Since Canna Lilies originally hail from the tropical Caribbean, they aren’t exactly fans of our chilly winters. If you don’t feel like digging up rhizomes every single fall, your best bet is to grow your Canna in containers. It makes life a whole lot easier!
Stick to Shorter Varieties
When you’re planting Canna in pots, picking the right variety is key. Some of these beauties can get massive, and their root systems need a ton of space to match. For container gardening, I recommend sticking with dwarf varieties that top out at around three feet (90 cm). Your pots (and your back) will thank you!
Timing is Everything
Technically, you can pot up Canna year-round, but spring is really the sweet spot. Starting them in the spring allows you to play the “in and out” game—letting them soak up the sun outside during the day and bringing them back in at night. Once the threat of frost has totally passed (usually mid-to-late May), they can stay outside for good.
Finding the Perfect Spot
To get those vibrant blooms, you need the right location. Cannas are sun-worshippers, so find a spot that’s bright and shielded from the wind. A south-facing balcony or patio is perfect. If you have a covered area, even better! Keeping the rain from hitting the flowers directly helps them stay in bloom much longer, often right through the fall.
A Few More Pro-Tips
To keep your container Canna happy and healthy, keep these basics in mind:
- Use clay or terracotta pots
- Ensure there is great drainage
- Use nutrient-rich potting soil
- Keep things hydrated
That last point is huge. Cannas are thirsty plants! Regular watering is a must. In fact, they’d much rather deal with “wet feet” (standing water) than drying out. This is especially true for container-grown plants, which dry out faster than those in the ground.
