Cannas are back – and beautiful

By Hugh G. EARNHART

OSU Ext. master gardener volunteer

CANFIELD

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cannas were so overused for mass planting and the colors were so garish that they lost interest among gardeners.

About the only place they were used was around formal beds of public buildings or in dreary city parks.

Since World War II, hybridizers have taken pollen from several varieties, crossed them, planted the seeds and given birth to the new cannas that have blooms that resemble butterfly clusters and have sparkling colors.

The spectacular flowers are colors of red, watermelon, yellow, coral, pink and cream. The leaves are bright green and feathered with cream, yellow or red-brownish edging that looks like a banana leaf and give a feeling of being on the coast of somewhere beautiful.

Some have stems that reach 6 to 8 feet toward the sky. Others are dwarf-sized plants that have a height of 18 to 30 inches, beautifying the smallest gardens or condo patios.

As cannas are native to the tropics, they should not be planted in this area until all danger of frost is over. They do best in moist but well-drained soil and away from strong winds. The winds can shred their leaves and ruin the tropical look.

They are vigorous growers and have a titanic appetite for nourishment – so feed them well.

When planting, dig the site twice the size of the rhizomes, mix in some well-rotted cow manure, peat moss, a half-cup of 5-10-5 fertilizer, and a handful of kelp. Mix thoroughly and plant the rhizomes just below the surface about 12 to 18 inches apart. Water and fertilize every two weeks to delight the DNA of the plant.

If you plant in a container, use a mixture of one part peat moss, one part potting mix, one part sand, a spoon of lime, some 5-10-5 fertilizer and kelp.

Full sun and water will cause the cannas to bloom all summer, making your garden the envy of the neighborhood. Deadheading will keep the plant neat, clean and handsome.

Cannas can have pest and virus problems, however. The corn ear worm, Japanese beetles and rose weevil have an appetite for the plant. A dusting of rotenone will usually do the trick. The cannas virus is spread usually by aphids. There are five viruses that researchers have identified. These viruses are in the plant and associated with distorted growth and streaks or spots on the foliage.

Destroy the entire plant in the trash if you discover the presence of the virus. The virus is not in the soil so you can plant in the same area again.

Deer walk on by cannas. Hummingbirds love them.

To see photos and lists of varieties of cannas, go to http://go.osu.edu/canna .