Expert: Long Island Gardener - 5/18/2007

Question
I live in a Zone 4. A friend gave me a bunch of Cana Lillie Bulbs last year.  That friend is  no longer here and I don't know if I should plant them in the Sun or Shade, and should I fertilize when I plant them and can I plant them next to Peonies, are their food and water requirements the same?

Answer
Take a deep breath, Anita!  Cannas are EASY as 1-2-3.

Let's take a look at the University of Arizona Yuma County Cooperative Extension website page on Cannas:

http://ag.arizona.edu/yuma/horticulture/moody_garden/garden_plant/canna_lily_can...

Yes, Cannas need full sun.  Yes, they can be watered and fertilized like Peonies.  But don't plant them too close to Peony roots -- Peonies might not like the competition.  Keep them a healthy distance, and remember you don't want to get too close just to keep from damaging the Peony roots when you do plant your Cannas.

Plant them 5 inches deep.  Good loam is preferably, but Arizona says you can put them in 'ordinary' soil.  I disagree; less is not more where perennials are concerned.  Enrich your soil with Manure, Humus, Bone Meal, Leaves, Grass, Compost, Starbucks Coffee and everything else you can get your hands on.  Your soil will have plenty to show for it.

See how easy that was?

Nothing to it.

Keep me posted.  Thanks for writing.