Canna lilies are sought after for their bold, tropical aesthetic, providing vibrant color and dramatic foliage throughout the summer months. To maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, these plants occasionally require relocation and division. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to successfully transplanting Canna lilies, ensuring they thrive in their new setting.
Determining the Optimal Time and Location
The success of transplanting Canna lilies relies on selecting the appropriate time, which is ideally when the plant is dormant. This period occurs in the late fall, following the first hard frost, or in the very early spring, just before new shoots emerge. Moving the plant when its metabolic activity is low minimizes shock and stress.
Transplanting Canna lilies during their active summer growth cycle can severely impact the plant’s ability to recover, often leading to wilting. Waiting for the dormant phase allows the plant to dedicate stored energy reserves to root regeneration rather than supporting foliage.
Preparation of the new location should precede excavation to ensure the rhizomes have an immediate, welcoming environment. Canna lilies require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to produce vibrant blooms and tall, lush leaves. The soil must be rich in organic matter and possess excellent drainage to prevent the underground rhizomes from rotting. Before digging up the existing clump, loosen the soil at the new site and incorporate compost or aged manure to improve both fertility and structure.
Excavating and Preparing the Rhizomes
Before lifting the plant, trim back any remaining foliage, especially if transplanting dormant cannas. Removing the leaves and stems to about six inches above the soil line redirects the plant’s energy reserves toward healing and root establishment. This initial cut reduces water loss, which is beneficial as the root system will be temporarily compromised during the move.
To begin excavation, use a sturdy garden fork or shovel to dig a wide circle around the perimeter of the clump, keeping the tool 12 to 18 inches away from the center of the stalks. This approach helps prevent accidental slicing or damage to the network of fleshy rhizomes. Once the soil is loosened, gently lever the entire root mass upward, carefully lifting the clump out of the ground without tearing the root structure.
After removal, gently shake or brush off the bulk of the adhering soil to expose the rhizome network. This is the opportunity to divide mature clumps, a practice that reinvigorates the plant by relieving crowding and increases the number of available plants. Use a sharp, sterilized knife or pruning shears to separate the mass into smaller, viable sections.
The objective during division is to ensure that each new section retains at least two or three “eyes,” which are the small growth buds visible on the rhizome’s surface. These eyes are the points from which new shoots and roots will emerge once replanted. Inspect the separated rhizomes thoroughly and discard any portions that appear soft, mushy, or discolored, as these indicate rot or disease.
Replanting and Post-Transplant Care
With the rhizomes prepared, attention shifts to establishing them successfully in the amended soil of the new location. Dig a planting hole wide enough to accommodate the full spread of the roots without bending them, but not excessively deep. The rhizome should be placed horizontally in the hole, positioned so that the eyes are pointing upward or slightly to the side.
The top of the rhizome should ultimately be covered with approximately two to three inches of soil. This depth is sufficient to anchor the plant while allowing new shoots to break through easily. Once the soil is gently filled back in around the rhizome and roots, immediately apply water.
Deep, thorough watering immediately after planting serves the dual purpose of hydrating the rhizome and settling the surrounding soil firmly around the roots. This action eliminates air pockets that could dry out root tissues. Proper soil contact is necessary for nutrient uptake.
For the first few weeks following the move, maintain consistently moist soil conditions, as Canna lilies are heavy water consumers during the growing season. Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, helps regulate soil temperature and reduces water evaporation. Consistent moisture and monitoring for signs of wilt or disease will ensure the plant overcomes the initial shock and begins to flourish.