Flower Library
Canna Lily
Canna indica · Cannaceae (Blumenrohrgewächse)
With large, almost orchid-like blooms and bold fans of foliage, the canna brings tropical flair to floristry. In our Pempelfort workshop we value it above all as a summer statement: we use stems with buds still closed so they open one by one in the vase. That way the display lasts longer than the canna's short-lived individual flower might suggest.
- Season
- July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 4–8 days
- Latin name
- Canna indica
- Colors
- Red, Orange, Yellow, Salmon, Pink, Bicolour
Botanically the canna belongs to the Cannaceae family and is only distantly related to banana and ginger. Upright stems, often as tall as a person, rise from fleshy rhizomes and carry the showy flowers in tiered clusters at the top. The broad, paddle-shaped leaves are characteristic, washed in deep green, bronze or red-brown depending on the variety.
In floristry we use the canna in two ways: as a cut flower with its luminous flowering stems, and as expressive foliage. The patterned or darkly toned leaves in particular make a rewarding, long-lasting structural element that carries large summer bouquets and arrangements. A single bloom opens only briefly, but with the bud trick and the successive flowers on the same stem an arrangement stays fresh for several days.
Quality is decisive with this diva. We buy directly at the Veiling Rhein-Maas auction, with no middleman, choosing firm, undamaged stems with well-developed buds. A1 stock survives transport far better, as the soft petals bruise easily. We consistently reject stems with already wilting open flowers, since they age the entire arrangement.
Stylistically the canna is an eye-catcher for opulent summer compositions. It pairs with dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers and grasses for a warm, slightly exotic look. For something calmer, use the decorative leaf alone with pale blooms and let the canna's colour work as an accent. In tall floor vases the long stems reveal their full architectural impact.
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle and place them straight into clean, lukewarm water; flower food extends their life.
- 02Buy with mostly closed buds so the flowers open in succession in the vase.
- 03Pinch off spent individual blooms daily to keep the stem clean and encourage the next bud to open.
- 04Strip any lower leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent rot and bacteria.
- 05Keep warm and out of draughts, but away from harsh midday sun and ripening fruit.
- 06Change the water every two days and rinse out the vase while you do.
Frequently asked
- How long do canna cut flowers last in the vase?
- An individual bloom is short-lived, but the whole stem lasts roughly four to eight days as new buds keep opening. The key is to start with closed buds and remove spent flowers daily. The decorative foliage lasts considerably longer still.
- Is the canna toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- Canna indica is regarded as non-toxic; the ASPCA lists no relevant poisoning risk for dogs, cats or horses. In its native range the plant is even used as a source of starch. Eating larger amounts can still cause mild gastrointestinal upset, so children and animals should not nibble on it.
- When are cannas in season?
- The canna is a classic summer to early-autumn flower. Through the Veiling Rhein-Maas auction it is available in good quality mainly from July to October, when the warm months bring out its tropical wealth of colour.
- What does the canna combine with?
- It works beautifully with other summer bloomers such as dahlias, zinnias and sunflowers, plus grasses for a warm, exotic look. The patterned foliage on its own also makes an elegant structural touch alongside paler, calmer blooms.