The Canna Red Tiger is a tropical plant for any garden. Its distinct foliage and vibrant blooms make it a sought-after specimen for dramatic visual impact. This striking canna stands out with unique patterns, adding exotic flair to landscapes and containers.
Understanding Canna Red Tiger
Canna ‘Red Tiger’ is a stunning perennial with variegated leaves. Its foliage features creamy yellow and green stripes, providing ornamental interest even before blooming. This streaked marking is unusual among cannas. Vibrant cherry red flowers emerge in summer, contrasting with the dramatic leaves. It typically reaches 3 to 5 feet, making it a medium-sized canna suitable for various garden settings, and originates from a new series of variegated cannas bred in Thailand.
Planting and Ongoing Care
Light Requirements
Canna ‘Red Tiger’ thrives in full sun. Ample sunlight promotes robust growth and vibrant variegation. While it tolerates some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, full sun encourages intense coloration and abundant flowering. Providing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for optimal performance.
Soil Preferences
It performs best in rich, well-drained soil. The soil should retain adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged, as consistent moisture is important. If soil is heavy clay or very sandy, amend it with organic matter like peat moss or compost to improve drainage and water retention. A slightly acidic to neutral pH range is suitable.
Watering Needs
It requires regular watering, especially during its active growing season. Consistent moisture is necessary for healthy development, as it does not tolerate dry conditions. While it can thrive in moist, even poorly drained soil, avoid prolonged dryness. Watering deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry helps ensure the roots receive sufficient hydration.
Fertilization Guide
To support vigorous growth and prolific flowering, Canna ‘Red Tiger’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Follow product instructions to prevent over-fertilization, which can harm the plant. Adequate nutrients promote lush foliage and a continuous display of its vibrant red blooms.
Temperature and Hardiness
Canna ‘Red Tiger’ is a tropical perennial, best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 7b to 10b. In these warmer regions, rhizomes can remain in the ground year-round. It flourishes in warm conditions and is sensitive to frost, which damages foliage and rhizomes. Outside its perennial hardiness range, it is grown as an annual or requires overwintering protection.
Propagating Canna Red Tiger
Propagate Canna ‘Red Tiger’ through rhizome division. This method ensures new plants retain the parent’s distinctive variegated foliage. Carefully dig up and separate rhizomes, ensuring each section has at least one “eye” or growth bud. Replant these divisions directly into soil or appropriate containers. While seed propagation is possible, it often does not produce plants identical to the parent due to genetic variation, making rhizome division the preferred method for maintaining ‘Red Tiger’ characteristics.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Canna ‘Red Tiger’ can encounter pest and disease challenges. Canna leaf rollers are a common pest, causing leaves to curl and disfigure as larvae feed inside. Regularly inspect plants and apply appropriate insecticide or manually remove affected leaves to manage infestations. Spider mites may appear in hot, dry conditions, causing stippled foliage and webbing; deter them with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or insufficient sunlight, requiring adjustments to care practices.
Overwintering Your Canna Red Tiger
In climates colder than USDA Zone 7b, Canna ‘Red Tiger’ rhizomes require indoor overwintering to protect them from freezing. Before the first hard frost, cut back foliage to a few inches above the ground. Carefully dig up rhizomes, gently brush off excess soil, and allow them to dry for a few days in a sheltered, airy location. Once dry, store rhizomes in a cool, dark, frost-free place (e.g., garage or basement), nestled in peat moss, sand, or sawdust to prevent desiccation. Replant them outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed.