Origin

Cannas are the only members of the Cannaceae family which includes the edible Canna edulis called Queensland Arrowroot. Tubers of some other varieties are eaten by indigenous people in various parts of the world. The "Show Offs" series are derived from Canna X generalis hybrids which are of garden origin. There is such a mix in the breeding carried out over the years since these plants were introduced to cultivation that no-one knows the true parentage although Canna orchiodes is certainly present in most of today's varieties.

Care Instructions

"Show Offs" need to be lifted or divided every two to three years. Wait till the weather is warm and lift after cutting the foliage back to 15cm from the tuber. Shake the soil loose and cut the tuber into pieces with no more than two eyes to each piece. Plant only healthy undamaged pieces into soil that is well worked and with plenty of good compost and animal manure added if it is available. Once the plant establishes mulch well to keep the moisture levels up to the new planting. Sunny aspects are preferred to achieve good strong growth and continual flowering. Once each stalk has finished flowering cut that stalk right out as this will promote flowering right through the summer and into autumn. Add compost and mulch around the plant when replanting to promote new growth for the season ahead. If rust spots appear on the older leaves remove and dump. Do not try to compost these as the spores will carry through the process and reinfect the plants next season

Uses

In most parts of Australia and in the north island of New Zealand where most of our gardeners are situated Cannas will over winter in the garden putting on their best displays of foliage and flower in the warmer months of Spring, Summer and into Autumn. Plant into your garden to accentuate the tropical effect we all seem to desire in today?s gardens. Cannas can be used to advantage as ornamental potted plants so long as they are kept continually moist to keep them growing happily.