Canna The President Bare Roots - Lifestyle Exotic Plants

Planting in borders and containers

Move the plants to a cool greenhouse in mid-April and gradually harden off before planting out at the end of May (or when the last frosts have past). 

Plant about 75cm (30in) apart, 10cm (4in) deep. In borders, choose a sheltered, sunny spot and soil that has been improved by digging in well-rotted manure or garden 

If growing in containers, use one at least 30cm (1ft) wide. Fill with a John Innes No. 3 loam-based compost and add a controlled-release fertiliser. Plant the rhizomes at the same depth as in borders (see above).

Aftercare

To help keep your cannas healthy;

• Water freely in dry spells
• Apply a liquid fertiliser in midsummer
• Deadhead to encourage continued flowering
• Little pruning or training is needed. Just stake clumps in exposed positions
• When a flower spike has no more buds, prune it down to the next side shoot where a secondary flower spike should develop
• Under glass, grow in full light but shade from hot sun. If temperatures are maintained above 10°C (50°F) cannas will remain in growth all winter and flower occasionally

Overwintering

In mild areas: Plants can be left outside all year in a sunny, sheltered position. However, apply a 15cm (6in) deep layer of 

mulch in winter and be prepared that there may be losses in very cold or wet winters.

In colder areas: Pot-grown specimens can simply be moved into a frost-free place. 

Water canna

In summer, water cannas (often bred from Canna glauca) can be placed in containers in ponds with no more than 15cm (6in) of water over the roots. They are also suitable for well-watered borders or conservatories where potted plants can be stood in deep saucers of water.

Before autumn frosts, bring plants from outdoors into a frost-free greenhouse or a room or building with glass walls and roof, where plants that need frost-free or warm conditions may be grown. conservatory. Keep the Pots are plastic, metal, ceramic (incl. terracotta) or biodegradable containers with drainage holes in their base. They range in diameter typically from 5-90cm (2in-3ft), but 7.5-15cm (3-5in) are most commonly used for growing on plants and sowing seeds (although seed trays and seed pans (short pots) are also used for seed) pots moist but not saturated. In April, increase temperatures and plant the sprouted plants out in late May when the risk of frost has passed.