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Bulbs/Canna Lilies

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Expert: Long Island Gardener - 7/22/2007


Question
The flowering part of my canna lilies have all drooped and shriveled up.  The greenery still looks good.  What have I done wrong?  These are planted in my garden, not potted.

Answer
How has your weather been?  Lots of rain?

If so, could be your Cannas got too much water, and are fainting from a Fungus or bacterial infection.  You did not i.d. your location, but if this was the case, remove and dispose of any diseased tissue.  Keep dry and hope for the best.  Wash your hands before you touch any other plants;  you don't want to spread anything around.

Alternately, if this is a 'shriveling' that looks like the spathe has dried up and turned brown, you may be dealing with a case of too much heat/not enough water.  A very different problem.

Please describe more and we can look at the possible suspects.  Thanks for writing.

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.

Experience

Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.

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