Canna Lily
Canna indica
Family: Cannaceae · Also called Indian Shot, Canna, Arrowroot, Canna porteana, Canna laeta, Canna rendatleri
Heady & Exotic · Summer–Autumn bloomer
The canna lily brings the tropics to temperate gardens, enormous paddle-shaped leaves in green, bronze, or striped purple frame clusters of orchid-like flowers in blazing reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks. Growing 4-8 feet tall in a single season, they create instant jungle drama wherever they're planted.
glory, confidence, beauty
In the Victorian language of flowers, canna lily means “Confidence and glory”. Cannas were cultivated by pre-Columbian peoples as a starch crop, the rhizomes are still eaten in parts of the Andes and Southeast Asia. The seeds are so hard and uniform they were used as shot pellets (the name 'Canna' may derive from Celtic 'cana,' meaning reed) and as rosary beads.
Did You Know?
Canna seeds are so hard they've been found viable after 600 years. The plant can be grown as a water plant (they thrive in shallow ponds), a biofuel crop, and even a wastewater treatment system, their fast-growing rhizomes absorb heavy metals and purify water. Indian Canna starch is used to make transparent noodles.
Marshy areas, riverbanks, and open tropical forests from Mexico to Argentina
Canna Lily is native to Tropical Americas. It naturally grows in marshy areas, riverbanks, and open tropical forests from mexico to argentina.
Scent Profile
“Nearly scentless, cannas compensate with outrageous visual drama rather than fragrance. What you notice is the lush, tropical atmosphere they create, not any particular perfume.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameCanna indica
- FamilyCannaceae
- Native ToTropical Americas
- Bloom SeasonSummer–Autumn
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Cannas were cultivated by pre-Columbian peoples as a starch crop, the rhizomes are still eaten in parts of the Andes and Southeast Asia. The seeds are so hard and uniform they were used as shot pellets (the name 'Canna' may derive from Celtic 'cana,' meaning reed) and as rosary beads.