Indian shot
Canna indica · Cannaceae
📷 W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Indian shot is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Common name
- Indian Shot
- Family
- Cannaceae
- Type
- Herbaceous perennial with rhizomes
- Adult height
- 1.5 m
- Flowering
- July to September
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, frost-sensitive (protect in winter)
- Origin
- Tropical America
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Canna indica thrives in rich, moist soil in full sun. Plant rhizomes 10 cm deep in May after the last frosts.
The common mistake
A rhizome planted too deep or too early germinates poorly and can rot in cold soil.
The pro's trick
Divide rhizomes every two years in April: each bud produces a shoot; it's also the perfect time to refresh the soil by adding well-decomposed compost.
Care
Exposure
Install your Canna in a sunny location, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. The brighter the exposure, the more robust your plant will be and the more abundant the blooms. In shade, growth slows down and flowers become scarce.
Watering
This tropical plant enjoys consistently moist soil during the growing season (April to October). Water regularly without waterlogging, especially during hot and dry periods. In winter, in cold regions, drastically reduce watering if you keep the rhizomes in place.
Soil
The Canna prefers rich, deep, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter or compost. Soil that is too compact or poorly drained promotes rhizome rot. Improve your native soil with potting soil or well-decomposed manure before planting.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer every 15 days from May through September, the active growth period. This strengthens the stems, stimulates flowering, and prepares the rhizomes to withstand winter.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove faded flowers regularly to extend the flowering period. In autumn, after the first frosts, cut the stems to ground level or cut back the plant. In cold climates, dig up the rhizomes, let them dry for a few days, and store them dry in a frost-protected location during winter.
Diseases and pests
Watch for slugs and snails, which love tender foliage. Spider mites can colonize the plant in dry climates. Good air circulation reduces the risk of fungal rot. If problems occur, isolate the plant and treat early.
Did you know?
Canna indica was brought from tropical America to Europe in the 16th century and became a star ornamental plant in Victorian gardens in the 19th century, particularly for its spectacular foliage tinted with red or bronze. Its starch-rich rhizome also served food purposes and industrial starch production in several tropical regions.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.