Cannas are a tropical genus of large, showy plants that are hardy in zone 8-10. In colder areas where they are not hardy they are
grown as a summer annual, with the roots being dug out and stored indoors over the winter months, then replanted the following spring.
The extensive hybridization of this genus has resulted in the many flower colors available today, ranging from red, yellow, cream, orange to pink.
Some varieties are also marked with contrasting colors, edges or spots. The flowers consist of small greenish petals and showy, petal-like
sterile stamens that are borne in terminal clusters and can reach up to 4 inches.
The tall, erect and sturdy plants can grow to 8 feet. Most have broad 18-25 inch medium green leaves, but can also have variegated
or purplish foliage. The newer dwarf cultivars usually grow to about 2 feet tall. Use canna in beds, borders or as accent plants.
In areas where not hardy, cannas should be dug up in the fall after the plant tops have been killed by the first frost. The tops should be
cut off and the roots dried for several hours in the sun. Remove them from the sun and place in a cool and dry location, for winter storage.
