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      Canna Lily Varieties: 33 Different Types of Canna Lilies

      It's hard to settle on just one type of canna lily to grow. There are many different varieties, with different shapes and bloom colors. In this article, gardening expert Paige Folely examines her favorite types of canna lilies you can grow this season!

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      Written by Last updated: October 2, 2023 | 16 min read

      Canna Lily

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      Canna lilies are flowering plants in the genus Canna. Despite the name, canna lilies aren’t lilies at all. They are closely related to arrowroot, heliconias, birds of paradise, and bananas. Canna lilies are a great choice for beginner gardeners. They are hardy, fast-growing and will thrive wherever there is enough light and moisture.

      The only drawback to planting these tall blooming beauties is if you live in zones USDA hardiness zones 3-7. If you do, you’ll need to dig up the rhizomes to overwinter them and then replant in the spring. The frost will kill the rhizomes if left in the ground during winter. If you live in zones above an 8, you can leave the canna rhizomes in the ground, cover them in mulch for extra protection and they will regrow in the spring.

      Canna lilies are sure to bring a tropical feel to any garden or container. If you’re looking for a versatile and hardy plant, look no further than this majestic flowering plant. To help you add some dazzling blooms to your garden, we’ve put together a list of our favorite canna lily varieties to consider in your garden, landscape, or containers!

      ‘Apricot Dream’

      Two Soft Apricot-Colored Flower Cluster of 'Apricot Dreams’ up close. Two stems with 3 to 5 flowers growing from the top with large leaf in the background with more of the garden blurred. Each flower is a soft apricot pink color with three larger petals at the top and one thinner longer puddle coming from the bottom.
      ‘Apricot Dream’ blooms with magnificent pale apricot flowers from mid-summer to late autumn.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Apricot Dream’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: United States
      • Plant Size: 2’-3’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      Compact and delicate, ‘Apricot Dream’ will impress with its clusters of lily-like soft apricot flowers. This canna will bloom from mid-summer to late fall and is considered a dwarf variety.

      This variety was recently developed in the United States and may be harder to find at your local greenhouse. It is another compact variety, only growing 2-3 feet tall, and looks stunning as a border or planted in containers.

      ‘Black Knight’

      Deep Red 'Black Knight’ Blossoms in a Flower Garden. These flowers have very dark purple foliage and are topped with vibrant red blooms. Deep pink zinnias are growing in the garden behind it.
      ‘Black Knight’ blooms with magnificent blood-red flowers with almost black foliage.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Black Knight’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 2’-3’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      This canna lily received its name from its dark purple to almost black foliage. Pair this canna lily with its deep blood-red blooms, it’s sure to stand out in any garden or container. Planting this variety in the spring will give you blooms from mid-summer to the first frost.

      Consider planting this variety to give your garden some contrast with the dark purple foliage among all the green. Plant ‘Black Knight’ in the spring after the last frost to avoid killing or damaging the rhizomes.

      ‘Carol’s Yellow’

      Clsoe up of Yellow 'Carol’s Yellow’ Flower cluster With Soft Pink Speckles. Each of the two flowers are yellow that fade to cream. The background is out of focus and green.
      ‘Carol’s Yellow’ produces yellow flowers with faint salmon flecks.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Carol’s Yellow’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: United States
      • Plant Size: 3’-4’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      One of the newer varieties on the list is the ‘Carol’s Yellow’. It has only been around since about 2018.

      Shades of yellow fade into cream with faint salmon speckles all on a single bloom. This is a dwarf variety and will grow to a maximum height of 4 feet in the right conditions.

      ‘City of Portland’

      Soft Pink 'City of Portland’ Flower cluster Close up. The coral pink flowers have slightly ruffled edges of each of the 4 to 6 petals. The foliage in the background is dark green and out of focus.
      ‘City of Portland’ produces brilliant coral-pink flowers.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘City of Portland’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: United States
      • Plant Size: 4’-6’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-11

      This canna is quite the show-stopper and will be sure to turn heads. It has brilliant coral-pink blooms with large full green foliage. ‘City of Portland’ thrives in moist soil conditions so be sure to check soil conditions throughout the season. Canna lilies are naturally wetland plants but it’s not necessary for them to survive. If you don’t have consistent rainfall, water them regularly.

      Naturally, cannas are mostly pest-free but keep an eye out for Japanese beetles, caterpillars, and slugs. Also, canna lilies are non-toxic for pets so they are a great option if you’re worried about your pets in the garden.

      ‘Cleopatra’

      Several Bicolor Orange and Yellow 'Cleopatra’ Flower Cluster up close. The petals of these flowers are splashed with vibrant orangeish-red with bright yellow edges. Green foliage grows in the blurred background.
      ‘Cleopatra’ produces red, yellow, or red-yellow flowers that will make a striking addition to your flower garden.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Cleopatra’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin:
      • Plant Size: 3’-4’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      This canna is very unusual and produces a variety of different flower patterns. You could see yellow flowers with red spots or whole red flowers. You may even seed flowers that bear a combination of both red and yellow flowers. These blooms stand out against the green and dark purple foliage.

      This variety is unpredictable and you never know what combination of flowers your plant will create. The bigger the tuber, the better the chance is that this canna will produce bigger plants and flowers.

      ‘Crimson Beauty’

      Close up Red Blossom of 'Crimson Beauty’ Flower Cluster. The petals on this flower are slightly ruffled. The background is blurry and green.
      ‘Crimson Beauty’ blooms with crimson-red flowers and prefers full sun.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Crimson Beauty’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 3’-4’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      It’s all in the name for this particular variety. Just like the name says, the flowers are a beautiful crimson red and sit above dense green foliage. This variety would pair well with other cannas like ‘ Richard Wallace’, ‘Carol’s Yellow’, and ‘Musifolia’.

      Be sure to plant in direct sunlight with moist soil conditions because this variety loves heat and humidity. This variety would thrive near a water feature or a boggy area.

      ‘Eureka’

      Single Lemon-Yellow 'Eureka’ Flower Up close. The flower has three large rounded soft yellow petals blooming at the top with one longer, brighter petal hanging down. The background is dark green and blurry.
      ‘Eureka’ canna lily has pale yellow flowers with faint red dots.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Eureka’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 4’-6’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      One of the lightest-colored cannas on the list is the ‘Eureka.’ The blooms are pale yellow with faint red dots and as the flowers age, they turn to ivory. The foliage is a light green-blue and pairs well with the soft petals of the flowers.

      Canna lilies aren’t prone to diseases but they can happen. Rust, fungal leaf spots, and bacterial blight can happen if they are planted too close together or kept too wet. Do not crowd the rhizomes when planting. Leave at least a foot between each rhizome when planting in the spring.

      ‘Firebird’

      Several Red Flowers With Green Foliage of the 'Firebird’ canna lily variety in a Sunny Garden. Each flower has three large round petals and a longer thinner pedal that hangs down, all grow atop a long stem erecting from lush green foliage with wide ovate-shaped leaves with pointed tips. More of these plants grow in the blurred background.
      This magnificent canna produces fiery red flowers with large green leaves.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Firebird’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: United States
      • Plant Size: 3’-4’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      Compact and fast-growing, ‘Firebird’ produces clusters of fire red blooms that rise above large green leaves. Blooms can be seen beginning in mid-summer to the first frost. Mix this variety with other dwarf red cannas for a dramatic tropical feel all summer long.

      I’m currently growing this variety and I’ve placed them on the west side of a large shed. These receive about 4 to 5 hours of sunlight and day and are doing excellent. I water this variety about once a week if we don’t receive rain, and they are thriving.

      ‘Harvest Yellow’

      close up of a Golden Yellow 'Harvest Yellow’ Flowers in a Lovely Garden. The petals of the flower are golden yellow with orange flecks toward the center of the flower. The foliage is dark green and the background is a blurred darkened garden.
      ‘Harvest Yellow’ blooms with bright golden yellow flowers with orange flecks.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Harvest Yellow’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 4’-6’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      This canna will bring the colors of fall to your garden even in the heat of summer. It has bright golden-yellow blooms with orange speckles toward the neck. Love the look of ‘Harvest Yellow’ but not the size? Try cutting spent flower stacks with 2 to 3 leaves above the ground. This will create a shorter, fuller canna throughout the season.

      Something to note, giant cannas are prone to wind damage because of their giant leaves. Consider the placement of giant canna lily varieties so they aren’t in a vulnerable spot.

      ‘Happy Cleo’

      Single Bright Golden-Orange Flower of 'Happy Cleo’ close up. The flower's rounded petals have gold undertones and dark orange specs. Lush green foliage with wide and long pointed-tip leaves are blurred in the background.
      ‘Happy Cleo’ produces orange flowers with a golden hue.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Happy Cleo’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: United States
      • Plant Size: 1’-2’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      This variety is compacted at a maximum height of 2 feet. ‘Happy Cleo’ is an orange blooming canna lily variety, and the petals have gold undertones which really sets it apart. If you love the look of cannas but don’t love the height, consider ‘Happy Cleo’ for your next container or garden.

      This variety and the other ‘Happy’ varieties on this list would look wonderful indoors. Placed in a large container and positioned near a large window to ensure proper lighting.

      ‘Happy Emily’

      Small Yellow and Orange Speckled 'Happy Emily’ Flower Cluster up close. The rounded petals are a sunny yellow speckled with dark orange flecks. The background is dark green and blurred.
      This hybrid canna is the smallest that produces bright, sunny yellow speckled flowers.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Happy Emily’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: United States
      • Plant Size: 18’-24’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      One of the smallest hybrids is ‘Happy Emily’. This variety have a max height of only 2 feet tall. They have bright sunny yellow and orange speckled blooms and compact green foliage.

      This variety is excellent at branching and would be ideal in containers on your patio. They prefer the sun but will still bloom in partial shade.

      ‘Happy Julia’

      Several Bright Red Flowers of 'Happy Julia’. The dark foliage is deep purple and green with wide slightly pointed leaves. Dark stems erect from the foliage. The vibrant red blossoms grow from the ends of the stems. A walkway and the rest of the flower garden are in the blurred background
      ‘Happy Julia’ is a compact plant that blooms with dark salmon flowers.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Happy Julia’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 2’-4’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      ‘Happy Julia’ is a super-compacted, vigorous variety that would pair well with the previous two cannas, ‘Happy Emily’ and ‘Happy Cleo’. The flowers are deep salmon in color and sit above deep purple foliage.

      This variety is hybridized to produce large blooms and to self-cleaning. There is no need to be in the garden for hours deadheading canna lilies. Due to their self-cleaning nature, these work wonderfully indoors as well.

      ‘Los Angeles’

      Close up of a Pink 'Los Angeles’ Flower Cluster Blooming on a Sunny Day. The petals are rounded and thin. The small flowers bloom in a soft pink. Bright green lush foliage is in the blurred background.
      ‘Los Angeles’ produces small pale pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer to the first frost.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Los Angeles’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: United States
      • Plant Size: 2’-3’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-11

      Unlike the city this canna is named after, this canna is small in stature and flower. Its petite soft pink flowers bloom from mid-summer till the first frost. Due to their small structure, they would be perfect on a patio.

      This canna would be a great option if you want a similar pink flower to ‘City of Portland’ but don’t want the height. This makes it an ideal choice for containers and will give you that beautiful pop of pink.

      ‘Lucifer’

      Red and Yellow 'Lucifer’ Flower Cluster up close. The flowers have three ovate petals that grow on the top and one longer more slender pedal growing from the bottom. The base of each flower is yellow with the petals bright red. Lush green foliage grows in the blurred background.
      This attractive careity produces bright red flowers with a yellow edge.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Lucifer’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 2’-4’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-10

      One of the most popular varieties is ‘Lucifer.’ This eye-catching plant produces a striking red bloom with a yellow edge. The flowers will produce spiles that will branch and provide more color per plant. This variety will bloom in light shade but prefers full sun to produce the most blooms.

      If you are looking for a unique bloom with some bold color, this is the perfect plant for you. It is on the shorter side, so if you want it to stand out in your garden, place it near the front or edges.

      ‘Musifolia’

      Two Ruby Red Flowers of 'Musifolia’ up close. The flowers have three rounded petals that grow from the top and a longer more slender pedal grows on the bottom. The bottom pedal has a splash of orange that fades into red. The blurred background is dark purple foliage.
      This giant canna lily produces ruby red flowers with purple foliage.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Musifolia’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: United States
      • Plant Size: 6’-8’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      As one of the most popular giant varieties, this is sure to make a splash in your yard. If you want height in your garden, consider planting ‘ Musifolia’. The giants have green to purple foliage with large ruby-red blooms.

      The blooms don’t set until till later in the summer. If you want blooms earlier, opt for another red variety such as ‘Red King Humbert’.

      ‘Phasion’

      Vibrant Orange 'Phasion’ Flower Up Close. The rounded petals are vibrant tangerine-Orange. Large and colorful red and purple leaf in the blurred background.
      This is one of the cannas that produces gorgeous leaves veined with purple, pink, and orange.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Phasion’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 3’-4’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      Let’s talk about a show-stopper! These cannas produce one of the most vibrant and colorful foliages of all the cannas. The foliage has veins of purple, pink, and orange, this is truly stunning. The blooms are a beautiful sunset orange and will bloom all summer long.

      This variety is a recipient of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. These cannas are sure to turn heads and have people asking questions.

      ‘Picasso’

      Up Close single Yellow 'Picasso’ Flower With Dark Red Speckles. The petals are rounded with two petals in the bottom and one at the top. The background is green and blurry.
      This attractive variety produces bright yellow flowers with dark red spots.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Picasso’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 2’-3’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-11

      This canna truly looks like a piece of artwork. Its attention-grabbing blooms will have heads turning. The bright yellow flowers are speckled with deep red spots. This semi-dwarf canna will look great along walls or hedges.

      Be sure to place in rich and well-drained soils. Since they have such a short stature they work well in patio containers or on the sides of garden beds.

      ‘Pink Futurity’

      Pretty 'Pink Futurity’ Flower Cluster Close up. The rounded petals are uneven and fade to a softer pink toward the centers of the flowers. The background is lush green foliage with wide avoid leaves that are blurred.
      ‘Pink Futurity’ produces bright pink and coral flowers along with burgundy foliage.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Pink Futurity’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 2’-4’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-11

      If you’re looking to add some beautiful pinks to your garden, look no further. These cannas have a vibrant pink and coral flower atop full burgundy foliage. Due to their compact size, these cannas work best in low garden beds and containers.

      You can promote new blooms after old blooms are spent by removing the old bloom to the next side shoot. This will encourage new growth and a new full bloom will emerge. You can comfortably expect 2-4 flower heads per stem.

      ‘Pink President’

      Bright Pink Flowers of the 'Pink President’. The large flowers are a very bright pink with splashes of yellow that fade toward the center into red. The petals have a slight ruffle to the edges. The background is lush green foliage of wide tropical leaves.
      ‘Pink President’ has bright pink flowers that are heat tolerant and grow well in full sun.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Pink President’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: United States
      • Plant Size: 4’-5’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      This canna also goes by the name of ‘Miss Oklahoma’ and its beautiful blooms belong on the stage. These cannas have a vibrant pink flower cluster atop green foliage. This canna can take the heat so be sure to plant in full sun and moist soil conditions.

      When starting to plant canna lilies, take a look at the rhizome and note the number of eyes. The number of eyes or growing points is correlated to how large the plant will be and how many blooms it will produce. More eyes equal bigger and fuller plants.

      ‘Puck’

      Bright Yellow 'Puck’ Flower Cluster close up. The rounded and uneven petals have tiny soft orange specs throughout. Long and green tropical leaves are in the blurred background.
      ‘Puck’ produces buttery yellow flowers that prefer full or partial sun.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Puck’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 2’-4’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      ‘Puck’ has beautiful soft butter-yellow blooms and is a semi-dwarf variety. This plant will bring a little tropical flair to your summer sun garden. ‘Puck’ also works great in containers due to its shorter stature. This variety can really be placed anywhere there is full to partial sun.

      This variety blooms from mid-summer til the first frost. Due to its large bloom window, you can enjoy this sub-tropical plant all summer.

      ‘Red Dazzler’

      Bright Red Flowers of the 'Red Dazzler’. The flower head grows among large tropical green glossy leaves. The petals are long almost spear shaped. They grow from a very dark purple stem or flower base. Green foliage in the blurred background.
      ‘Red Dazzler’ produces incredibly beautiful red flowers over light green foliage.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Red Dazzler’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 5’-7’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      This canna is sure to dazzle in your garden or containers. This tall and impressive canna has red flowers above lime green foliage. It works well against buildings or as a back border to a garden.

      Placing this variety with other tall cannas will give your garden a dramatic tropical feel. Place with ‘Yellow King Humbert’ for a classic look or with ‘Red King Humbert’ for foliage contrast.

      ‘Red Futurity’

      Orange Flowers and Deep Purple Foliage of the 'Red Futurity’. The flower head grows at the end of a dark purple stalk. Three large Ovoid leaves that are a deep purple and green grow around the flower. There are large water droplets on the plant. Brown and green grassy foliage is in the blurred background.
      ‘Red Futurity’ blooms with crimson flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Red Futurity’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 3’-4’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      ‘Red Futurity’ is similar in size to the ‘Pink Futurity’, but not color. These crimson blooms sit above chocolate foliage. These are a farm yard favorite because of their resistance to pests and deer. They are proven to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

      Be sure to plant your rhizomes in the early spring or after the last frost. If planted too early, the rhizomes could take weeks to emerge or possibly die. When planted in the right condition, rhizomes can still take weeks to emerge so don’t get discouraged.

      ‘Red King Humbert’

      single Red Flower and Dark Foliage of 'Red King Humbert’. the flower blooms from a very deep red, almost purple, tip of a flower stalk. Other dark red flower buds that are pointed and long wait to bloom. blurred Glossy green leaves grow in the sunny background.
      ‘Red King Humbert’ has bright red flowers and is considered one of the tallest cannas.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Red King Humbert’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Italy
      • Plant Size: 4’-8’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-11

      This rare and royal canna has bright red flowers that will stand heads above others. The foliage is made up of large, lush leaves that turn from green to a deep reddish-brown color.

      As one of the tallest cannas, it will reach amazing heights. If this canna has proper sunlight, soil conditions, fertilizer, and temperatures it can grow to be 8 feet tall. If you’re looking for height in your garden, look no further!

      ‘Richard Wallace’

      close up of Vivid Yellow Flower cluster of 'Richard Wallace’. The petals are rounded and slightly ruffled. Toward the throat of the flower are soft orange sparkles. The background is blurred foliage and other plants.
      ‘Richard Wallace’ produces lemon yellow flowers with bright green foliage.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Richard Wallace’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: United Kingdom
      • Plant Size: 3’-5’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-11

      This lemon drop-yellow canna is a great addition to any garden or patio. The lemon yellow pedals have red spots at the throat of the flower and the foliage is bright apple-green. This foliage would look stunning next to other bronze or purple-colored foliage.

      Fertilizing isn’t necessary unless you want fuller plants. Applying fertilizer mid-season to promote growth and brilliance.

      ‘Rosemond Cole’

      Vivid Orange and Yellow 'Rosemond Cole’ Flower cluster Close up. The petals are a splash of vibrant red with bright yellow edges. The foliage is a light green color. The background is blurred and dark.
      ‘Rosemond Cole’ blooms with bright orange flowers with golden yellow edges.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Rosemond Cole’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 3’-4’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun to partial sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-11

      This canna is similar to the very popular ‘Lucifer’ canna with its bright orange to yellow flowers. The foliage is palmy and emerald green, contrasting beautifully with its bright flower petals.

      These large clusters of flowers showcase a bright orange and a golden yellow that bleeds from the edge. These cannas will sure to create a bold tropical feel to any garden or patio.

      ‘Shell Pink’

      Cheery Pink 'Shell Pink’ Flower cluster With Water Droplets on the rounded open petals. The blurred background is green and dark. It looks as though it just rained.
      This unique canna produces extraordinarily beautiful pink flowers from mid-summer until the first frost.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Shell Pink’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 2’-3’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-11

      This vibrant pink canna is sure to make your garden feel like a tropical oasis. These cannas produce purple and green foliage and bloom from mid-summer to the first frost. If you want fuller cannas with more blooms, it’s recommended to deadhead old blooms and cut dead stacks.

      This is a compact variety, only growing 24-36 inches high. They work beautifully as a sunny border or in containers.

      ‘Stuttgart’

      Massive Foliage and Orange Flowers of the Canna x generalis 'Stuttgart’ Growing in Shade. The large tropical leaves are variegated, mostly green streaked with pale green or white. They are long and wide with slightly pointed tips. Long pale green stems erect from the lush foliage topped with orange flowers. Dark greenery grows in the background.
      ‘Stuttgart’ is one of the few cannas that prefers to grow in the shade.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Stuttgart’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Germany
      • Plant Size: 4’-6’
      • Sun exposure: Partial sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-11

      If you want to add some height to a shady part of your garden, you should consider ‘Stuttgart’ cannas! One of the very few cannas that like the shade because they are prone to sunburn on the leaves. These cannas are unique because they are one of the few that have variegated leaves!

      The ‘Stuttgart’ has beautiful small orange-to-yellow flowers which sit atop green foliage with white strips. These will surely add dimension to any garden bed.

      ‘Tangelo’

      Orange Canna x generalis 'Tangelo’ Flower Close up With Water Droplets. The rounded petals of the flower are slightly ruffled at the edges. There are long dark orange specks toward the inside of each petal. The background is blurred
      ‘Tangelo’ blooms with bright orange flowers that bring a touch of the tropics to your garden.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Tangelo’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 2’-3’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-11

      Just like the name says, this canna has a light tangerine orange-colored bloom. ‘Tangelos’ do best with at least four hours of sunlight per day but will produce the most blooms in full sun. You can grow this variety in partial shade, but height and blooms may vary. 

      This canna lily is sure to bring the tropics to your backyard. There are very few varieties that have an orange bloom and ‘Tangelo’ is an excellent option to bring orange color to your garden or container.

      ‘The President’

      Vivid Red Canna x generalis 'The President’ Flower Cluster Up close. The petals of this particular flower are on the verge of drying out, some of the tips are browning. The healthy petals are a vibrant red with yellow borders. The flower head grows from lush bright green foliage that looks tropical. The background is blurred grass and concrete, as though growing in the yard of a home.
      ‘The President’ blooms with bright red flowers and produces lush green foliage.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘The President’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: United States
      • Plant Size: 4’-5’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      Love the look of canna lilies, but don’t like the height? Consider growing ‘The President’ in your garden this season. These have vibrant red blooms atop green lush foliage. These will give you a tropical vibe without the height!

      Given the perfect conditions, these cannas can reach heights of 6 feet. On average these cannas reach 3 to 4 feet. They would be great in a pollinator garden as they attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

      ‘Tropical Sunrise’

      Close up Soft Peach-Colored Flower With Yellow Center Called 'Tropical Sunrise’. There are four rounded petals that are soft pink. At the center, there is a small curved yellow pedal. There are several water droplets on the flower. The background is blurry green grass.
      ‘Tropical Sunrise’ blooms with incredibly delicate peach-colored flowers.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Tropical Sunrise’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 3’-5’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      Want your garden to feel like a tropical getaway? Consider adding ‘Tropical Sunset’ canna lilies to your list of plants. This canna has vibrant peachy-colored flowers that fade into a soft pink.

      This variety thrives in containers and would add a splash of color to large outdoor planters. If you plant this variety in a container, place the canna in the middle of the planter and place smaller spillover plants around it.

      ‘Wyoming’

      Sun Shining on large Orange Canna x generalis 'Wyoming’ Blossoms. The flower heads are tangerine orange and slightly drooping. There are deep purple spiked flower buds waiting to bloom. The flower clusters grow on the tops of long deep purple stems that erect from deep purple and red foliage. More of these plants grow in the blurred background.
      ‘Wyoming’ is a large and showy canna that blooms in red, orange, and yellow.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Wyoming’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: United States
      • Plant Size: 4’-6’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-11

      The US state of Wyoming is known for being a ‘big open country’ and that’s exactly what this canna lily is! These cannas reach heights of 6 feet and produce very lush purple and green foliage.

      The blooms mirror a sunset over the open plains with red, orange, and yellow flowers. These cannas are big and dramatic and would be a great addition to any sunny garden.

      ‘Yellow Futurity’

      Close up Yellow Canna x generalis ‘Yellow Futurity’ Flower Cluster Blooming in Sunlight. Each flower has three rounded petals at the top and one longer more slender pedal growing from the bottom. Lush tropical foliage grows in the blurred background.
      This variety will give your garden an incredible, cheerful look.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Yellow Futurity’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Unknown
      • Plant Size: 3’-4’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 3-10

      Another beautiful yellow canna lily on our list is the ‘Yellow Futurity’. This variety would look stunning next to red and orange flowers for a perfect color scheme. Perfect as a back border to give your garden some height or in a container as the focal point of the planter.

      ‘Yellow Futurity’ attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and would work well in a pollinating garden. The blooms last from mid-summer to the first frost.

      ‘Yellow King Humbert’

      Bright Yellow Flowers of the Canna x generalis 'Yellow King Humbert’ Up Close on a Sunny Day. The petals of the flowers are covered in dark red specks. Lime green spiked flower buds wait to bloom near the flowers. Bright green foliage grows in the blurred background
      ‘Yellow King Humbert’ produces yellow flowers with red spots and green leaves with purple markings.
      Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Yellow King Humbert’
      • Plant Type: Perennial
      • Geographic origin: Italy
      • Plant Size: 5’-6’
      • Sun exposure: Full sun
      • Plant Zones: 4-11

      Yet another royal canna to add to the list, these ‘Yellow King Humbert’ canna lilies will not disappoint. The bicolor flower clusters bloom in midsummer with yellow petals with splashes of red spots. Occasionally, the whole flower will turn red.

      The leaves will have green leaves with purple markings throughout the leaves. This is one of the oldest known canna and dates back to 1929.

      Final Thoughts

      Cannas are one of the unsung heroes of gardening. They are so versatile and grow nearly anywhere you put them as long as there is enough light and moisture. Because they are so easy to grow, they are great for beginner gardens and experienced gardeners as well. They look beautiful all summer and into fall and will tower over lower perennials or flowers.

      Remember, if you live in zones 3-7, you will have to remove the cannas from the ground and store them in a cool, frost-free place until spring. The great thing is you won’t have to continue to buy rhizomes year after year. They produce more and more rhizomes each year so they are great to share with friends who like to garden.

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