Perfect plantings: Cannas

A plant that was frequently found in the gardens of mid-century homes was the canna, a colorful and hardy perennial. My grandmother always had both red and yellow cannas in her yard. These plants have made a comeback and are popular again today.

We have two varieties in our "mid-century correct" flowerbed, the Rosemond Cole and the dwarf Picasso. In some areas, the tubers have to be dug and stored for the winter. Luckily, in the Southern U. S., cannas usually survive when left in the ground.

Rosemond Cole canna
eutopiamall.com

Picasso canna
uniqueplantsandtrees.com

When we had a few below-freezing nights a week or so ago, it was time to cut back the plants...which were still blooming into November. I'll look forward to the return of their showy blooms next summer.