How to Cut Back Dead Canna Lilies After a Freeze

Canna plants produce large, tropical-looking foliage and flowers during the warm summer season, but they cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to frost. The first frost of the year kills back the upper portion of the canna and forces the root system into dormancy. Continued frost exposure kills the dormant roots unless they are dug up and overwintered in a protected indoor area. Waiting until after the first hard frost in fall to cut back the cannas ensures the roots properly enter dormancy, allowing for successful overwintering.

Shears or knife
Trowel
Peat moss

Instructions

- 1
  Wait two to three days after the first hard frost for the foliage to discolor, wilt and begin falling over. Do not cut the foliage if it still appears healthy because the roots haven't yet gone dormant.
- 2
  Cut back the foliage stems to within 4 to 6 inches of soil level. Use a sharp knife or a clean pair of shears to cut through the stems.
- 3
  Dig up the roots with a trowel. Dig around the roots to loosen the soil so you can lift them out of the ground with out damaging or breaking them.
- 4
  Brush the excess soil off the roots after digging. Dry the canna roots upside down in a warm, dry room for one day prior to storage.
- 5
  Store in a box filled with dry peat moss. Keep the roots in a dry, 40 to 50 degree Fahrenheit location.

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