Home Garden

How to Landscape With Canna Lilies

Canna lilies are bold, exotic-looking plants that can make a statement in any landscape. The large blooms, which appear in mid- to late summer and last until the first frost, are typically red, orange and yellow, although some varieties have bi-colored, speckled or streaked blooms. The broad-leafed, paddle-shaped foliage can be variegated with yellow or pink veins or tinges of purple or bronze.

Instructions

    • 1

      Plant canna lilies at the back of the border in your flower bed since they grow to be at least 4 feet tall. Choose varieties that will coordinate well with the other plants and colors in your garden. If you are using tickseed, which has yellow blooms, you might want to continue the theme by choosing a canna lily that also has yellow blooms.

    • 2

      Plant a grouping of canna lilies at the end of a flower bed. This will anchor the site and provide a focal point.

    • 3

      Plant a large grouping of canna lilies in a circle in the center of your yard or in a front corner. Canna lilies can easily stand alone in the landscape, but they make a bolder statement in a large grouping. Start with at least 10 plants.

    • 4

      Plant three to seven canna lilies by your front door or porch to draw attention to the front of your house. Choose a variety that works well with the color of your house. A variegated variety with leaves tinged with dark bronze or even purple can provide contrast.

    • 5

      Plant canna lilies in large containers to use on your deck or patio, or around swimming pools. By planting your canna lilies in containers, you can move them to change the look of your landscape whenever you desire.