What soil does Canna lily grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil.

Hardy down to -12 °C (USDA zone 8, RHS H5). Outdoors in this country it only survives with winter protection, or in a pot overwintered frost-free.

Is Canna lily toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is Canna lily toxic to cats?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to cats.

When does Canna lily flower?

Flowering: June–October, red, orange, yellow, pink, white.

How much water does Canna lily need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Canna lily cost?

It sells for roughly PLN 8.40 to PLN 20 in local shops, depending on size.

Canna lily

Canna × generalis

Canna lily (Canna × generalis) is a perennial. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -12 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about PLN 8.40.

Illustration of Canna lily — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

It does not overwinter outdoors here: the rhizomes must be lifted in autumn and stored frost-free. Its huge banana-like leaves and vivid flowers give a bed or a large tub a tropical look from summer until the frosts; cultivars range from half-metre dwarfs to giants over two metres, with green, bronze or striped leaves, so check the height and leaf colour when choosing. It wants heat, full sun, rich soil and plenty of water, and looks best out of the wind. Plant the rhizomes after the spring frosts, in mid May (they can be started in pots from March); after the first frost cut the stems to 15 cm, lift the clumps and keep them in barely damp peat or sand at 5 to 10 °C. Container plants can be brought in together with their pot.

Watch out for

Rhizomes freeze in the ground and rot in waterlogged soil or damp storage. Canna viruses (yellow streaked, mottled or distorted leaves) travel with the rhizomes and cannot be cured: discard affected plants and propagate only from healthy stock. Slugs and snails chew the leaves, spider mites attack in dry heat, wind shreds the large leaves, and plants flower poorly when short of water or nutrients.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -12 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–October, red, orange, yellow, pink, white

All details

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 60 cm
Ultimate size	0.4–2.4 m × 0.4–1.8 m
Hardiness	down to -12 °C (USDA 8, RHS H5)
Soil	Average garden soil
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–October, red, orange, yellow, pink, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic
For children	no data
Typical price	from about PLN 8.40

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 8.40 – PLN 20

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Plants that are non-toxic to dogs Plants that are non-toxic to cats Plants for screening Plants for containers Plants for a Mediterranean garden

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