Canna Lily 'Cannova Bronze Scarlet'

Cannas perform best in semi or full shade, so use these striking plants to transform darker parts of the garden.

• This variety will thrive well in loose and nutrient-rich soil.
• Make sure to keep the soil evenly moist when young, while wet and poorly-drained soil can be tolerated once established. Water freely during dry spells.
• Hold off removing old flowers, as new flowering shoots come up within the dead flower and, a month or so later, will produce more flowers.
• Apply a general-purpose liquid feed in the middle of summer.
• Little pruning or training is needed, just stake clumps in exposed positions.
• Lift the plants in autumn after the foliage has been frosted. Break large clumps into two or three and pot the pieces into 10in (or so) pots. You can then overwinter them in any frost-free shed or greenhouse, keeping them just slightly moist.
• When the plants start to push up their red shoots in spring, bring them into a light place, water well and protect them from late frosts.
• By June, growth will be well under way and they can be planted out once more.