Canna indica is commonly called canna lily, yet despite its common name it is not a lily. It’s in its own family, Cannaceae. Canna lilies, native to the Caribbean and the tropical Americas, are actually more closely related to ginger and bananas.

Cannas can be grown outdoors year-round in the South. In the greater NYC area this plant is an annual. If you want to keep your canna over winter, wait until there has been a frost or two and the plant dies back to the ground (or nearly to the ground). Carefully dig it out, shake off most of the soil, and store in a cool, dry place. You can then plant it again in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides
-- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service