Canna Lily Canna 'Happy Julia' (Cannasol Series)

Water

Canna lilies, including 'Happy Julia', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to dry out, avoiding a set schedule but typically this equates to once every few days during active growth, depending on weather conditions. It's important to water deeply, which for potted plants could mean ensuring water runs out of the drainage holes, suggesting saturation of the soil. For garden-planted Canna lilies, each plant may require approximately half to one gallon of water at each watering occasion depending on soil type and climate. During hot, dry spells, watering frequency should increase, whereas during cooler, rainy periods, it will decrease. Overwintering or dormant plants require significantly less water, with only occasional watering to prevent the soil from completely drying out.

Light

For optimal growth, Canna lilies should be placed in an area that receives full sunlight for at least six to eight hours per day. They thrive in bright conditions that offer direct sun, as this encourages the best foliage color and flower production. Areas with partial shade are acceptable but may result in less vigorous growth and fewer blooms.

Temperature

Canna lilies prefer warm temperatures and perform best when the ambient temperature is between 60°F and 90°F. They can endure short periods of higher temperatures, but prolonged heat above 90°F can cause stress to the plants. Canna lilies should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F, as cold temperatures can damage or kill the plant.

Pruning

Prune Canna lilies primarily to remove spent flowers and damaged or diseased leaves, which encourages the plant to produce more blooms and maintains its appearance. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed. The best time for more extensive pruning is in late fall or early winter, after the plant has finished blooming and is preparing for dormancy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Canna lilies thrive in a well-draining, rich, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Canna lilies should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide them with more space to grow.

Humidity & Misting

Cannas prefer high humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity levels without significant issues.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist in a warm room.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, in rich soil, water frequently, and provide mulch.

• Hardiness zone

  7-11 USDA

Life cycle

Canna 'Happy Julia' begins its life as a rhizome, which, when planted in warm spring soil, will sprout into green shoots. As temperature increases, it grows rapidly, producing large paddle-shaped leaves. Throughout the summer, the plant blooms, displaying vibrant orange flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Once pollinated, the flowers may develop seed pods, but cultivars like 'Happy Julia' are often sterile and propagated primarily by division of rhizomes. As the weather cools in fall, the plant's growth slows down, and it eventually enters dormancy in winter, with foliage dying back. To ensure the plant's survival, the rhizomes can be overwintered indoors in colder climates and replanted the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: Canna 'Happy Julia', a member of the Cannasol Series, is typically propagated through the division of rhizomes. The best time for this activity is in the spring when the plants are coming out of dormancy and before they start their rapid spring growth. To propagate, carefully unearth the rhizomes and use a sharp, clean knife to divide them, ensuring each section has at least one eye, which is a growth point. The divided rhizomes can then be replanted immediately, about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) deep in the soil, allowing for new canna plants to grow and establish themselves. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing true to type offspring, maintaining the vibrant colors and characteristics of the 'Happy Julia' canna.