Canna Lily Canna 'Tropical Yellow' (Tropical Series)
ABOUT
Canna 'Tropical Yellow' is a colorful plant known for its vibrant and showy flowers that add a touch of the tropics to a garden. The plant features large, banana-like leaves that are lush green and provide a dramatic backdrop for the bright yellow blossoms. The blooms are typically funnel-shaped, exuding a tropical vibe, and may have delicate speckles or variegations in their throat. These sunny yellow flowers stand out against the foliage and can give any space a cheerful and warm atmosphere. The overall appearance of Canna 'Tropical Yellow' is lush and dramatic, with a bold texture and striking color contrast that draws the eye.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Tropical Yellow Canna, Yellow Canna Lily, Tropical Yellow Canna Lily.
Common names
Canna 'Tropical Yellow' (Tropical Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Canna 'Tropical Yellow', often just referred to as Canna, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, some individuals might have mild allergic reactions or experience gastrointestinal discomfort if they ingest parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes or leaves. There are no well-documented cases of severe poisoning in humans from eating Canna plants, and they are not regarded as dangerous. If symptoms do arise from ingestion, they might include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but such reactions are generally not severe.
To pets
Canna is also not known to be highly toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Similar to humans, if pets were to ingest part of the plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, which could manifest as vomiting or diarrhea. Toxic reactions are generally not severe, but if a pet does consume a large portion of the plant and shows signs of distress, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. The most common consequence of a pet ingesting Canna is mild, short-term gastrointestinal discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Colorful Foliage - Features large, banana-like leaves that add a lush, tropical feel to gardens and landscapes.
- Vibrant Blooms - Produces bright yellow flowers that offer a splash of color from summer through fall.
- Attracts Wildlife - Flowers can attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden.
- Low Maintenance - Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant - Once established, it can handle periods of drought with occasional watering.
- Fast Growing - Rapid growth allows for quick filling in of garden spaces, providing instant impact.
- Versatile Landscaping - Can be used in a variety of settings, including borders, containers, and as a focal point.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Material: The leaves of the Canna can be dried and laminated to create natural decorative elements for arts and crafts projects.
- Biodegradable Plates: Large Canna leaves can be used to make eco-friendly, disposable plates for outdoor events or picnics.
- Fabric Dye: The flowers and leaves of Canna may be boiled to extract natural dyes for coloring fabrics or yarns.
- Photography Backdrops: The vivid yellow flowers and lush foliage provide a tropical-themed backdrop for photographic shoots.
- Educational Resource: Schools and educational programs can use the plant to teach students about botany and the lifecycle of plants.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowers and foliage can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements to add a tropical flair to a bouquet or centerpiece.
- Garden Borders: Canna plants can serve as living borders for garden paths due to their dense growth habit and attractive foliage.
- Companion Planting: Cannas can be integrated into vegetable gardens where their bright flowers may help in attracting pollinators to the area.
- Mulch Source: After the growing season, Canna leaves and stems can be chopped up and used as mulch to enrich the soil for the following year.
- Water Garden Accent: Cannas can be planted near water features like ponds or streams where they thrive in moist conditions and add to the aesthetics.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Canna Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Canna Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Beauty: Canna 'Tropical Yellow' is a plant that originates from tropical regions, and its bright yellow flowers evoke an image of exotic and unique beauty, often associated with the lush landscapes and vibrant life of the tropics.
- Wealth and Prosperity: The yellow color of Canna flowers is frequently connected to wealth, success, and prosperity. In various cultures, yellow symbolizes gold and fortune, making the canna a positive emblem in gardens and arrangements.
- Vibrancy and Energy: The Canna 'Tropical Yellow' is a robust, energetic plant with a vigorous growth habit. Its radiant blooms convey a sense of energy and enthusiasm, symbolizing an active spirit and zest for life.
- Creativity: Cannas are known for their unique, ornate flowers and foliage that can inspire creativity and innovation. The striking appearance of Canna 'Tropical Yellow' makes it a symbol of artistic flair and originality.
- Confidence and Pride: Due to their bold presence and towering growth, Cannas can symbolize confidence and pride. The conspicuous nature of Canna 'Tropical Yellow' flowers can represent standing tall and proud in one's achievements.
WaterCanna Lilies should be watered thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions; during hot or windy periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Typically, you should use about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant for each watering session. It's best to water early in the morning to allow moisture on the foliage to dry before evening, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
LightCanna Lilies thrive best in full sunlight, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade but may not bloom as vigorously. The ideal spot for a Canna Lily would be an area that gets unobstructed sun for the majority of the day, away from taller plants that might create too much shade.
TemperatureCanna Lilies prefer warm temperatures; the ideal range is between 60°F and 90°F. They can withstand a minimum temperature of about 55°F, but frost is detrimental to the plant. In regions with cold winters, it's necessary to dig up the rhizomes and store them indoors until spring when the risk of frost has passed.
PruningPrune Canna Lilies to remove spent flowers and seed pods to encourage continuous blooming and to maintain a neat appearance throughout the growing season. Additionally, pruning back the foliage before winter after it has been hit by a hard frost preps the plant for winter dormancy. The best time for pruning is late fall or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCanna Lily 'Tropical Yellow' prefers well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 6.5. The best soil mix would be a combination of loam, garden compost, and peat or coco coir to aid in moisture retention and drainage, with some perlite or vermiculite to enhance aeration.
RepottingCanna Lily 'Tropical Yellow' typically needs to be repotted every 2 to 3 years. Larger specimens may require annual repotting if they outgrow their containers. It is best to repot in the spring just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingCanna Lily 'Tropical Yellow' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels. Ideally, the humidity should be around 50-70%, which is comfortable for many tropical plants and replicates their native growing conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; keep soil moist, not soggy.
Outdoor
Full sun location, enrich soil with compost, ensure drainage.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Canna 'Tropical Yellow' begins its life as a rhizome which, when planted and adequately watered, will sprout into shoots. As it enters the vegetative stage, leaves expand and the plant develops a sturdy stem, forming a leafy structure which, depending on climate, may go dormant in winter or continue growing in tropical conditions. Following the vegetative period, it enters the flowering stage, where it produces vibrant yellow flowers that attract pollinators and may continue to bloom repeatedly throughout the warm season. After pollination, the flowers may develop seed pods, although Canna is often propagated by dividing rhizomes rather than seeds. If the climate does not support year-round growth, Canna 'Tropical Yellow' will enter a period of dormancy during colder months, wherein the foliage dies back and the plant survives off the stored energy in the rhizome. With the return of favorable conditions, the plant will break dormancy, initiating a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Canna 'Tropical Yellow' can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes, which is the most popular method for this plant. The best time to propagate by division is in the spring, just before the growing season starts. Gardeners should carefully dig up the clumps of rhizomes and use a sharp knife to divide them, ensuring each division has at least one eye, which is a growth point. After cutting, it's beneficial to dust the cut surfaces with a fungicide to prevent rot. The divisions should then be planted about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil, spaced 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) apart to allow for growth, and watered thoroughly.
