Canna Lilies

Canna 'Mixed Colours' brings a bold, tropical feel to summer planting, with a cheerful mix of yellow, orange, red and coral tones flowers held above lush, paddle-like foliage. It’s perfect for patio pots and sunny borders where you want instant impact from midsummer into autumn. Their broad leaves also add a strong, architectural texture even before the first flowers open.

Fast-growing and dramatic, cannas create height and structure in mixed planting, often reaching about 50–70cm. They look brilliant with dahlias, salvias and ornamental grasses, and the strong stems help fill gaps in new borders.

For the best display, start rhizomes into pots in spring and grow on somewhere warm and bright. Plant outside once the risk of frost has passed, in a sheltered spot in full sun or light shade, and firm the soil well. Space plants so each clump can expand.

Cannas love rich, moisture-retentive soil and regular watering. Keep compost evenly moist in containers and feed every few weeks through summer to support flower production. Mulching the ground helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cool in hot spells.

When autumn frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems back and lift the rhizomes to store frost-free over winter in barely moist compost. Replant next spring after the last frosts and you’ll be back to tropical colour, lush leaves and fresh blooms.