Cannova Bronze Scarlet

Class

Monocotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Cannaceae

Order

Zingiberales

Genus

Cane

Species

indicates

Description

A perennial ornamental herbaceous plant with vigorous growth and an erect habit, varying in height from 0.90 to 1.20 metres. The spring-summer flowering, very showy, manifests itself with flowers gathered in showy spike-like inflorescences that stand between the foliage, and characterised by a wide colour variability with different shades and intensity depending on the variety. Easy to cultivate, it is used both to decorate planters and outdoor tubs and for landscaping in flowerbeds, including in mixed compositions with other species.

Species video

https://youtu.be/0-vp_IB3rvk

Variety description

It is a perennial plant with excellent growth in summer and very showy flowering. It has flower spikes up to 100 cm long. Suitable for flower beds and showy spots in the garden.

Curiosities and special features

In the countries of origin, the indica species, also known by the names achira, capacho or sagù, is used for the rhizomes of some varieties as a source of starch in gastronomy for the preparation of bread, biscuits and cakes, furthermore, fodder for livestock is made from the stem and the leaves are used to wrap local food or applied to burns as a scarring agent while the seeds are used for necklaces and rattles.

Origin and distribution

The wild species are native to the tropical and subtropical areas of the Caribbean and South America where they are still cultivated both for ornamental purposes and as a source of starch. The first species of Canna introduced to England in the 1500s was C. indica, the botanist Charles de l'Ecluse, who first described it, confirmed its American origin by stating that it was given the name indica not because the plant came from India but because this species was originally transported from America. From England it reached the whole of Europe where it was considered an ornamental plant with a high scenic value given by the particular spike-like inflorescences of different colours, like the foliage itself, in relation to the numerous varieties available today.

Flower size

The flower is individually medium in size, clustered in a showy inflorescence.

Leaf

Leaf has cylindrical lamina at the base, often with a prominent central rib and thin lateral veins.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from mid-spring to early autumn for a duration of 150 to 180 days, adding an accent of colour to your green space for a long time.

Inflorescence

Spiky inflorescence, very decorative.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The height of the floor plan varies from 0.9 to 1.2 m, becoming a perspective focal point of considerable scenic effect.

Lifespan

Herbaceous Perennial, suitable for warm temperate climate areas.

Where to plant

Ideal for outdoor spaces such as flowerbeds, traffic islands, planters, large flowerbeds and road roundabouts, outdoor tubs It is therefore a very interesting and decorative solution both for small green spaces, where the flowering prevails and decorates significantly, as well as for larger green areas where it creates perspective views, even in mixed compositions with other ornamentals, also helping to generate a hospitable environment for butterflies and other pollinating insects, thus recreating a context of biodiversity that is increasingly in demand and welcome in our spaces, including urban ones.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a funnel-shaped corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in large spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 150 and 180 days. It has hints of honey and is unscented, with a delicate aroma. It is attractive to bees and butterflies.

Growth

Variety with medium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

It has an Erect habit of growth that allows associations with other ornamental Species, creating an alternation of colours and heights with a pleasant overall movement.

Branching

The branching tendency is medium, giving the plant a well-tended and well-proportioned appearance.

PH

The optimal pH of the soil or medium for cane indica varies from slightly acidic to alkaline, ranging from a minimum value of 6.0 to a maximum of 8.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in the garden in spring, in order to ensure proper development of the plant, carry out 20/30 cm deep digging by removing any weeds and bulky stones, continue by burying organic matter and breaking up the coarser clods with the help of a hoe to obtain greater softness.

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Sun exposure

In order for the aesthetic potential to be fully expressed, exposure in full sun and sheltered from the wind is recommended; with little light, flowering may be limited or absent.

Ideal climate and temperature

It expresses best results, in terms of vegetative development and flowering, in areas with a warm temperate climate. The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C. The biological temperature is between 10 and 40 °C.

Use

Due to its spectacular flowering, it is widely appreciated as a plant in

Ornamental

Hardiness

It has medium hardiness, particularly in warm temperate zones where it performs best in flowerbeds or planters.

Soil

Prefers medium textured soil, light and amended. In planters and pots, a spring plant medium containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

An easy-to-maintain plant, requiring little management care and an overall low level of commitment.

Growing tips

To achieve the best results in vegetative development and flowering, the following cultivation aspects must be considered:

With too little light the plants do not flower Expose the plant to maximum light

Combinations with other plants

To achieve colour and perspective balances, Canna indica can be used in compositions with other ornamental species such as Echinacea, Gaillardia, Rudbeckia, Helianthemum, Helianthus annuus, Lantana, Zinnia. The combinations can include shades of the same hue or an alternation by choosing between the different varieties available, composing designs or patterns according to personal fantasy. Even in a smaller space such as tubs or planters it is possible to place it associated with plants with green or variegated foliage or, as in the garden, with species with flowers in different shades.

Planting

A suitable planting pattern in a flower bed is of primary importance in order to achieve correct vegetative development with a well-proportioned overall effect, to this end an average density of 8 plants per square metre is recommended. Position each plant with the collar above the soil surface, ensuring that the root balls are moist.

Pruning

At the end of flowering, cut off the withered Inflorescences at the base.

Propagation

By seed in early spring or by Division of rhizomes in January/March.

Repotting

Necessary when multiplying by Division of rhizomes or after possible sheltering of rhizomes if winter temperatures are cold.

Watering

During the hot months irrigation must be constant, using well water or alternatively aqueduct water, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. When transplanting, carry out an initial abundant wetting, but avoid water stagnation, and assist the plant which, in the new planting site, may be more exposed to water stress. Subsequently, care should be taken to keep the soil or substrate moist but free of stagnation in order to prevent root rot and plant death, while at the same time preventing dry strikes that can lead to leaf yellowing.

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Fertilising

Use a balanced fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants. Between 12/19 °C fertilisation should be localised at the foot with a slow-release fertiliser, at higher temperatures distribute the liquid fertiliser, diluted in the irrigation water, to the soil or substrate, without exceeding the doses and frequencies.

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Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity not known. Do not administer.

Edibility for humans

Some varieties are used in their countries of origin for food purposes as a source of starch for flour to be used in the preparation of bread, biscuits and other baked goods; they are also used in herbal medicine in the preparation of decoctions. The ornamental varieties are not edible.

Toxicity for humans

Ingestion toxicity to humans not known, avoid ingestion.

Tip

Always fertilise the plants well in order to have a consistent and abundant flowering. Avoid drying out the plants in order not to have yellowing of the basal Leaf.