Balisier

Origins and characteristics of the canna: a majestic tropical plant

Originating from the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, it proudly displays its large foliage, reminiscent of a banana plant’s leaves. Its leaves can reach up to 1 meter long and show shades ranging from bright green to deep purple, sometimes even streaked with golden yellow.

And the flowers? True summer fireworks! Yellow, orange, red, or even bicolored, they light up your flower beds from July until the first frosts. The canna is as hardy as it is beautiful: its rapid growth and tolerance to various soils make it a valuable ally. And did you know that besides being ornamental, it is also useful? Its black seeds, as hard as pearls, are used to make jewelry and even musical instruments! So, ready to welcome this tropical gem into your garden?

Growing canna : planting and care tips

Growing canna means bringing a piece of tropical paradise into your garden, provided you follow a few simple rules.

• This majestic plant loves light: plant it in full sun, where it can spread its generous foliage and produce brilliant flowers.
• The ideal soil? Rich, humus-filled, fresh, but well-drained. Before planting, enrich it with compost or well-rotted manure—two essentials to nourish its fleshy rhizomes.
• The planting period generally starts in May or June. Want to speed up its growth? Start rhizomes in pots from February in a warm place, then transplant them outdoors. This often leads to earlier flowering, as soon as July.

In summer, canna needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and prevents rapid drying.

It’s also wise to remove faded flowers as they appear—this encourages new flower buds. If grown in pots, ensure the container is large enough (at least 30 cm in diameter) to allow roots to spread freely.

The effort is worth it: this plant can grow up to 2.5 meters tall, transforming your outdoor spaces into a lush tropical oasis. You won’t regret this green investment!

Popular canna varieties and their characteristics

Canna, or balisier, comes in a wide variety of types, offering an impressive range of colors, sizes, and textures. Among the favorites, Canna ‘Cleopatra’ stands out with its bicolored red and yellow flowers, sometimes spotted, varying from plant to plant. Its foliage blends shades of green and brown, adding a unique touch to your flower beds.

For lovers of striking contrasts, Canna ‘Australia’ captivates with almost black leaves and bright red flowers. This variety creates a spectacular effect in any garden. If you seek a warm ambiance, Canna ‘Durban’ delights with orange flowers and striped foliage that shifts between red, yellow, and green hues.

Water gardens are also well served: Canna ‘Endeavour’, for example, is perfect for ponds, with bright red flowers blooming directly in the water. With heights ranging from 60 cm for dwarf varieties to 2.8 m for giants like Canna musifolia, these plants adapt to all spaces, from balconies to exotic gardens. Each variety has its unique personality, enriching your floral layout while remaining robust and easy to care for.

Does canna produce edible fruits ?

Although prized for its spectacular flowers, the canna also produces fruits that pique curiosity. These fruits, often purple or reddish, are rounded capsules covered with small spines. Inside, you’ll find hard, shiny black seeds. However, these fruits are not edible and should not be consumed directly. Their role is mainly ornamental or utilitarian.

If you are interested in an edible canna, you need to look to Canna edulis, also known as the edible canna. This species is cultivated in some parts of South America and Southeast Asia for its starch-rich rhizomes, which are cooked and eaten like potatoes. These rhizomes are also processed into flour, used in various culinary preparations.