Canna lilies, often called Cannas, provide a tropical aesthetic to garden spaces with their broad, vibrant foliage and striking, colorful flowers. These robust plants thrive in warm climates and have a long summer bloom season. Successfully incorporating Cannas begins with making informed decisions about where and how to acquire the initial planting stock. Understanding the different forms of purchase and retail avenues available impacts the plant’s initial health and overall garden success.
Forms of Purchase: Rhizomes Versus Potted Plants
Cannas are available for purchase in two forms: dormant rhizomes or actively growing potted plants. A rhizome is a modified underground stem that serves as a storage organ, allowing the plant to survive dormancy. Purchasing rhizomes is often the most economical option and provides access to the widest selection of unique cultivars. However, the disadvantage is a delayed bloom, as the rhizome requires several weeks to break dormancy and establish a root system.
Potted Canna plants offer the benefit of instant garden gratification and an established root structure. These plants are already actively growing and provide color much sooner than a newly planted rhizome. The fully rooted condition allows buyers to immediately confirm the variety’s specific foliage color and expected flower shade. This convenience comes at a higher price point, and the selection of varieties available in potted form is much more limited compared to dormant stock.
Primary Retail Sources for Canna Stock
The choice of where to buy Canna stock is important, as different vendors offer varying advantages. Independent garden centers and local nurseries are excellent sources for both potted plants and rhizomes during the spring planting season. These local businesses often employ experienced horticulturists who provide tailored advice specific to local microclimates and soil conditions. Purchasing in person allows the buyer to physically inspect the plant material, ensuring its quality before the transaction is finalized.
Many gardeners rely on large retail chains and big box stores for convenience and lower prices on common Canna varieties. These locations are easily accessible and stock both rhizomes and potted plants in large quantities. While cost savings are appealing, the quality of the plant material may be variable due to less specialized handling and storage conditions. Potted stock at these stores can be neglected or improperly watered, so careful inspection is recommended before purchase.
For access to the broadest spectrum of unique and rare Canna cultivars, online nurseries and mail-order bulb suppliers are the preferred destination. These vendors often source their stock directly from hybridizers and offer varieties not found in brick-and-mortar stores. Purchasing online allows the buyer to browse detailed descriptions and photos of hundreds of different options. Although shipping costs are a factor, the expanded selection makes this avenue worthwhile for collectors seeking specific leaf patterns or flower colors.
The drawback to mail-order purchases is the inability to examine the rhizome or plant before it arrives. Buyers must rely on the supplier’s reputation for quality control and proper packing to ensure the material arrives healthy and undamaged. Reputable online nurseries guarantee their stock, offering replacements if the rhizomes are spoiled or the potted plants are stressed upon arrival. Careful consideration of the vendor’s return policy and customer reviews is necessary when ordering plant stock sight unseen.
Ensuring Quality and Selecting Healthy Cannas
Regardless of the vendor chosen, a careful physical inspection of the Canna stock is necessary to ensure a successful start. When evaluating dormant rhizomes, firmness and size are important, as a larger, robust rhizome holds more stored energy for initial growth. Healthy rhizomes should feel solid and dense, exhibiting no soft or mushy areas that indicate internal rot or fungal infection. Any visible mold or a distinctly sour odor signals that the stock should be avoided.
For actively growing potted plants, the health of the visible foliage indicates quality. The leaves should be a rich, uniform color without signs of yellowing, brown spots, or curled edges, which suggest nutrient deficiencies or disease. Inspecting the undersides of the leaves is important for checking for common pests like spider mites or aphids, which appear as tiny dots or sticky residue. A healthy plant will be well-rooted, meaning the root mass holds the potting mix together, but the roots should not be tightly circling the inside of the pot.
Verifying the variety tag is necessary, especially when purchasing unique or specific cultivars. The tag should be firmly attached and clearly legible, matching the expected characteristics of the Canna variety. Ensuring the plant is true to its label prevents disappointment later in the season. Inspecting the stock thoroughly minimizes the risk of introducing pests or disease into the garden.
Immediate Care After Bringing Cannas Home
The care provided immediately following purchase is important for minimizing stress before planting. Dormant rhizomes that cannot be planted right away should be kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location, ideally between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Storing them temporarily in slightly damp peat moss or sawdust helps maintain moisture levels until the soil is warm enough for planting.
Potted Canna plants need an acclimatization period before being placed into their final sunny garden spot. They should be watered thoroughly upon arrival, especially if the soil feels dry, and then allowed to rest in a partially shaded area for a day or two. This gradual introduction to full sun prevents leaf scorch and reduces the transplant shock that can stunt the plant’s initial growth.