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Canna lilies are a showstopper in any garden. Their bright, exotic foliage and flowers bring a tropical flair to summer gardens. But did you know that there are a wide variety of Canna lilies?
This article will explore 30 unique Canna Lilies types- common and rare varieties.
From the vibrant reds of ‘Blood Red’ to the delicate whites of ‘White Swan,’ we’ll take an in-depth look at the most popular and unusual Canna Lily varieties available today. So if you’re looking for beautiful blooms that will add a splash of color to your garden.
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Canna Lily Plant Overview
Canna lilies are known for their large, tropical-looking leaves and showy, brightly colored flowers. They are commonly used as focal points in garden beds, borders, or container plants. They are relatively easy to grow and can be propagated from rhizomes or seeds.
| Common name | Canna lily, Indian Shot |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Canna spp. |
| Family | Cannaceae |
| Origin | Tropical America |
| Height | Can grow up to 6 ft tall |
| Leaves | Large, green, and tropical looking |
| Flowers | Showy, large, and brightly colored, can be orange, red, yellow, pink, and white |
| Fruit | capsules containing seeds |
| Season | Summer to fall |
| Climate | Warm, tropical, and subtropical, prefers full sun and warm temperatures |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, and moist, pH 6.0-7.0 |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering | Regular, but avoid water-logging |
| Propagation | Division of rhizomes or from seed. |
It’s important to note that Canna lilies are not frost-hardy, so they should be dug up and stored over winter in colder climates.
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30 Common And Rare Types Of Canna Lilies
The following are the most common and rare Canna Lily varieties:
1. Canna Lily Tropicanna Black
If you’re looking for a dramatic addition to your garden, look no further than the Canna Lily Tropicanna Black. As the name suggests, this variety features deep black foliage sure to make a statement. The Tropicanna Black also boasts large, vibrant flowers in shades of orange and red.
While this variety is not as common as some of the other cannas, it is undoubtedly worth seeking out if you’re looking to add some drama to your garden.
This variety is heat and humidity-tolerant and will thrive in full sun or partial shade. Canna lilies are low-maintenance and fast-growing, so you won’t have to wait long to reap the rewards of your gardening efforts.
2. Canna Lily Brilliant
The Canna Lily Brilliant is one of the most popular varieties of Canna Lily. It is a beautiful plant that is known for its large, showy flowers. The Canna Lily Brilliant is a great addition to any garden, and it is sure to make a statement. The foliage of the Canna Lily Brilliant is deep green and lush, giving it an exotic look.
The leaves are large and spear-shaped, growing up to 12 inches long. The flowers are bright orange with yellow centers and appear in clusters on tall stems. This variety blooms from early summer to fall and can reach heights of up to 5 feet.
The Canna Lily Brilliant is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. It needs well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Water regularly during the summer months, but let the soil dry out between watering.
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3. Canna Lily Cleopatra
Canna Lily Cleopatra is a hybrid canna lily that was created by crossing Canna indica and Canna flaccida. This variety of canna lily is known for its large, showy flowers that are mostly yellow with red streaks running through them. The flowers of this plant can reach up to 8 inches in diameter and are borne on stems that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
The foliage of Canna Lily Cleopatra is dark green and somewhat glossy. This variety of canna lily is best suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10. Canna Lily Cleopatra is popular for gardeners due to its large and showy flowers and lush foliage.
This canna lily prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade in hot climates. It should be planted in fertile, moist soil that is well-drained. Canna Lily Cleopatra is relatively drought tolerant once established. It can be propagated from divisions of the rhizomes or seeds.
4. Canna Lily City of Portland
The Canna Lily City of Portland is a variety of canna lily that is known for its ability to thrive in urban environments. This variety is native to Brazil and was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s.
The City of Portland was the first city to plant this variety of canna lily, and it has become a symbol of the city. The flowers of this variety are orange, red, or yellow, and they bloom from summer through fall. The City of Portland Canna Lily is a vigorous grower and can reach heights of 6–8 feet.
5. Canna Lily Ambassadour
The Canna Lily Ambassadour is a variety of canna lily that is known for its ability to thrive in a wide range of climates. It is a popular choice for gardeners who want a plant that will add color and interest to their landscape without requiring a lot of maintenance.
The Canna Lily Ambassadour is also known for being drought tolerant and resistant to pests and disease.
6. Canna Lily Apricot Dream
This variety of Canna Lily features beautiful blooms in shades of apricot, peach, and cream. The Apricot Dream is a vigorous grower and is sure to add some serious wow factor to your garden. This Canna Lily is easy to grow, heat tolerant, and blooms from summer through fall.
It grows anywhere from 3 to 4 feet tall, making it a great choice for borders or as a stand-alone plant. Plant in full sun and you will be rewarded with an abundance of stunning blooms throughout the growing season.
7. Canna Lily Picasso
The Canna Lily Picasso is a hybrid variety of plants that is known for its unique and beautiful blooms. The flowers of this plant are a deep pink color with streaks of white running through them. The Picasso is one of the most popular varieties of the Canna Lily and is loved by gardeners all over the world.
Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season for the best results. This tropical beauty is perfect for adding a bold splash of color to any garden or landscape design.
8. Canna Lily Firebird
As its name suggests, the Canna Lily Firebird has stunning red and orange flowers that resemble a bird in flight. This variety is a hybrid of two other cannas, the Canna Indica and the Canna Glauca.
It grows to about 4 feet tall and has large, glossy leaves. The flowers bloom from late summer to fall and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
9. Canna Lily Phasion
One of the most common Canna Lily varieties is the Canna Lily Phasion, which is characterized by its large, showy flowers and thick, fleshy leaves. Canna Lily Phasion is a show-stopper in every sense; its foliage color of orange with stripes of green makes it a beauty to behold.
This variety is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa and can reach up to six feet in height. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is relatively easy to care for.
10. Canna Lily Pink Magic
The Canna Lily Pink Magic is a beautiful pink lily that is perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden. This lily blooms in the summer and can reach up to six feet tall. The Pink Magic lily is a hybrid lily that was created by crossing the Canna indica and the Canna flaccida.
This lily is resistant to pests and diseases, making it a great choice for gardeners who want to add a bit of color to their gardens without having to worry about maintenance.
11. Canna Lily Pretoria
The Canna Lily Pretoria is a great choice if you’re looking for a show-stopping plant. With its dramatic foliage and tall, stately flowers, it’s certain to add a touch of elegance to any garden. The Pretoria variety is one of the most popular, with its orange flowers and dark green leaves.
It’s a vigorous grower and can reach heights of up to 6 feet, so make sure you have plenty of space in your garden before planting.
12. Canna Lily Erebus
Canna Lily Erebus is one of the most popular and well-known canna lily varieties. It is loved for its beautiful, large flowers that come in various colors including orange, yellow, red, and pink.
The foliage is also impressive, with large leaves often variegated with stripes or patterns. Erebus is a fairly easy-to-care-for plant that will tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
13. Canna Lily Yellow King Humbert
The Canna Lily Yellow King Humbert is a beautiful, rare type of Canna Lily. It is thought to be a cross between the Canna Indica and the Canna flaccida. The flowers are a deep yellow color with orange streaks running through them.
The petals are slightly ruffled and have a light, sweet fragrance. The plant grows to be about 3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide. It’s a low-maintenance plant so it’s a great choice for beginners.
14. Canna Lily President
If you want to add a touch of the tropics to your garden, then consider planting a Canna Lily President. Canna Lily President is native to warm climates and their large, colorful flowers add a dramatic flair to any landscape.
President is a popular Canna Lily variety that is known for its showy, red flowers. This variety grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. The president can reach up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide at maturity.
Canna Lily President is a relatively low-maintenance plant and is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, they can be affected by root rot if they are grown in poorly drained soils.
15. Canna Lily Tropicanna Gold
Tropicana Gold is one of the most popular varieties of canna lily. It is a hybrid of C. indica and C. Chinensis and was developed in the 1970s. The plant grows to a height of 6–8 feet and has large, orange-yellow flowers with red streaks.
The foliage is green with yellow stripes. Tropicana Gold is an evergreen in frost-free areas but will die back to the ground in colder climates.
16. Canna Lily Purpurea
The Canna Lily Purpurea is known for its large, purple flowers. The flowers of this variety are typically 6-8 inches in diameter and have a light fragrance. Canna Lily Purpurea is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes due to its showy flowers and attractive foliage.
The leaves of this variety are dark green and have a slightly textured surface. Canna Lily Purpurea is a fast-growing plant and can reach heights of 6-10 feet in just a few months.
17. Canna Lily Golden Lucifer
Golden Lucifer is perhaps the most distinctive of all the Canna Lily varieties. Its large, deep golden flowers are streaked with crimson, and its tall stalks can reach up to 6 feet in height.
Even among canna lilies, Golden Lucifer is a real standout. Its flowers can be plucked and kept in a water jar to enhance the interior outlook of your home.
18. Canna Lily Wyoming
Canna Lily Wyoming is one of the most popular varieties of canna lily. It is known for its large, orange flowers and ability to thrive in various climatic conditions.
This variety is also relatively disease-resistant, making it a good choice for those new to growing canna lilies. To keep the plants looking their best, deadhead spent flowers and remove any yellow or faded leaves.
19. Canna Lily Ehemanii
The Canna Lily Ehemanii is native to South America. It is named after a director at a Botanical Garden in Vienna during the early 1800s. This Canna Lily variety can grow up to 6 feet tall.
The leaves of this variety of canna lily are dark green and have a bronze tint to them. The flowers of the Canna Lily Ehemanii are yellow and they bloom from June to August.
20. Canna Lily Coccinea
Canna Lily Coccinea is native to South America and it’s a tropical plant that grows in the rainforests of Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. The plant has large, showy red, orange, or yellow flowers. The plant leaves are also very large and have a greenish-yellow color. You can use this showy variety to create a garden theme.
21. Canna Compacta
Canna Compacta is a species of flowering plant in the family Cannaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, from Paraguay and northern Argentina north to Panama. It is a herbaceous perennial growing to 1–2 m tall, with lanceolate leaves 20–40 cm long and 5–7 cm wide.
The flowers are yellow or orange, 3–5 cm in diameter. The Canna Compact is a rare variety so they may be expensive in your region.
22. Canna Flaccida or Water Canna
Water Canna (Canna flaccida) is a perennial plant that grows in wetland areas. It has long, narrow leaves and produces small, yellow flowers. The plant is native to the Americas and is found in many parts of the United States, including Florida and Louisiana. Water canna is a popular landscaping plant and is often used to control erosion in wetlands.
23. Canna Glauca
Canna Glauca, also known as the grey canna lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cannaceae. It is native to South America, where it is found in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. The grey canna lily grows to a height of 2–3 m with dark green leaves that are 20–30 cm long and 10–15 cm wide. The flowers are yellow or orange and appear in summer.
24. Canna Iridiflora
Looking to add some variety to your garden? Canna Iridiflora, also known as the African iris, is a beautiful and unique option. This flowering plant is native to tropical Africa and grows best in warm, humid climates.
While it can be tricky to find in nurseries, it’s well worth the effort – the flowers are truly stunning, with their deep purple or blue petals and yellow throats.
Canna Iridiflora is a bit of a diva when it comes to caring, so make sure you give it plenty of attention if you decide to add it to your garden. But if you’re up for the challenge, this lovely plant will add some wow factor to your outdoor space!
25. Canna Jaegeriana
Canna Jaegeriana is a species of flowering plant in the family Cannaceae, native to Mexico and Central America. It is a herbaceous perennial growing to 1.5 m (5 ft) tall, with large, strap-shaped leaves and yellow flowers with orange streaks. The Canna Jaegeriana is rare but its spectacular colors are worth every dime.
26. Canna Patens
The Canna Patens, also known as the Painted Leaf Canna, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cannaceae. It is native to Central and South America, from Mexico to Peru. The plants grow to 1-2 m tall and have large, green leaves with yellow or orange stripes. The flowers are red, orange, or yellow and appear in summer.
27. Canna Paniculata
Native to Brazil, Canna Paniculata is a species of flowering plant in the family Cannaceae. It is a herbaceous perennial that grows to 1–3 m tall, with large, pleated leaves and yellow flowers. The seeds are black and shiny and are dispersed by wind and water.
This species is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including poor soils, full sun, and partial shade. It does best in moist soils with good drainage.
28. Canna Speciosa
Canna Speciosa is a perennial plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It has large, bright green leaves and blooms from late spring to early summer. The flowers are typically orange or yellow, but they can also be red or pink.
This variety of canna lily is very popular in the south of France, where it’s often used as a decorative plant in public parks and gardens.
If you’re thinking about adding some canna lilies to your garden, then Canna Speciosa is a great choice. They’re easy to care for and they add a splash of color that will brighten up any space.
29. Canna Lily Indian Shot
The Canna Lily Indian Shot is a beautiful flower that is native to India. It has long, thin leaves that are green in color and its flowers are red. This flower is known for its beauty and its ability to attract bees and other pollinators.
30. Canna Tuerckheimii
Canna Tuerckheimii is a striking plant that makes a bold statement in any garden. The large, lanceolate leaves are a deep green, and the flowers are a vibrant yellow or orange with red markings.
This tropical plant is native to Ecuador and grows best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist soil and will tolerate some flooding.
Canna Tuerckheimii blooms from summer to fall and is an excellent choice for adding color and drama to your landscape. The plant grows to 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) tall, with lanceolate leaves up to 1 m (3.3 ft) long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular varieties of Canna lily?
Some popular Canna lily varieties include Canna indica, known for its large, red or orange flowers and tropical-looking leaves. Canna x generalis ‘Phasion’ which is known for its large, yellow flowers and long, green leaves, Canna ‘Tropicanna’, known for its striking foliage that is variegated with shades of dark green, bronze, and red, and Canna ‘Durban’, known for its bright orange flowers and green leaves.
How do I care for my Canna indica?
Canna indica prefers full sun and warm temperatures, well-drained soil, and regular watering. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and to fertilize regularly to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to thrive. Canna indica can be sensitive to changes in temperature and lighting, so it’s important to keep an eye on it and make adjustments as necessary.
Can Canna x generalis ‘Phasion’ be grown in pots?
Yes, Canna x generalis ‘Phasion’ can be grown in pots, it is a great option for patio or balcony gardening. It’s important to provide a large pot with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix. Keep in mind that the plant may need to be divided and repotted every few years as it grows.
What are the ideal temperature and humidity levels for Canna ‘Tropicanna’?
Canna ‘Tropicanna’ prefers warm temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C – 29°C), and high humidity levels of around 60-70%. It is important to keep the plant in a location where it can be protected from drafts and sudden temperature changes.
How can I propagate my Canna ‘Durban’?
Canna ‘Durban’ can be propagated by the division of rhizomes. In the spring or summer, carefully dig up the plant, divide the rhizomes, and replant them in separate pots. It is also possible to propagate Canna ‘Durban’ from seed, but this method is less common. It’s also important to note that it’s better to propagate Canna lilies in spring when the rhizomes are actively growing.
Final Note
Now that you know about the different types of canna lilies, it’s time to choose the right one for your garden. Consider the climate, soil type, and sunlight availability in your area before deciding.
Once you’ve selected a variety, be sure to plant it in a sunny spot and water it regularly. With a little care, your canna lily will thrive and bring beauty to your landscape all season long!
