Expert: Long Island Gardener - 6/20/2008

Question
QUESTION: I just got a beautiful canna lily as a gift & I do not want to plant it outside in the ground and have to dig it up in the fall. I am in the Cleveland, Ohio area (zone 6 I believe) and I have searched the internet & looked through several books & cannot seem to find out if I can pot my new plant. I have several tropical trees & a beautiful hibiscus tree that I keep in pots & bring outside in the summer. Will my cana lily also survive in a pot? If so, what do I need to know?
Thank you so much in advance. I cannot find any answers!

ANSWER: Cannas are quite hardy.  Some experts don't usually recommend you lift them unless Winters hit 10 degrees F below zero.  Others are more tender and can't endure the al fresco treatment unless you're in Zones 8 or warmer.

To plant, dig the $10 hole for the 10 cent roots, etc.  Cannas need moisture when in active growth, and the Soil has got to be serious Garden Soil for them to do well.  You can't just take a container of fertilizer and 'feed' them once a week.  They have to grow in rich, healthy loam, and they must be watered when dry.  Be sure to remove spent flowers when the Blooms are done.

This is NOT difficult.  Don't worry about it.  All told, this is an easy, basic landscape plant.  You may not be familiar with Cannas now, but next year, you'll feel like you've grown them your whole life.  They come in a LOT of colors, so if you want to add more, you have plenty to choose from.

Thanks for writing and your followup(s) is/are invited.

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for all the info, it really helped! I am still considering just potting the plant though. Could I bother you for some info if I decide to pot it rather than plant it in the ground? I am new to all of this & I greatly appreciate your expertise.


Answer
One of my favorite websites, 'Plant of the Week', ran a page on Cannas Culture that might prove fascinating reading:

www.plantoftheweek.org/week285.shtml

Your biggest challenge will be Winter care.  As the Plant of the Week authorities describe it, 'Plants in containers should be kept from freezing.  I store mine in the garage for the Winter.  In the greenhouse, plants are overwintered in the cool room at 48 degrees F ... until new growth starts in the Spring.'

Use good, rich garden Soil.  Don't over-fertilize or over-water in your attempt to give it excellent care.  That is the biggest downfall of most beginners.  Let Soil dry out -- almost.  This will allow Oxygen to reach roots, which keeps them healthy.

Any questions?

L.I.G.