Canna Lily Canna 'Roi Soleil'
ABOUT
Canna 'Roi Soleil', commonly known as Canna Lily, is a striking perennial plant recognized for its lush foliage and vibrant blossoms. This particular cultivar stands out with its large, banana-like leaves that typically display a rich green color, sometimes with a hint of bronze. The texture of the leaves is smooth, and they have a prominent midrib with parallel veins that extend to the edges. The Canna Lily's flowers are the most eye-catching feature; they emerge as bold, showy spikes that project out from the foliage. These blossoms have a flared and ruffled appearance, giving them an exotic and ornamental look. The color of 'Roi Soleil' flowers is typically a saturated shade of red or orange, lending a fiery and warm tone to the overall appearance of the plant. The plant's overall form is robust and bushy, creating a tropical feel in any setting in which it's placed. It displays a symmetrical growth habit with its leaves and flowers arranged in a way that provides a full and dense look. Canna Lily 'Roi Soleil' serves as both an attention-grabbing specimen in a garden due to its brightly colored flowers and attractive foliage, creating a lush and vibrant display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cannaceae.
Synonyms
Canna Lily, Canna, Indian Shot.
Common names
Canna 'Roi Soleil'.
ToxicityTo humans
Canna lilies, which include the Canna 'Roi Soleil', are generally not considered toxic to humans. There are usually no severe consequences associated with ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause mild stomach upset or contact dermatitis in some people.
To pets
Canna lilies are not regarded as toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. While they are not known to cause severe illness, ingesting any plant material can potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset in some pets, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, due to the animal's individual sensitivity or the novelty of the substance in their diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Orange
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- Vibrant Blooms: Canna 'Roi Soleil' produces eye-catching flowers that add a touch of red-orange drama to any garden display.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are known to attract bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Easy Maintenance: It's relatively easy to care for and does not require complex gardening skills, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Fast Growth: This plant has a rapid growth rate, providing quick and satisfying results for the gardener.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it ideal for gardeners in drier climates.
- Landscape Versatility: Its bold foliage and height make it a good fit for a variety of landscape designs, from borders to focal points.
- Tolerant of Various Soil Types: Canna 'Roi Soleil' can thrive in different soil conditions, which is convenient for planting in varied garden environments.
- Season-Long Interest: With its long blooming period and attractive foliage, it provides visual interest in the garden throughout the growing season.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it can regenerate each year, offering a long-term addition to the garden.
- Container Suitability: It can also be grown in containers, perfect for patios or balcony gardens.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is typically not favored by deer, which helps to prevent damage in areas with high deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Canna 'Roi Soleil', also known as canna lily, can be used in the production of biofuel due to its high yield of biomass, making it an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
- The canna lily's strong fibers can be utilized in the manufacture of paper, offering a sustainable resource for paper production.
- The large, banana-like leaves of the canna lily are sometimes used as natural, biodegradable plates or food wrappers in eco-friendly catering and events.
- The seeds of the canna lily can be used as beads in jewelry-making for an organic, earthy aesthetic.
- Canna lily rhizomes are rich in starch and can be researched for use as a source of industrial starch in textile and food industries.
- The vibrant flowers of the canna lily can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of warm hues.
- Gardeners can use the tall, robust stalks of the canna lily as natural stakes or supports for other plants in the garden.
- The canna lily can serve as a teaching tool in educational settings to demonstrate plant growth, pollination, and hybridization due to its easily observable characteristics.
- The dried leaves of the canna lily can be woven into baskets and other handicrafts, showcasing traditional crafting techniques.
- Canna lily can be planted as part of phytoremediation efforts to help restore wetlands and improve the quality of wastewater by absorbing pollutants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Canna plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Canna plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Beauty: The Canna, with its vibrant and large flowers, is often associated with exotic beauty, symbolizing someone who stands out with a unique and striking appearance.
- Confidence: This plant's bold presence and striking colors can symbolize self-assurance and the confidence to show one's true colors.
- Fiery Personality: Given its intense flower hues, often bright reds, oranges, or yellows, the Canna can represent a passionate and dynamic personality.
- Transformation: The Canna's lifecycle, which includes periods of dormancy and spectacular blooming, can symbolize transformation and the ability to thrive after a period of rest or reflection.
WaterCannas, including the variety 'Roi Soleil', prefer consistent moisture and should be watered thoroughly about once a week, with more frequent watering required in extremely hot or windy weather. Apply approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant for each watering session, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, if rainfall is scarce, check the moisture level of the soil 2-3 inches below the surface, and water if it feels dry. Reduce watering in the winter or during periods of heavy rainfall to prevent root rot.
LightCannas, including 'Roi Soleil', thrive in full sunlight where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. They can tolerate partial shade but flowering may be reduced in less sunny spots. The ideal location for Cannas is in a sunny garden bed or against a south-facing wall where they get ample sun throughout the day.
TemperatureCannas, such as the 'Roi Soleil', perform best in warm conditions, with ideal temperatures ranging between 70°F and 90°F. They can tolerate higher heat but should be protected from temperatures below 55°F, as cold can damage the foliage and hinder growth. In regions where temperatures drop below this threshold, it's recommended to lift and store the rhizomes over winter.
PruningPrune Cannas, including 'Roi Soleil', to remove spent flowers and seed pods, encouraging further blooming, and to maintain a tidy appearance. Cut the stalks to the ground level after the first frost has killed the foliage, typically in late fall. During the growing season, remove damaged or yellowing leaves to improve air circulation and the overall health of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Canna 'King of the Sun' is a rich, well-draining loam with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Incorporate compost or aged manure to enrich the soil and ensure high organic content.
RepottingCanna 'King of the Sun' typically needs to be repotted every 2 to 3 years. If the plant outgrows its container or the soil becomes compacted and poorly drained, it's time to repot.
Humidity & MistingCanna 'King of the Sun' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Canna 'King of the Sun' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Canna 'King of the Sun' in full sun and moist soil.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Canna 'Roi Soleil', commonly known as a variety of Canna Lily, begins with seed germination where the hard seed coats require scarification or soaking in warm water to assist in germination. The seedlings then develop into a rhizomatous perennial, with the rhizome growing horizontally underground, storing nutrients and energy for perennial growth. Leaves emerge from the rhizome in the spring, forming robust, paddle-shaped green foliage that provides photosynthetic energy for the plant. Throughout the summer, the Canna Lily blooms, displaying vibrant orange- to red-colored flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, seed pods may form, containing seeds that can be collected for propagation or naturally dispersed to start new plants. As a perennial, the plant enters dormancy in the fall when temperatures drop, with the above-ground foliage dying back and the rhizome surviving underground, ready to regrow the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Canna 'Roi Soleil', commonly referred to as Canna Lily, is by dividing its rhizomes. This is typically done in the spring before new growth begins. Gardeners should carefully dig up the clumps of Canna Lily and then use a sharp knife to cut the rhizome into sections, making sure that each section has at least one eye or bud. These sections should then be replanted at a depth of about 4 to 6 inches (approx. 10 to 15 centimeters) in well-drained soil, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approx. 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. It's essential to keep the newly planted rhizomes well-watered, giving them a good start for developing into robust plants.
