by Cheryl Harrison, Master Gardener

Canna lily (Canna X generalis) is an herbaceous perennial. This means that Cannas will die back over winter and regrow from the root in spring.  However, in our zone 5 area, it is too cold for the Canna’s underground rhizome to survive and regrow the following spring.  What to do?

Cannas may grow to be very large (that is, up to 6 feet tall). They may be used as a mass planting, at the back or center of a border or flower bed, and in pots as the “thriller”.  They have large colourful blooms and large leaves that appear almost tropical. The foliage and flower colour vary depending on the cultivar.  Even the seed pods are interesting.

Cannas prefer full sun but will still do well in part shade.  They will bloom all summer.  They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil which contains lots of organic matter. 

I used a bright orange Canna in a large pot this year on our deck.  It was quite striking against our pale gray house…..definitely worth saving for next year!

I have been emptying pots over the last week or so and decided it was time to tackle the Canna.  It is best to do this after the first frost.  Up until the first frost, the plant is still growing and putting energy into the roots.  As mentioned, Cannas may grow quite large. Mine was about 60 cm (2 ft) tall. 

I thought that it would be a difficult task to remove the Canna and prepare it for winter storage. I was happily surprised to find it an easy task. Gently remove the Canna from the pot using a garden trowel to loosen it first. Grasp the stem and lift the entire plant, with root attached, out of the pot. The Canna has a fibrous rhizome which may then be divided into individual stems. Do not wash the rhizomes but do gently remove as much soil as possible. Allow the rhizomes to airdry for a few days. The Canna rhizomes may then be stored in peat or vermiculite in a cool dry space.  

You may also leave your Canna in its pot, cut back the foliage and store the pot in a cool, above freezing, spot over the winter.  I do not have a cool space where I can store potted plants so I chose to store just the rhizomes.

Next spring, after all danger of frost has past, repot or plant your Canna rhizomes. You will be thrilled to see that your beautiful Canna survived the winter and is soon ready to start blooming again for another season.

For more information on overwintering Cannas and other plants, please check out the links below.

Overwintering Plants: What is Overwintering

Overwintering Plants in Containers