Canna, << KAN uh, >> is a tall ornamental plant with brilliantly colored flowers. The Indian-shot canna grows wild in the United States. It may be 4 feet (1.2 meters) high and bears bright red flowers tipped with orange. It has large leaves that sometimes grow 2 feet (61 centimeters) long and 8 inches (20 centimeters) wide.
Florists sell many hybrid varieties of cannas. These plants often grow from 21/2 to 10 feet (76 to 300 centimeters) high, and have green, yellow-green, or bronze foliage. The leaves grow densely on stout stems. The blossoms of the hybrid plants vary in color and marking. Two to five petallike stamens make up the flower.
Cannas can be grown easily and are widely cultivated as garden plants in all parts of the United States. They grow best in rich, warm soil, and need plenty of moisture. In cold regions, the plant’s big root must be dug up and kept in a warm, dry place during the winter to prevent freezing.
