What is Canna Panache?
Canna ‘Panache’ is a striking perennial with an elegant, tropical appearance. It displays slender, grey-green leaves and showy, narrow flowers in shades of soft apricot-white or salmon-pink, often with a deeper pink throat. Blooming from midsummer into autumn, it typically reaches a mature height of 4 to 6.5 feet tall with a 3 to 6 foot spread. Its refined color palette offers a subdued elegance, making it a desirable choice for gardeners seeking a unique tropical aesthetic.
Planting Canna Panache
Plant Canna ‘Panache’ outdoors after all frost danger has passed, when soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F or warmer. These heat-loving plants thrive in a sheltered, full-sun location with organically rich, well-draining soil, though they are adaptable and can tolerate average garden soil or even standing water.
Before planting, loosen soil to one foot deep and amend with 2 to 4 inches of compost. Plant rhizomes horizontally, 2 to 4 inches deep, with growth points facing upwards. Space them 1.5 to 2 feet apart, then water thoroughly.
Ongoing Care for Canna Panache
Canna ‘Panache’ requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods; keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting or a liquid feed in midsummer to support continuous blooming and robust foliage.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers by redirecting energy from seed production. Regular monitoring, good air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering help prevent fungal problems and maintain plant health.
Overwintering Canna Panache
In colder climates, overwinter Canna ‘Panache’ rhizomes. After the first hard frost, cut stems to 4 to 6 inches above ground. Carefully dig up rhizomes, removing excess soil without damage.
Air dry rhizomes for a few hours to a day in a shaded area to prevent rot. Store them in a cool, dark, dry location above 40°F (4-7°C), like a basement or garage. Use paper bags or trays layered with barely-damp peat moss or similar material to maintain humidity, ensuring good air circulation and avoiding airtight containers.
Propagating Canna Panache
Propagate Canna ‘Panache’ by dividing rhizomes, ideally in spring before planting or when bringing stored rhizomes out of dormancy. This can also be done when digging plants for winter storage to increase your stock.
To divide, carefully separate the rhizome clumps, ensuring each section has at least one or two “eyes” or growth points, from which new shoots will emerge. A clean, sharp knife can be used for larger, tougher rhizomes, while smaller clumps might be gently pulled apart. After division, allow the cut surfaces to dry and form a callus for a day or two before planting to minimize the risk of rot.
Common Problems and Solutions
Lack of blooms in Canna ‘Panache’ often stems from insufficient sunlight or nutrients; ensure full sun and regular fertilization. Yellowing leaves may signal overwatering, underwatering, or a nutritional deficiency; assess soil moisture and adjust feeding.
Pests like canna leaf rollers, spider mites, and aphids can affect foliage. Leaf rollers cause holes or rolled leaves as they feed, while spider mites create fine webbing and stippling. Aphids, found on new growth, suck plant sap and distort leaves. Regularly inspect plants, especially undersides of leaves, to catch infestations early. Manage populations by hand-picking, rinsing with water, or introducing beneficial insects.
Avoid dense plantings to improve air circulation and reduce pest and disease pressure. Canna viruses, which can cause streaking, mottling, or distortion of leaves and flowers, are also a concern. Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent spread, as there is no cure.