Scientific Name
Canna hybrids
Common Name
Arrowroot, Indian Shot
CANNA
(Hybrids come in red, yellow, salmon, orange, rose, pink, and bicolors.)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Cannas flower from early summer to fall or just frost. Plants are 24-84 inches tall depending on the cultivar.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Peru, Central America, S. and S.E. United States, West Indies
2. Common names: Arrowroot, Indian Shot
3. Geophyte organ: Rhizomes
4. Hardiness type: Tender III - Injured at temperatures below 35 degrees F (2C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by rhizome growth and requires a warm (70 to 90F) - cool (35 to 45F) - warm (70 to 90F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds and woodland gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: Top size with 2-5 eyes.
2. Planting density: At least 12 inches apart, 1 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 5 inches to base of the rhizome.
4. Planting time: Spring
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zone 7 with mulch, Zones 8 to 11 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight to PM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Tolerates summer drought.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported.
D. Companion Plants:
Coreopsis, Hemerocallis (yellow cvs.), Kniphofia (yellow cvs.), Leucanthemum (Shasta daisies), Peonies (white and yellow cvs.), Rudbeckia, Salvia, Verbascum, Buddleia, Hibiscus syriacus, Acer palmatum, Lagerstroemia.

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.