Here in the North , we can produce daylily to our hearts ’ content . They ’re hardy and reliable and we can count on them even when wintertime are frigid and spring is dull to issue forth . But even though we ’re devoted to daylily , sometimes we ca n’t help it if another plant get our phantasy , like the flamboyant canna lily and its understated cousin , the calla lily . Can we grow cannas and callas in the North and add those colorful blooms to our garden ? Yes , we can !
Here ’s a horticultural secret ( okay , maybe not all that hidden ) … Cannas and callas are n’t in reality lilies . And , unlike our trusty , dusty - hardy daylilies , cannas and genus Calla are quite the diametric — not cold hardy at all . That does n’t mean we ca n’t mature these heart - catching looker , it just take a bit of knowledge .
Success with cannas and callas
Luckily for us , the basics of grow canna and calla lily are similar , so you ’ll able to grow both once you master the steps . Both cannas and callas grow on rhizomes , and because they are n’t hardy in our region , you ’ll involve tooverwinter them indoors . This requires cutting back the plant in the fall and dig up the rhizomes for indoor storage . ( A cool , dry blank space is ideal — just do n’t let them freeze . ) When spring comes and the peril of frost is preceding , you may return the rhizome to your garden and constitute them approximately 5 inch cryptical and 8 inches apart . If you want , you’re able to start them in pots before transplanting or you’re able to await to plant in the garden once the temperatures are sufficiently warm .
Here ’s a key tip : both cannas and calla eff the sun . so as to thrive and produce the best blooms , they need access to full sun . ( Callas are small enough to raise indoors , but if you do , just remember that they ’ll need to be in a topographic point imbue in sunshine . )
But there ’s more to produce cannas and genus Calla than just making certain they have sun . They ’re also particular about their soil conditions . They like rich grease that ’s save nicely moist , so piddle regularly to keep them felicitous .
canna or Calla ? Or both ?
If you like eye - catching , show - stopping flowers that call for attention in the garden , then you ’ll gravitate to thecannas . They have the size of it ( they can strive 6 feet magniloquent ! ) and a vivacious range of colours that unquestionably make a statement in the garden .
On the other paw , if you prefer plant that are more compact and not quite as gregarious , callas might be your honorable wager . While they are witness in a variety of colors , the bloom are commonly white . They ’re much small than canna and are more at home in container , so if outer space is a thoughtfulness , choose Maria Meneghini Callas . Important note of hand : genus Calla are considered poisonous to pets . On a brighter note , callas are extremely pollinator friendly , so if you ’re reckon to attract pollinators to your garden , including arum lily is a smart choice .
canna and callas make aglorious accession to any garden , even here in the North . You , too , can enjoy these beautiful plants in your garden . Have fun !
NOTE FROM melanocyte-stimulating hormone : desire to grow your own cannas and callas ? Find four varieties of calla lilies at our booth at the 2023Minneapolis Home + Garden Show — Calla Airbrush ® , Calla Alaska ® , Calla Dallas ® and Calla Red Charm ® , all just $ 6.50 each .
Samantha Johnsonis the author of several books , includingGarden DIY , ( CompanionHouse Books , 2020 ) . She live on a former dairy farm farm in northern Wisconsin with a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Peaches and frequently write about pets , gardening and farm life .
Explore our upcoming classes & webinars
Take your horticultural IQ to the next level . Explore a wide range of classes and topics taught by local expert , available virtually or at a venue near you .
