Canna indica (common names: Indian shot plant )

25 Sep, 2007

4 replies

Canna problem

I planted a Canna in the middle of a large pot, along with various annuals, back in May. I have fed and watered it but although it has grown about 18 inches and appears happy and healthy, it shows no sign of flowering - it's meant to be a shortish red one. I am very disappointed and wondered if there is still a chance it might surprise me? If not, what do I do with it over the winter, please? (It had a little friendly visitor but I don't think that's the reason for no flowers!)
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23 Oct, 2007

3 replies

My Canna - what now?

OK, so my Canna didn't flower, and now I need to replant the pot it's in. But my book says 'Lift the plant when the leaves have been frosted and repot'. But it hasn't been frosted, and is still green and healthy. Please would someone tell me what to do with it over winter - do I cut the leaves off before I repot it, or pot it as it is? What temperature and light does it like until next spring? I have a frost-free greenhouse if necessary. Thanks in advance!! :-) P.S. I got it out and here it is! It has several new shoots growing up.. Can these be split off?
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Comments on Canna indica

Maple

25 Sep, 2007

As far as I know Spritz it is unlikely to flower now as they need 6 hours of sun a day! Down here they are all starting to die back.
I might have found a reason for the non flowering of yours though!!
It might be an agricultural canna rather than a horticultural one!. They are grown for their rhizome which is full of starch and tend to be sterile.
Have a look at the Wikipedia entry on Cannas

26 Sep, 2007

Hi Maple - oh dear. I did hope it might still flower... it was bought at a reputable Garden Centre, so surely not an agricultural one from there? I suppose it might flower next year if I can overwinter it.

Andrewr

10 Oct, 2007

Did your canna come in a sealed pack with a picture on it? We had a couple from a local canna nursery giving a talk at our local Garden Club last night. He was critical of some outlets who sold cannas in this way because what was pictured on the pack bore no resemblence to what the rhizome in it was capable of producing. Probably more of a problem with the supplier than the Garden Centre itself.

10 Oct, 2007

No, it was in a smallish pot with a plant label - no name though. Next time I go over to the G.C. concerned, I intend to complain! I am very disappointed. It was not cheap!

Peter

25 Oct, 2007

Hi Spritz, I got a new book at the weekend! It says you should lift the plants in autumn, cut them down, and store the rhizomes in a peat-free compost in frost-free conditions. It doesn't mention the leaves being frosted. Hopefully someone else has experience :o)

25 Oct, 2007

Thanks Peter, I'll do just that. I guess I'd better leave the shoots alone, unless anyone knows different???

Maple

26 Oct, 2007

From my reading Spritz propagation is done by seed or rhizome only. But as you say someone may know different. Good luck with it though and let us know if it flowers next year!!

Asyaver

4 Jul, 2008

This is new in my garden. I ordered it as a Canna "Durban" which are meant to have incredibly multi-colored leaves. This seems a bit plain and I wonder if the nursery sent the wrong ones by mistake.

Blodyn

4 Jul, 2008

Perhaps the colour comes as the leaves age. ?
I would query it with the supplier. You should get what you paid for, and if they sent a substitute they should have told you.

Asyaver

4 Jul, 2008

I am really not sure...just emailed the nursery where I bought them.

Blodyn

4 Jul, 2008

I just added a bit to my comment but I think you've already done what I suggested lol : )

Marguerite

4 Jul, 2008

Lovely photo! Why don't you type in the name in google images and you will get plenty to compare with.