Canna Lily Canna 'Ingeborg'
ABOUT
Canna 'Ingeborg' is a striking plant with vibrant features. It showcases lush, broad, green leaves that often have a tropical allure. Adding to its decorative appearance are the prominent flowers which bear a colorful display, usually ranging from shades of yellow to orange and occasionally with speckled or streaked patterns that catch the eye. The flowers have a flared shape, resembling an iris, and are clustered atop tall stalks that rise from the foliage below. The plant exudes a lush, vibrant aura that can breathe life into any garden setting. Its blossoms are known for their showy petals that invite admiration from passersby and provide a visual feast for those seeking a pop of color in their garden palette.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cannaceae
Synonyms
Garden Canna, Canna Lily
Common names
Canna 'Ingeborg'
ToxicityTo humans
Canna 'Ingeborg', commonly known as Canna Lily, is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to humans. There are typically no serious symptoms associated with ingesting parts of the Canna Lily; however, it is generally advised not to eat any ornamental plants due to potential individual allergies or stomach upset that could result from ingestion of non-food plants.
To pets
Canna Lily is also not widely recognized as toxic to pets. While it is typically not associated with serious illness or symptoms if ingested, it is always best to prevent pets from consuming non-food plants to avoid any possible gastrointestinal discomfort or individual allergic reactions. If your pet has ingested Canna Lily and is showing symptoms of distress, consult with your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Varies
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Canna 'Ingeborg' produces vibrant and showy blooms, adding a splash of color to any garden setting.
- Easy Maintenance: This plant is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: It has a good level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Fast Growth: The canna lily is a fast-growing plant, quickly filling up space and providing structure to a garden.
- Height and Structure: Its tall stems and large foliage add vertical interest and can be used as a focal point or backdrop in landscape designs.
- Seasonal Interest: Canna 'Ingeborg' provides long-lasting summer bloom, thereby ensuring continual interest during the growing season.
- Rhizomatous Growth: The rhizomes can be divided and replanted to propagate new plants and expand garden displays with no additional cost.
- Wide Range of Uses: Ideal for planting in flower beds, borders, and large containers, offering versatility to the gardener.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers can attract a range of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, benefiting the local ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The Canna plant can be used for its natural pigments to dye fabrics a range of beautiful colors.
- In the culinary arts: Young Canna shoots and rhizomes are edible, and in some cultures, they are used as a vegetable or starch source, much like potatoes.
- As fish poison: In some rural practices, parts of the Canna plant are used to stun or kill fish for easy capture, though this use is certainly not encouraged or legal in many areas.
- As a bioplastic ingredient: Starch extracted from the Canna plant can be used in the manufacturing of biodegradable plastics.
- As livestock feed: The foliage of the Canna plant can be used as feed for livestock in some farming practices.
- In wastewater treatment: Canna plants can be used in constructed wetlands or water gardens to help remove pollutants from wastewater.
- As a weaving material: The fibrous leaves of the Canna plant can be used to make paper or woven into mats, baskets and hats in traditional handicrafts.
- As a molluscicide: Canna has been used to control snail populations in aquaculture or certain agricultural practices.
- As a soil improver: When decomposed, Canna can be used as a green manure to enrich the soil with organic matter.
- As wrapping paper: Large Canna leaves have been traditionally used to wrap food for cooking or storage in some cultures.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Canna is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Canna is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Confidence and Pride: The Canna's bold leaves and tall stature exude a sense of self-assuredness and dignity.
- Change and Transition: As a plant that can go dormant and then re-emerge, Cannas symbolize new beginnings and the ability to adapt to change.
- Fiery Personality: The bright, often red, flowers of the Canna are reminiscent of fire, symbolizing a passionate and enthusiastic nature.
- Beauty and Refinement: With its elegant flower spikes, the Canna is often associated with grace and sophistication.
- Fertility and Abundance: Cannas have lush foliage and prolific blooming habits, making them symbols of fertility and copiousness.
WaterCanna lilies, including the variety 'Ingeborg', should be watered thoroughly to keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during the growing season. As a general rule, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant should suffice, but this can vary depending on climate and soil type. In hotter, drier conditions, they may require watering twice a week. Be careful not to over-water as this can lead to root rot. During the winter months or when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly to prevent the rhizomes from rotting.
LightCanna lilies, such as 'Ingeborg', thrive best in full sunlight where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be a south-facing garden bed that ensures ample exposure to sunlight. These plants can tolerate partial shade, but too little light will hinder flower production and may result in leggy growth.
TemperatureCanna lilies including 'Ingeborg' grow well in warm temperatures, performing best when the temperature range is between 60°F and 90°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F but cannot withstand frost without protection. The ideal temperature conditions for active growth are between 70°F and 85°F. Plants should be protected or moved indoors if temperatures are expected to drop below the minimum range.
PruningFor Canna lilies such as 'Ingeborg', pruning is primarily done to remove spent flowers and damaged or diseased foliage, which encourages the plant to produce new blooms and maintain a neat appearance. Pruning should be done throughout the growing season as needed. The best time for a major prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Canna Lily 'Ingeborg' should be rich, well-draining and fertile. A mix of garden soil, compost, and peat or coir would be ideal. For optimal growth, the soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingCanna Lily 'Ingeborg' typically needs repotting every two or three years. It's best to repot during the spring when the plant is coming out of dormancy and before it enters its active growing phase.
Humidity & MistingCanna Lily 'Ingeborg' thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels. It is advisable to maintain humidity around 50-70% for optimal plant health and growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, and regular watering ensure growth.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleCanna 'Ingeborg', commonly known as Canna Lily 'Ingeborg', begins its life cycle when a rhizome is planted in early spring after the last frost. It germinates, sending up shoots that develop into large, green, or bronze leaves; within a few weeks, the plant reaches its full foliage. By mid to late summer, the Canna Lily 'Ingeborg' starts to bloom, producing vibrant flowers that can be red, orange, or yellow, and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. The flowering stage can last several weeks to months, depending on the climate and growing conditions. As temperatures cool and daylight shortens in late fall, the plant begins to die back; the foliage withers and the plant enters dormancy. To complete its cycle, the underground rhizome can be left in the ground or dug up, stored, and replanted the following spring, beginning the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Canna Lily 'Ingeborg' is typically propagated through division, which is best done in the spring before new growth starts. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the rhizomes after the foliage has died back or just before growth restarts in the spring. Using a sharp knife, divide the rhizomes into sections, ensuring that each section has at least one eye, which is a growth point. Sections should be about 3 to 5 inches long (approximately 7.6 to 12.7 centimeters). Replant the rhizome sections at the same depth they were growing before, usually about 3 to 4 inches deep (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters), and water them in well. This method allows the plant to continue growing and producing flowers without interruption.
