Canna Lily - A Plant of the Cannaceae Family
Published · Flower Resource
This plant is rhizomatous perennial plant which has tropical like foliage and they also have large flowers that resemble Iris. The flowers are of red, orange or yellow color. The color of the foliage can vary from green to maroon, bronze and variegated types. They are also referred to as Cannabis and they are only genus in the Cannaceae family. These plants are large tropical and subtropical herbs that have broad flat leaves that grow out in stem. The species grow 2 to 3 meters wide but there are variations in size among cultivated plants. Cannabis is also called hemp which refers to cannabis cultivated for non drug use.
These canna flowers refers to confide in heaven according to their spiritual meaning which means trust god. So you can give these flowers to your loved ones whom you want to inspire and motivate while they are going through some bad phase in their life.
Uses of Canna Lily
- To create a dramatic effect, grow cannas placing them in mixed borders.
- They add color to your garden, especially to borders.
- These super bright annuals can brighten and liven up your patio.
- You can also grow them indoors in large containers near your windows.
- Bulbs and its rhizomes are used in the manufacture of flour because of sweet taste of rhizome.
- It is also used in conditioning.
- These flowers and plants help to relieve fever, lowering blood pressure, used as natural food coloring and sedative and for laxative urine.
- The plant has antibacterial, antiviral, anti inflammatory and antioxidants properties.
Interesting Facts
- The canna flowers attract hummingbirds.
- As a drug it would be in the form of dried flowers that are called marijuana, resin and various other extracts that are referred to as hash oil.
- Cannas are sometimes called Indian Shot which has very hard seeds with dense coat.
- Canna seeds are used in making jewellery such as bracelets and earrings.
- Canna is also grown for human consumption in countries like Vietnam and China where the starch is used to make cellophane noodles.
- The rhizomes of canna are edible and also rich in starch and once they were used as staple food crop in Ecuador and Peru.
How to Plant?
- Canna lilies should be placed in full sun as they like plenty of heat.
- Plant the canna lily during spring until the threat of frost has passed.
- Plant the group of cannas some 2 to 3 inches apart.
- Plant the canna rhizomes horizontally with 3 to 6 inches of soil.
- Divide the plant during spring if necessary.
- In spring also replant them or move back outdoors.
Maintenance and Care
- These are low maintenance and easy to grow plants.
- Water the plant well and apply a layer of mulch to retain the moisture.
- The plant should be kept moist.
- This plant requires monthly fertilizer which is relatively higher in phosphate.
- Dig up and store canna rhizomes in fall.