Canna Lily (Canna x generalis)

'Cannova Bronze Orange' and other varieties

Last updated: August 3, 2025

Care Sheet List

Canna 'Cannova Bronze Orange' is a stunning tropical plant known for its vibrant bronze-red foliage and bright orange flowers. It brings a bold, exotic feel to any garden or patio. While typically grown outdoors, in colder climates it's treated as an annual or the rhizomes are dug up for winter storage.

Lighting

Canna 'Cannova Bronze Orange' thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sun it gets, the more vibrant its foliage and blooms will be. It can tolerate partial sun (4-6 hours of direct sun), but flowering may be less prolific, and the bronze color of the leaves might be less intense.

Watering Routine

Cannas are thirsty plants and prefer consistently moist soil, especially during their active growing and blooming season (typically summer).

• For Plants in Flower Beds: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells or hot weather. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Depending on your climate and soil type, this might mean watering every 1-3 days during peak summer.
• For Potted Plants: Potted plants dry out much faster than those in the ground. You will likely need to water your potted Canna daily, especially on hot, sunny days. Check the soil moisture frequently by sticking your finger about an inch or two into the soil. Water until you see it draining from the bottom of the pot. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage.

Fertilizer Requirements

Cannas are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization to support their vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

• Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced all-purpose granular fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5 or 10-10-10) or a liquid fertilizer formulated for flowering plants.
• Commercial Recommendation: For granular, Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Flower & Vegetable is a good slow-release option. For liquid, Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All-Purpose Plant Food is readily available and effective. When using liquid commercial concentrates, aim for a "Moderate to Heavy Feeding" rate, achieving approximately 100-200 ppm N in your final solution.
• DIY Fertilizer Suggestion: For robust growth and abundant blooms, use your homemade 1-2-1 liquid fertilizer concentrate (High Phosphorus) or a balanced 1-1-1 liquid fertilizer concentrate.
  • For 1-2-1 concentrate (10,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Heavy Feeding" rate, using 15 ml to 20 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~150-200 ppm N). See recipe details.
  • For 1-1-1 concentrate (10,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Heavy Feeding" rate, using 20 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~200 ppm N). See recipe details.
• Schedule:
• In Flower Beds: Incorporate a slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil at planting time. For continuous feeding, you can apply a liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season, or top-dress with a granular fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, following product instructions.
• For Potted Plants: Fertilize more frequently, as nutrients leach out of pots faster. Apply a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, or use a slow-release granular fertilizer mixed into the potting mix at planting time (which may last for several months).

Misting Requirements

Misting is not generally required nor beneficial for outdoor cannas. They prefer to get their moisture through their roots. High humidity from the surrounding environment is usually sufficient if needed, but direct misting does little for the plant's overall hydration or health.

Pot Size and Soil Type

• Pot Size (for Potted Plants): Cannas grow large, even the 'Cannova' series which is more compact. Choose a pot that is at least 15-20 inches (38-50 cm) in diameter for a single mature plant to allow for adequate root growth and to prevent it from becoming top-heavy. Larger pots are always better for cannas if space allows. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage holes.
• Soil Type: Cannas prefer rich, well-draining soil that retains some moisture.
• For Flower Beds: Amend your garden soil with plenty of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure before planting. This improves drainage in heavy clay soils and water retention in sandy soils.
• For Potted Plants: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix that is designed for containers. You can enhance drainage and aeration by mixing in some perlite or coarse sand (around 10-20% of the total volume). Avoid heavy, dense potting soils that can become waterlogged.

Winter Care (Important for Non-Tropical Climates)

Canna 'Cannova Bronze Orange' is typically hardy in USDA Zones 7-10.

• In Zones 7-10: In milder climates, the rhizomes can often be left in the ground. Apply a thick layer of mulch (4-6 inches) over the planting area in late fall to provide insulation.
• In Zones 6 and Colder: Cannas are typically grown as annuals or their rhizomes (underground stems) need to be dug up and stored indoors for the winter.
1. After the first frost (when foliage turns brown), cut the stems back to about 4-6 inches above the ground.
2. Carefully dig up the rhizomes, being gentle to avoid damage.
3. Brush off excess soil (do not wash).
4. Allow them to dry in a cool, airy place for a few days until the outer skin is dry to the touch.
5. Store them in a cool (40-50°F / 4-10°C), dark, and dry location in a breathable material like peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust. Check periodically for rot or shriveling.
6. Replant them outdoors after the danger of the last frost has passed in spring.

Deadheading

To encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance, deadhead spent flowers by snipping off the individual faded blooms. Once an entire flower stalk has finished blooming, you can cut it down to the ground to allow new stalks to emerge.

By following these guidelines, your Canna 'Cannova Bronze Orange' will provide a spectacular display of color and tropical flair throughout the summer!