Canna Lily plant profile
Canna x generalis
A perennial flower for full sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Canna Lily
Plant canna rhizomes outdoors in spring once the soil has warmed and the danger of frost has passed (University of Minnesota); they can also be started indoors earlier. In cold climates the rhizomes must be dug up in fall after frost blackens the foliage and stored indoors over winter.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Canna Lily in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Full sun
- Planting depth
- 3 in
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Spacing
- 18 to 36 in apart
Common problems
Watch for these
Also watch for: canna leaf roller, rust, bulb rot.
Next steps
Continue with Canna Lily
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Calla and canna lilies
University of Minnesota Extension. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Canna Lily (Canna generalis) entry
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Supports pet-safety verdicts for dogs and cats. Checked 2026-07-18.