If you’ve fallen in love with the stunning blooms of your Canna Lilies, you’ve probably wondered how to get more of them in your garden. Luckily, propagating these beauties is totally doable! While there are a few ways to go about it, dividing the rhizomes is by far the easiest method and gives you the best chance of success.
Keep Things Fresh with Regular Division
Canna Lilies (also known as Indian Shot) put a ton of energy into those spectacular flowers. Over time, older plants can start to lose their steam. Think of dividing the rhizomes as a little “rejuvenation treatment”—the individual pieces often grow much more vigorously the following season than the original massive clump would have. To keep your garden looking its best, I recommend dividing your Cannas every two to three years.
Timing is Everything: Wait for Spring
To help your plants overwinter successfully, the rhizomes need a period of total dormancy. While they’re tucked away in sand or dry soil for the winter, you shouldn’t water or fertilize them at all. Wait until spring rolls around to start dividing; you want to do this right before you’re ready to plant them back out in the garden or into containers.
How to Divide Like a Pro
When you’re ready to start cutting and planting, here’s the best way to do it:
- Clean and disinfect your spade or garden knife first (this prevents any nasty plant diseases from spreading).
- Cut the rhizomes into sections, making sure each piece has no more than three “eyes” (those little growth bumps).
- Plant the sections in nutrient-rich, well-aerated soil.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Choosing the right location is key to getting those big, tropical leaves and bright flowers. Cannas love a spot that’s soaking up the sun and protected from harsh winds. If your soil is a bit thin, mix in some compost and keep up with a regular fertilizing schedule. Most importantly, stay on top of watering, especially while the new plants are getting established. Cannas are thirsty plants—they actually handle “wet feet” much better than they handle drying out!
