Canna Lily Canna 'Striped Beauty' (v)
ABOUT
Canna 'Striped Beauty' displays a striking foliage characterized by broad, lance-shaped leaves that boast a rich green color with a distinctive variegation pattern. The pattern typically consists of lighter stripes that may range from creamy white to pale yellow, running parallel to the central vein. These stripes contrast elegantly against the darker green background of the leaf. Additionally, this ornamental plant produces flowers that are equally eye-catching. The blossoms present in vibrant hues, often a combination of red, orange, or yellow, and are shaped like flared trumpets proudly perched atop tall, sturdy stems. The blooms cluster together to form a showy floral spike that adds a splash of color and tropical flair to any garden setting. With its beautifully striped leaves and vivid flowers, Canna 'Striped Beauty' is a dramatic and exotic addition to any landscape, offering a lush and tropical ambiance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cannaceae.
Synonyms
Variegated Canna, Canna Lily, Striped Beauty Canna.
Common names
Canna 'Striped Beauty'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
Americas
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Striped Beauty adds aesthetic value to gardens with its bold foliage and colorful flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: This hardy plant requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
- Versatility: It can be planted in beds, borders, or containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for warm climates.
- Fast Growth: It grows relatively quickly, providing a lush appearance in a short amount of time.
- Long Blooming Season: It offers a long season of color with its blooms lasting from late spring to frost.
- Deer Resistance: It's not a favorite of deer, which helps prevent damage to the plant in areas where deer are common.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Canna 'Striped Beauty' can be used as a natural pest deterrent, as some garden pests are repelled by the plant's strong fragrance.
- The large leaves of the Canna can be used in crafting as molds for concrete garden art to create leaf-shaped impressions.
- Due to its striking foliage, Canna 'Striped Beauty' can be used in fabric and wallpaper designs, capturing its patterns for decorative purposes.
- The seeds of Canna 'Striped Beauty' are sometimes used in musical instruments such as maracas.
- Canna rhizomes can be dried and ground to a powder, which can be used as a gluten-free flour alternative in baking, although 'Striped Beauty's' rhizomes are not as commonly used for this purpose compared to some other Canna species.
- The stalks can be woven into mats or baskets, utilizing traditional techniques for crafting with fibrous plants.
- Canna 'Striped Beauty', when planted en masse, can be implemented in phytoremediation to help restore wetlands or areas with contaminated soil, due to their tolerance for heavy metals.
- Extracts from the Canna 'Striped Beauty' leaves can be used as a natural dye for textiles, providing shades of green or brown depending on the mordant used.
- In educational settings, the plant can be used to teach botany, especially about monocots, due to its distinct and identifiable features.
- The robust nature of Canna 'Striped Beauty' makes it suitable for use in erosion control along slopes or riverbanks, as its roots help to stabilize the soil.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Canna is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Canna is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The Canna 'Striped Beauty' is emblematic of beauty, as suggested by its name. The striking stripes on the petals draw attention to its unique appearance, representing the splendor in diversity and uniqueness.
- Vitality: Canna plants are known for their robust growth and lush foliage, symbolizing vibrant life and energy.
- Change: As a plant that goes dormant in the winter and emerges afresh in the spring, the Striped Beauty can represent transformation and new beginnings.
- Creativity: The artistic pattern of the Striped Beauty’s petals can inspire creativity, symbolizing the joy of art and innovation.
- Confidence: The bold appearance of the Canna 'Striped Beauty', standing tall and proud in gardens, is often associated with confidence and self-assurance.
WaterThe Canna Lily should be watered regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. During the active growing and blooming season, typically spring and summer, aim to water the plant once every 2 to 3 days, depending on weather conditions. It's important to provide the Canna Lily with approximately 1 inch of water each week, which translates to about 0.6 gallons for an average-sized plant. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to prevent overwatering. During winter months, reduce the watering frequency as the plant enters dormancy.
LightCanna Lilies thrive best in full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. The ideal spot for a Canna Lily would be a location that receives direct, unfiltered sunlight, which encourages vibrant blooms and healthy growth. While they can tolerate some partial shade, too little light may hamper flower production.
TemperatureCanna Lilies prefer warm temperatures, thriving in a range between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost, as cold temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can damage or kill the plant. The ideal condition for Canna Lily growth is a consistently warm environment without extreme fluctuations.
PruningPrune Canna Lilies to remove spent blooms and dead or damaged foliage to promote healthy growth and more flowers. The best time to prune is throughout the growing season when you notice faded flowers or when cleaning up the plant in late fall or early winter. Pruning every few weeks during the blooming season will encourage the plant to produce new blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Canna Lily 'Striped Beauty', a well-draining, rich, loamy soil mix is ideal. Incorporate compost or aged manure to enrich the soil and ensure good fertility. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is optimal for these cannas. Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool.
RepottingCanna Lily 'Striped Beauty' typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years. Repot to refresh the soil, divide rhizomes, and to accommodate their rapid growth. Spring is the best time for repotting these vigorous plants.
Humidity & MistingCanna Lily 'Striped Beauty' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives when humidity is moderate to high. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues particularly if humidity is on the higher side.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a bright, sunny spot and ensure moist soil.
Outdoor
Full sun location, consistently moist, fertilize monthly.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Canna 'Striped Beauty' begins with seed germination where the tough seed coat must be softened, often through scarification, before a shoot emerges to grow into a small plant. Following germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage, during which it develops a cluster of broad, green leaves with characteristic cream or yellow stripes, and establishes a strong rhizome system underground. As it reaches maturity, Canna 'Striped Beauty' enters the flowering stage, usually in the late spring to summer, producing vibrant red or orange flowers that contrast with its striped foliage. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers will produce seeds that can be collected before they drop to the ground, if the goal is to propagate new plants. Throughout the season, the Canna can be propagated vegetatively by dividing the rhizomes and replanting them. The plant enters a dormant phase in the fall or winter in cooler climates when the foliage dies back, and it survives primarily via its rhizomes until the conditions are favorable for regrowth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Canna 'Striped Beauty', commonly known as Canna Lily, is best propagated by division, which is typically done in the spring. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the rhizomes after the foliage has died back or just before new growth begins in spring. Using a sharp knife, divide the rhizomes, ensuring that each section has at least one eye or bud. Replant the divisions about 3 to 4 inches deep (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) and space them around 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 cm). Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method is straightforward and effective, allowing gardeners to expand their Canna Lily collection or share with others.
