Canna Lily Canna 'Happy Cleo' (Cannasol Series)
ABOUT
Canna 'Happy Cleo' is a showy plant with bright and vibrant attributes that make it stand out in any garden setting. This member of the Cannasol Series is particularly appreciated for its striking flowers and lush foliage. The flowers of 'Happy Cleo' are a standout feature, characterized by their bold orange color with a tinge of yellow at the throat, giving them a flamboyant and sunny appearance. The petals have a slightly ruffled look, adding texture and depth to the flower's visual appeal. The foliage of Canna 'Happy Cleo' is equally impressive. The leaves are large and paddle-shaped, presenting a rich green hue that contrasts beautifully with the colorful blooms. The glossy leaves catch the light and create a lush backdrop for the flowers, adding to the overall tropical feel of the plant. Together, the bright flowers and the verdant foliage make 'Happy Cleo' a striking specimen in any garden. Its appearance is both bold and cheerful, with a vivacious presence that brings a lively ambiance to any outdoor space. The plant creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that symbolizes a celebration of summer's abundance.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Canna Lily, Indian Shot, Arrowroot
Common names
Canna 'Happy Cleo'.
ToxicityTo humans
Canna 'Happy Cleo', commonly known as Canna, is not considered toxic to humans. Generally, it does not pose a significant risk if accidentally ingested in small quantities, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming this plant.
To pets
Canna, which includes 'Happy Cleo', is also not considered toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. It is typically safe in gardens where pets may have access, and there are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant material's rough texture and indigestibility.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to maintain – Canna 'Happy Cleo' is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Attracts pollinators – The vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Vivid Coloration – The plant's bright, colorful flowers provide visual interest and can be a focal point in any garden design.
- Compact Growth – Being part of the Cannasol Series, Happy Cleo has a more compact growth habit, suitable for smaller spaces and containers.
- Drought Tolerant – Once established, this plant is relatively drought tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period – It has a long flowering season, offering blossoms from early summer to the first frost.
- Deer Resistant – The foliage and flowers are generally resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer are a garden concern.
- Boosts curb appeal – The showy flowers and striking foliage enhance landscape aesthetics and can increase property value.
- Versatile – Suitable for planting in borders, beds, and containers, providing flexibility in garden design and landscaping.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Rhizomes: The rhizomes of the Canna plant can be processed to extract edible starch, which is often used as a gluten-free flour alternative.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and leaves of Canna plants can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics and crafts.
- Water Filtration: Cannas are used in constructed wetlands or water gardens to naturally filter contaminants from the water.
- Bioplastics Production: Research indicates that Canna starch can be utilized to produce biodegradable plastics, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrochemical plastics.
- Fish Food: Some fish farmers use the leaves of Canna plants as a supplementary food source for fish in aquaculture.
- Paper Making: The fibrous stems of Canna can be used to make handcrafted paper.
- Garden Mulch: Dried Canna leaves and stalks can be shredded and used as organic mulch, providing soil enrichment and moisture retention.
- Companion Planting: Cannas can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators, to the garden.
- Decoration: The striking foliage and flowers of Cannas are often used for decorative purposes in various ceremonies and cultural events.
- Thatch Material: In some regions, the large leaves of Canna are used as roofing material for creating natural shelters.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Canna is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Canna is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fertility: Cannas are known for their lush and vibrant growth which oftentimes symbolizes fertility and abundance.
- Change: The canna's ability to stand out with its bold colors and large leaves can represent a person's readiness for change or a new phase in life.
- Pride: The striking and imposing figure of the canna can symbolize pride, both in a positive sense of self-worth and confidence, as well as a warning against arrogance.
- Beauty: With its striking flowers, the canna is often a symbol of beauty and splendor, highlighting the aesthetic qualities one appreciates in life.
WaterCanna lilies should be watered deeply to encourage strong root growth, providing them with about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. In hot, dry periods, they may need additional water, but always allow the soil to slightly dry out between watering to prevent root rot. Generally, this equates to watering once every few days, ensuring that you apply the water directly to the soil rather than overhead to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Over the course of a week, this would average out to about 1.5 gallons per plant, assuming the plant is grown in a moderate climate.
LightCanna lilies thrive in full sunlight, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun daily to flourish and produce vibrant blooms. Position the Canna 'Happy Cleo' in an area where it can receive unfiltered or only partially filtered sunlight for most of the day. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to weaker growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureCanna lilies prefer warm temperatures and are most vigorous when daytime temperatures are around 70°F to 90°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 55°F, but frost can be damaging, so it's essential to protect them or move them indoors if there's a risk of frost. For best growth and flowering, maintain a temperature range that does not fall below 60°F at night.
PruningPrune Canna lilies to remove spent flowers and seed pods, which encourages new blooms and keeps the plant looking tidy. Additionally, at the end of the blooming season, cut the foliage back after it has yellowed or been damaged by frost. Pruning is typically done late in the summer or early fall, as the plant begins to die back naturally.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCanna lilies thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A good soil mix for Canna 'Happy Cleo' would consist of equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat or coco coir to improve drainage and fertility. Adding perlite or sand can further enhance drainage. Regular mulching can help maintain soil moisture.
RepottingCanna lilies usually benefit from being repotted every couple of years or when they outgrow their current container. Canna 'Happy Cleo' should be repotted in spring before the growth season or after the blooming period ends, using fresh soil mix to refresh nutrients.
Humidity & MistingCanna lilies prefer high humidity levels but are quite adaptable. Aiming for a humidity level around 60-70% is optimal for Canna 'Happy Cleo'. However, they can tolerate lower humidity levels without significant harm.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Canna 'Happy Cleo' in bright, indirect light; keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide moist soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Canna 'Happy Cleo' (commonly known as Canna Lily) begins with seed germination, where the seeds require warm, moist conditions to sprout. After germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage, during which it develops its signature broad, green foliage as it grows from rhizomes, and prepares for flowering. The flowering stage reveals Canna Lily's striking blooms, which come in a variety of colors depending on the hybrid. Post-bloom, if pollination occurs, the flowers will produce seeds that can be collected for propagation. As the growing season ends, the plant will enter a period of dormancy, especially in cooler climates, where the foliage dies back and the rhizomes can be stored for the winter. The cycle recommences in the spring when the rhizomes can be replanted or if left in the ground, will resprout as the temperature rises.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Canna 'Happy Cleo' (Canna Lily) from the Cannasol Series is through division of the rhizomes. This is best done in the spring just before the growing season starts. Gardeners should carefully dig up the rhizomes and gently separate them using their hands or a sharp, clean knife, ensuring that each section has at least one eye, which is a growth node. The new segments are then replanted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters), spaced approximately 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 45.7 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation. After planting, watering should be thorough to settle the soil around the rhizomes and to encourage the start of new growth.
