The Canella plant is a tropical tree or shrub. This evergreen species can thrive in suitable environments, and understanding its specific needs is key to successful cultivation.
Discovering Canella
The plant commonly referred to as Canella is Canella winterana, also known as Wild Cinnamon, White Cinnamon, or Cinnamon Bark. This evergreen tree or shrub is native to southern Florida, the West Indies, and northeastern South America, growing in tropical and subtropical areas.
Canella winterana reaches heights of 15 to 30 feet and can develop a dense, columnar crown. Its dark green leaves are leathery, obovate, and emit a spicy fragrance when crushed. The plant produces small, fragrant white or reddish-purple flowers in summer and fall, followed by bright red berries that ripen in winter and are attractive to birds. The bark is thin, light gray, and can become scaly with age.
Essential Care for Canella
Light Requirements
Canella winterana thrives in full sun, which promotes robust growth and abundant flowering. While it tolerates partial shade, insufficient light can lead to less vigorous growth. Direct sunlight for most of the day is recommended for optimal development.
Soil Preferences
Canella thrives in well-drained soil. It adapts to various soil types, including sand, loam, and calcareous soils, and tolerates alkaline conditions. For container planting, a loamy soil mix that retains moisture yet drains effectively, possibly with added organic matter, is beneficial.
Watering Needs
Canella winterana is drought-tolerant once established. Watering every two to three weeks is generally sufficient, allowing the soil to dry out between applications. Avoid overwatering, as proper drainage is important to prevent root issues.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical species prefers warm, humid conditions and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 10A through 11. It tolerates temperatures above at least 1°C, requiring a frost-free period throughout the year. Protecting the plant from extreme cold is important, as symptoms of temperature stress can include leaf discoloration or wilting.
Fertilizing
To support healthy growth and flowering, apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio, during the active growing season. Fertilizing bi-monthly is effective, with reduced frequency during dormancy. Water the plant before fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Propagating Canella
Propagating Canella winterana can be done using seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a warm, humid environment, ideally in a peat-perlite mix. Seed germination can be slow and challenging, though immediate planting of cleaned seeds has shown success. Cuttings can be taken from healthy, mature plants and rooted in a suitable growing medium, with propagation best initiated in spring or early summer.
Common Issues and Solutions
Canella winterana is resistant to serious pests and diseases. Thrips have been reported as a minor pest. Environmental stressors, such as temperature extremes, can cause leaf discoloration or wilting, which can be mitigated by adjusting the plant’s location or providing protection.
Uses and Benefits of Canella
Canella winterana has several uses. Its fragrant bark and berries have been historically used as a spice, sometimes as a substitute for cinnamon, and to flavor tobacco. The plant’s aromatic leaves and bark have also been utilized in traditional medicine for various ailments, including gastrointestinal issues and toothaches. As a landscape plant, it can serve as a specimen tree, a hedge, or a screen.