Canna Lily Canna 'Alaska'

Water

Cannas, like the Canna 'Alaska', should be watered deeply, ensuring that the soil is thoroughly damp each time you water. During the growing season, cannas typically need at least 1 to 2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. If you are using gallons, that translates to about 0.5 to 1 gallon per square foot per week, depending on weather conditions. Increase watering if there are extended periods of hot or dry weather. It's important to avoid waterlogging, so ensure that the soil allows for proper drainage.

Light

Cannas, including the Canna 'Alaska', thrive in full sun conditions. To give the plant the best light, place it in a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An east- or west-facing location is ideal, providing intense light without the scorching midday sun. Cannas can tolerate some light shade, but too much shade can lead to fewer blooms and leggy plants.

Temperature

The Canna 'Alaska' prefers warm conditions, with the ideal temperature range being between 70°F and 90°F. It can begin to suffer damage below 55°F, so be sure to protect the plant from frost. Cannas are not cold-hardy, and in areas with winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing, they should be dug up and stored until spring.

Pruning

Prune Canna 'Alaska' to remove spent flowers and improve its appearance; this is also referred to as deadheading. Additionally, trim back any damaged or diseased leaves to maintain plant health. Pruning is best done during the growing season—after the flowers have bloomed and started to fade. Regular pruning every few weeks encourages more blooms and extends the flowering period.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Canna 'Alaska', commonly known as Canna Lily, is a well-draining, fertile loam with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. You can create an ideal mix using two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. A time-release fertilizer can be added to the mix to support the plant's growth.

Repotting

Canna Lilies should be repotted every two to three years or when they become root-bound. In warmer climates where they can be left in the ground, dividing the rhizomes every few years helps maintain vigor and prevents overcrowding.

Humidity & Misting

Canna Lilies, including 'Alaska', thrive in moderate to high humidity levels. While they can tolerate some variation in humidity, maintaining a level of 40-60% is generally beneficial for their growth and helps replicate their natural tropical conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Canna Lily 'Alaska' in bright indirect light and keep it warm.

• Outdoor

  For Canna Lily 'Alaska', use rich soil, full sun, and water generously.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Canna 'Alaska' starts with seed germination, provided that the seeds have been scarified or treated to break their dormancy. After germination, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants with characteristic broad, flat leaves that gradually mature. As the plant reaches maturity, it forms a rhizome, which is a horizontal stem that stores nutrients and allows for vegetative reproduction. During the growing season, the Canna 'Alaska' produces tall flower spikes bearing showy, creamy white flowers, after which pollination can occur leading to seed formation if the conditions are favorable. Following the flowering stage, the plant enters a period of dormancy, especially in cooler climates, where the rhizomes need to be protected from freezing temperatures. The plant can regrow from the rhizomes the next season, thus continuing its cycle, or from new seeds if they are sown again.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Canna Lily 'Alaska', known for its large and bright flowers, is typically propagated by dividing its rhizomes. The best time to do so is in the spring after the threat of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up. To propagate, gardeners should first dig up the rhizomes carefully to avoid damage. Using a sharp, clean knife, they can divide the rhizomes, ensuring that each section has at least one eye, which is a growth point for new shoots. After cutting, the rhizome pieces should be allowed to dry for a day or two to help prevent rotting. Once dried, the divisions can be replanted about 2 to 3 inches deep (5 to 7.6 cm) in well-draining soil and spaced about 1 to 2 feet apart (30 to 60 cm). Consistent moisture and warmth will encourage the new plants to establish and grow, continuing the display of the Canna Lily 'Alaska'.