Tropical Red Canna

- **Type**: Tropical herbaceous perennial (grown as an annual in cooler climates)

- **Height**: 18 to 30 inches (45 to 75 cm)

- **Width**: 15 to 18 inches (38 to 45 cm)

- **Growth Habit**: Compact, upright, bushy, dwarf form

- **Foliage**:

- Broad, lance-shaped leaves, 12 to 18 inches long (30 to 45 cm)

- Bright green with a satin-like sheen

- Evergreen in frost-free zones; dies back in cold winters

- **Flowers**:

- Large, single, fiery orange-red to scarlet blooms

- 3 to 4 inches across (8 to 10 cm)

- Bloom season: Midsummer to frost (July to October/November), potentially year-round in subtropical climates

- No significant fragrance, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

- **Light**: Full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering; tolerates partial shade

- **Soil**:

- Well-drained, rich in organic matter; tolerates moist to wet conditions

- Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0)

- **Watering**: Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soil, tolerates boggy areas

- **Hardiness**: USDA Zones 7 to 11 (0°F or -18°C; lift rhizomes in colder zones for winter storage)

- **Wildlife**: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds; not deer-resistant

- **Care**:

- Plant rhizomes 2-3 inches deep, 18 inches apart, in spring after last frost

- Fertilize with a balanced mix (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring and midsummer

- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage flowering; cut back to ground after frost in colder zones

- Store rhizomes in dry peat or sand at 45-50°F (7-10°C) over winter in zones below 7

- **Pests/Diseases**:

- Generally pest-resistant; may see canna leaf roller moth or slugs

- Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained, soggy soil

- **Uses**: Containers, borders, mass plantings, water gardens, or tropical accent

- **Growth Rate**: Fast; blooms in 90-100 days from seed or rhizome planting

- **Special Features**:

- Part of the Tropical series, bred for dwarf size and vibrant blooms from seed

- Heat and humidity tolerant, ideal for warm climates

- Rhizomes can be overwintered for perennial growth in colder regions

The Tropical Red Canna’s compact stature and bold red blooms make it a standout for adding a tropical punch to small gardens, containers, or wet areas, thriving in sun and heat with minimal fuss. Let me know if you’d like more care tips or planting ideas!