Cannova Bronze Scarlet is a vibrant plant that brings a touch of tropical flair to any garden. Its distinctive foliage and vivid blooms create an immediate focal point, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking dramatic color and texture. This plant offers an easy way to infuse landscapes with exotic beauty.
Meet Cannova Bronze Scarlet
Cannova Bronze Scarlet is a hybrid Canna Lily (Canna x generalis). It is distinguished by its lush, bronze-tinted leaves and scarlet-red flowers, creating a striking contrast. This plant grows 30 to 48 inches (76 to 122 cm) tall and spreads 14 to 20 inches (36 to 51 cm) wide, with an upright, compact habit. It is a tender perennial, hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11, returning year after year in warmer climates. In cooler regions, it is cultivated as an annual or requires overwintering care.
Planting Your Cannova Bronze Scarlet
Successful establishment of Cannova Bronze Scarlet begins with proper planting conditions. This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Insufficient light can delay blooming and reduce overall plant vigor.
Planting should occur after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F (16°C) or higher. Cannova Bronze Scarlet prefers rich, well-draining soil that remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. A good soil mix can be created by combining equal parts garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite to ensure adequate drainage and aeration.
When planting rhizomes, dig a hole approximately 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) deep and place the rhizome with the “bud eye” facing upwards, then cover with soil and compost. Space individual plants about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 61 cm) apart to allow for mature growth.
Caring for Cannova Bronze Scarlet
Ongoing care is important to maintain the health of Cannova Bronze Scarlet throughout the growing season. Consistent moisture is necessary, especially during periods of vigorous growth and blooming, and particularly in hot, dry weather. While the plant needs regular watering, it is important to avoid standing water, which can lead to issues.
Regular fertilization supports robust growth and continuous flowering. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during planting and then monthly throughout the growing season can be beneficial. Alternatively, fertilize every two weeks.
Deadheading, the practice of removing spent blooms, encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than expending energy on seed production, extending the blooming period until the first frost. Monitoring for common garden pests like Japanese beetles, caterpillars, slugs, and snails can help prevent foliage damage.
Overwintering Cannova Bronze Scarlet
In cooler climates where winter temperatures drop below USDA Zone 8, overwintering Cannova Bronze Scarlet rhizomes ensures their return the following spring.
After the first hard frost, when the foliage has died back, cut the stems to about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) above the ground. Carefully dig up the rhizomes, gently removing excess soil without thoroughly cleaning them, as this can cause damage.
Allow the rhizomes to dry for a few days in a cool, sheltered location to cure them. Once cured, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a basement or cellar, where temperatures remain between 45°F and 55°F (7°C to 13°C).
Placing them in a container filled with peat moss or perlite, ensuring they do not touch each other, helps prevent decay and excessive drying. In warmer regions (Zones 8-11), Cannova Bronze Scarlet can remain in the ground and will return each year.
Design Ideas with Cannova Bronze Scarlet
Cannova Bronze Scarlet offers versatile design opportunities in various garden settings. Its upright, towering form creates a strong vertical accent, ideal for garden beds, borders, or as a focal point. Its bold texture and tropical aesthetic make it a natural fit for an exotic garden ambiance. It thrives in large containers, excellent for patio displays or pool decks. Pair it with plants offering contrasting textures or complementary colors.