The Canna Lily, also known as *Canna indica*, is a total showstopper in the garden. Its name actually comes from the West Indies in the Caribbean, where it was first discovered before making its way to Europe. Because of those tropical roots, these beauties are used to warm, balmy weather and aren’t naturally equipped to handle a chilly Central European or North American winter outdoors.
Only a few varieties can handle the cold
Technically, there are a few types of Canna, like *Canna lumbautum*, that can survive freezing temperatures in the garden. However, this usually only works if you live in a milder climate (think wine country or coastal zones). Even then, you’d need to pile on a thick layer of mulch to help them survive until spring. The catch? These cold-hardy varieties usually don’t produce those spectacular, vibrant flowers that Cannas are famous for.
Getting ready for winter
For most of us, the best bet is to overwinter the rhizomes indoors. You’ll want to dig them up in the fall, but timing is everything! Wait until the leaves turn yellow and start to wither. This is important because the foliage is busy sending energy down into the bulbs for their winter nap. Don’t rush to dig them up too early!
Storing and replanting your Canna bulbs
The ideal winter home for your Canna rhizomes is a cool spot in the house—aim for around 50°F (10°C). Store them in a container filled with sand or dry soil. Keep the soil dry; the bulbs need total dormancy to recharge, so definitely skip the watering and fertilizer during the winter months. Once the threat of night frost has passed—usually around mid-May after the “Ice Saints”—you can safely plant them back outside and get ready for another season of tropical vibes!
