Canna Lily Canna 'Yara'
ABOUT
Canna 'Yara' is a vibrant and eye-catching plant known for its lush, tropical appearance. It features large, broad leaves that are typically a rich, deep green color. The foliage can sometimes display hints of purple or bronze, depending on the light and growing conditions. The leaves are often glossy, with a texture that can catch the light and create a striking visual impact in a garden setting. The most distinguishing feature of the Canna 'Yara' is its flowers. The blooms are large and showy, often resembling the shape of an iris. These flowers come in a dazzling array of colors, typically featuring shades of orange, red, pink, yellow, or a combination thereof, creating a stunning contrast against the green foliage. The petals may have a ruffled look, which adds to the overall dramatic effect of the plant. Canna 'Yara's' blooms rise above the foliage on tall stalks, and they continuously produce new flowers over the blooming season, providing a long-lasting display of color. The individual flowers may be spotted or streaked, adding to their ornamental appeal. In summary, Canna 'Yara' is a striking plant characterized by its large, colorful blooms and rich, green foliage, often with a shiny surface that adds to its lush appearance. Its tropical look can make it a focal point in gardens or landscapes where it can be admired for its ornate flowers and attractive foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cannaceae.
Synonyms
Canna Lily, Canna, Indian Shot.
Common names
Canna 'Yara'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cannas are not considered toxic to humans. Accordingly, the Canna 'Yara', which is a variety of Canna, also does not pose significant toxicity to people. If a person were to ingest a part of the Canna plant, it is unlikely to cause poisoning or serious health consequences. However, individual reactions can vary, and some people might experience mild stomach upset or discomfort if they consume parts of the plant.
To pets
Cannas are generally not toxic to pets either, which means the Canna 'Yara' is also safe around animals such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests a part of the Canna 'Yara' plant, it is not expected to suffer from poisoning. While the plant is not toxic, ingestion can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets due to the fibrous nature of plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Canna 'Yara' adds a tropical aesthetic to gardens with its vibrant flowers and lush foliage.
- Ease of Care: Adaptable to various soil types, it requires minimal maintenance once established.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Pest Resistance: It is known to be relatively resistant to many common garden pests.
- Fast Growth: It grows quickly, providing swift gratification in landscape design.
- Seasonal Interest: It flowers through the summer and into fall, providing long-lasting visual appeal.
- Soil Improvement: Its roots can help break up heavy soils, improving soil structure over time.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in groups, it can form dense clumps that act as natural privacy screens.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for borders, mass plantings, and as focal points in garden beds.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Canna 'Yara', or simply Canna, can be used in the production of bioplastics due to its high starch content found in the rhizomes, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
- The large banana-like leaves of the Canna plant can serve as a natural wrapping material for foods, similar to the use of banana leaves in some traditional cooking practices.
- In the textile industry, Canna has potential as a source of natural fibers, which can be extracted and used similarly to flax or hemp fibers.
- The fibers from Canna can also be incorporated into handmade paper products, providing a unique texture and strength to the paper.
- As an educational tool, Canna plants can be used in schools and workshops to teach about plant biology, hybridization, and ornamental horticulture.
- During the dyeing process of fabrics, the pigments from Canna flowers might be used to create natural dyes, giving textiles a vibrant hue.
- Leaves of the Canna plant could be used creatively in arts and crafts for making eco-friendly stationery or bookmarks, inspiring sustainable practices in art.
- Landscape architects sometimes use the Canna plant in environmental remediation projects, as it can help stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas.
- Canna seeds can be incorporated into bird feed mixtures as a natural, nutritious option due to their high protein content.
- The Canna plant's stalk and foliage can be used as green manure, enriching the soil with organic matter when plowed back into the ground after the growing season.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Canna is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Canna is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fertility - Cannas are often associated with fertility due to their lush and abundant foliage, reflecting a sense of growth and procreation.
- Change or Transition - The Canna plant goes through a life cycle of blooming, wilting, and reblooming, symbolizing the ever-changing nature of life and the ability to thrive through change.
- Creativity - With their vibrant and often multi-colored flowers, Cannas are thought to represent creativity and artistic flare.
- Confidence - Their bold presence and stature in a garden lead them to be associated with confidence and proud standing.
- Tropical or Exotic Allure - Originating from tropical regions, Cannas convey the beauty and mystery of exotic places, often symbolizing adventure and exploration.
WaterThe Canna Lily needs consistent moisture, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually once every few days during active growth in the warmer months. In hotter weather, you might need to water it every other day, making sure to soak the soil thoroughly. During the growing season, a Canna Lily may require up to 1 to 2 gallons of water weekly, depending on climate conditions. Decrease watering in the cooler months when plant growth slows down, but don't let the soil completely dry out.
LightThe Canna Lily thrives best in full sun, where it can get at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can also tolerate partial shade, but its flowering might be reduced. The ideal spot for a Canna Lily is in a location where it can receive unfiltered sunlight during the morning and partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon.
TemperatureCanna Lilies prefer warm temperatures and are hardy in a range from 60°F to 90°F, growing optimally in this range. They can tolerate brief periods outside of this range but will not survive freezing temperatures. To ensure good growth, keep them in temperatures above 70°F and protect them from frost by bringing indoors or covering during unexpected cold snaps.
PruningPruning Canna Lilies involves removing any brown or spent leaves and flowers to encourage new growth and improve the plant's appearance. Prune as needed throughout the growing season. The best time for major pruning is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing old foliage to make room for fresh shoots.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCanna lilies, including Canna 'Yara', thrive in a rich, well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A mixture of garden soil, compost, peat, and perlite or sand will provide the necessary nutrients and drainage. Incorporate organic matter to increase fertility.
RepottingCanna lilies should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they outgrow their current container. It's best to repot in the spring just before the growing season begins to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingCanna lilies are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but do best with moderate to high humidity. They can thrive in typical outdoor humidity but might benefit from occasional misting if grown indoors in dry environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Full sun, moist soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Canna 'Yara', commonly known as Canna Lily, starts its life cycle as a rhizome, which is a type of underground stem that can produce the roots and shoots necessary for a new plant. When conditions are right, typically in spring, the rhizome will develop green shoots that emerge from the soil and grow into mature stems. As the plant grows, it forms large, broad leaves and eventually blooms with vibrant flowers during the warmer months, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After the flowering stage, the Canna Lily may produce seeds, but propagation is usually more successful through division of the rhizomes. As temperatures cool and daylight shortens in autumn, the plant begins to die back, with the foliage turning brown and withering away. The rhizomes remain dormant underground during the winter until the next growing season begins, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Canna 'Yara', commonly known as the Canna Lily, is most effectively propagated by dividing its rhizomes. The best time for this process is in the spring when new growth begins, usually after the last frost when soil temperatures have begun to warm up. To propagate, dig up the rhizomes carefully to minimize damage. Identify the sections of the rhizome that have at least one eye, which is a growth point from which new shoots will develop. Using a sharp knife, divide the rhizome into sections, ensuring each piece is about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.6 to 12.7 centimeters) in length and has at least one eye. After dividing, replant the rhizome pieces promptly, setting them with the eyes facing upwards, about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil with ample sunlight. Water the newly planted rhizomes generously to establish them and wait for the sprouts to emerge, signaling successful propagation.
