cannova Bronze Scarlet – scarlet blooms with bronze leaves
- Canna Cannova Mango – peach and yellow bicolor flowers
- Canna Cannova Lemon – bright yellow blossoms
- Canna Cannova Red Shades – vivid red petals on bronze foliage
- Canna Cannova Tropicanna Black – scarlet blooms on nearly black leaves
- Canna Cannova Blaze – fiery orange-red flowers
- Canna Cannova Rose – rose pink flowers on green leaves
Visit your local garden center to see the Canna Cannova colors available in your area. This series offers a wide range of choices for designing vibrant canna beds, borders and containers.
Enjoying Canna Cannova in the Garden
Canna Cannova is a simple way to add a splash of tropical style to gardens in both warm and cold climates. These cannas will stand out in any sunny garden because of their lush leaves and bright blooms that don’t stop. Give them room to showcase their dramatic style. Place them as focal points, thriller elements, or in large groups for the most effect. Canna Cannova will give gardeners nonstop color from midsummer until the first frost in the fall with little care.
Canna Cannova may come back as perennials in places that don’t get frost, but gardeners in colder areas can enjoy them as annuals that grow quickly and don’t need much care. They do so well that having to replant them every year is worth it. If you like exotic, tropical style, you should check out the Canna Cannova series!
Five mistakes to Avoid When Planting and Growing Canna Lilies
FAQ
Do cannas come back every year?
Maybe this coming garden season will be different. Cannas are an impressive plant. A little extra care makes them come back every year, which is why I think they’re worth the money. And they grow to an impressive size with most cannas growing to between 3 and 5 feet in height.
Is a canna cannova a perennial or annual?
Cannas are flamboyant tender perennials that provide a strong ornamental interest and immediately give a touch of the tropics in the garden or containers. Impossibly exotic, they bloom prolifically from midsummer to the first frost. Easy to grow, they stand proud and bold – provided some basic rules are respected.
Can cannas be left in the ground over winter?
Cannas can spend the winter in the ground even in zone 6 during milder winters in places like these. Apr 7, 2018.
Is a canna an annual or a perennial?
Cannas are herbaceous perennials in tropical areas, but you can grow them as annuals almost anywhere as long as you give them enough water and sun. Cannas also come in a wide range of sizes, from container-friendly dwarf varieties to 6-foot-tall giants.