Types of Canna Lilies

Dwarf Cannas

• This group of canna lilies are distinguished by a height not exceeding 16 inches. With enchanting names like "Happy," "Grumpy" and "Doc," these dwarfs are available in many bright colors including variations of pink, red, yellow and orange. Foliage is typically green, and these smaller cultivars are best suited closest to the outer edges of beds where they can be enjoyed.

Mid-height Cannas

• Well-suited for containers, 2-foot-tall mid-height canna lilies provide texture, color and height in patio and deck container gardens. In beds, 3-foot growth is expected. Chinese coral, shell pink and porcelain rose are just a few colors indicating names of these cultivars. "Stadt Fellbach" provides gold-orange blooms while yellow blooms splotched with red are the hallmark of "Tiger Lily."

Tall Cannas

• Available since the 1950s when canna lilies were wildly popular as the centerpiece of often circular landscape beds, the "opera series" presents 4-foot-tall specimens in a wide variety of bloom shades. Other tall cultivars grow from 3 to 6 feet tall and include foliage of varied hues. "Orange Hubert," "Red King Hubert" and "Wyoming" offer bronze foliage, while "The Ambassador" has striking deep-red leaves.