Contents
Description
Cannaceae is a family of tropical and subtropical plants, commonly known as canna lilies or simply cannas. These plants are known for their colorful flowers and foliage, making them a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. Cannas are native to South and Central America, but they are also found in Asia, Africa, and Australia. The family consists of 10 genera and around 160 species.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Cannaceae |
| Genus | Canna, Achira, Costus, Dimerocostus, Elettaria, Globba, Hedychium, Kaempferia, Roscoea, Stahlianthus |
Appearance
Cannas are herbaceous perennial plants that can grow up to 6 feet tall. They have large, paddle-shaped leaves that are often variegated with green, yellow, or red. The flowers of cannas are borne on tall stalks and come in a range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. The flowers are often large and showy, with some cultivars having blooms up to 8 inches across. Cannas can be grown as standalone plants or in groups to create a dramatic effect.
Care Guide
Cannas are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for keeping your cannas healthy:- Water: Cannas prefer moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.- Fertilization: Cannas benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Apply every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Cannas prefer rich, fertile soil that is slightly acidic. Add compost or other organic matter to improve soil quality.- Sunlight: Cannas prefer full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but they may not flower as well.- Hardiness Zones: Cannas are hardy in zones 7-10. In colder climates, they can be grown as annuals or dug up and stored for the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cannas are relatively pest and disease-resistant, but they can be susceptible to certain issues. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:- Canna leaf roller: This pest can cause damage to the leaves of the plant, but it is rarely serious.- Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow or orange spots on the leaves of the plant. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly-draining soil can lead to root rot. Improve drainage and reduce watering to prevent this issue.
Habitat
Cannas are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including South and Central America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They grow in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands. Cannas are often found near water, such as rivers and ponds.
Question and Answer
Q: Can cannas be grown in containers?
A: Yes, cannas can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant and has good drainage.Q: Do cannas need to be divided?
A: Yes, cannas should be divided every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain plant health.Q: Can cannas be grown from seed?
A: Yes, cannas can be grown from seed, but they may not come true to the parent plant. It is usually best to propagate cannas by division.Q: Do cannas attract hummingbirds?
A: Yes, cannas are attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Related Plants
– Zingiberaceae (ginger family)- Musaceae (banana family)- Heliconiaceae (heliconia family)- Strelitziaceae (bird-of-paradise family)
References
– “Cannaceae.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=251463&isprofile=0&- “Canna.” Clemson Cooperative Extension. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/canna/- “Cannas.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/6509/canna/details
