Description:

A stunning garden addition with huge, deep maroon-black leaves; large red flowers top this towering plant that is perfect for the back of borders; a root hardy perennial only where soil does not freeze

Ornamental Features

Australia Canna features bold spikes of red flag-like flowers at the ends of the stems from early spring to early fall. Its attractive large glossy pointy leaves emerge burgundy in spring, turning plum purple in colour throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Australia Canna is an herbaceous annual with a rigidly upright and towering form. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Australia Canna is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Australia Canna will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.