Canna ‘Tropicana’ (also known as ‘Phasion’) is a vibrant canna lily cultivar. This ornamental plant features colorful foliage and bright, torch-like flowers, adding a bold, tropical feel to any garden. Its striking appearance makes it a popular choice for gardeners.
Understanding Your Tropicana Plant
Canna ‘Tropicana’ is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial. It features large, paddle-shaped leaves that emerge burgundy and mature into a stunning variegation of red, pink, yellow, and green stripes. This unique foliage provides continuous visual interest, even before its vibrant orange flowers appear from summer into fall. Growing upright, it reaches 4 to 6 feet, forming dense clumps suitable for garden beds, borders, and containers.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Tropicana cannas thrive in full sun, requiring six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and vibrant coloration. Insufficient light results in less intense foliage colors and sparse blooms. Partial shade is tolerated in hotter climates, but ample sunlight ensures the most impressive display.
Watering
Consistent and ample watering is crucial for Tropicana cannas during their active growing season. The soil should remain consistently moist but well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Overwatering leads to root rot, while insufficient water causes leaves to crack or wilt. Reduce watering significantly during the plant’s dormant period.
Soil and Nutrients
Tropicana cannas perform best in rich, organically moist, and well-drained soils. An ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 6.5. Regular fertilization during the growing season is beneficial. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer to support vigorous growth and prolific flowering.
Temperature and Humidity
Tropicana cannas prefer warm temperatures above 50°F (10°C) and high humidity. They respond well to heat, which encourages robust growth and blooming. In regions with cooler springs, starting rhizomes indoors can give them a head start before outdoor planting. While they appreciate humidity, they tolerate drier conditions if watering needs are consistently met.
Planting and Placement
Choose a location that receives full sun exposure for most of the day. Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of at least one foot and incorporating organic matter, such as compost, to ensure it is rich and well-draining. Plant rhizomes approximately 4 to 6 inches deep, with the “eyes” or growing points facing upwards. Space individual rhizomes about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for their spreading growth habit. Tropicana cannas are suitable for both in-ground planting and large containers.
Ongoing Maintenance
Routine upkeep maintains the plant’s health and aesthetic appeal throughout the growing season. Deadheading spent flowers encourages new blooms and extends the flowering period. Snip off faded flower spikes or the entire spent stem just above new foliage growth. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to improve vigor and appearance. While Tropicana cannas have strong stems, staking might be necessary for tall varieties or in windy locations to prevent damage.
Winter Dormancy and Overwintering
In USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and below, Tropicana cannas are not reliably hardy and require overwintering indoors. After the first frost kills the foliage, cut stems back to 4 to 6 inches above the ground. Dig up the rhizomes, remove excess soil, and allow them to air dry for several days in a protected area. Store cleaned, dry rhizomes in a cool, dark, and dry location above 40°F (4°C), such as a basement or unheated garage. Place them in cardboard boxes or paper bags, surrounded by a slightly damp medium like peat moss or vermiculite, ensuring good air circulation. In warmer climates (USDA Zones 8-10), cannas can remain in the ground year-round, benefiting from a layer of mulch for added protection.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Environmental imbalances can cause several issues for Tropicana cannas. Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering, underwatering, or a nutrient deficiency. A lack of blooms might stem from insufficient sunlight or improper fertilization. Ensuring adequate light and appropriate nutrients often resolves these issues.
Tropicana cannas can encounter pests and diseases. Common pests include spider mites, which cause yellowing and webbing on leaves, and caterpillars or canna leaf rollers, which chew holes in foliage. Aphids may also infest plants, leading to stunted growth and discolored leaves. Diseases like rust, characterized by yellow spore-producing structures, can also occur. Regular inspection aids early detection, and addressing cultural issues often prevents severe infestations.