Canna lilies have tall, erect flower spikes, carrying exotic blooms in a variety of colors, from white to red, through yellow and pink, which can also be plain, striped, or spotted. They make a cheerful addition to an indoor display, particularly in a warm position.

The leaves, arising from the rhizomatous root system, are long, strap like, and range from gray and leathery to chocolate-red and thin. C. ‘Wyoming’ has brownish-purple leaves and stunning orange flowers.

‘Black Knight’ has brown leaves and red flowers. C. ‘Lucifer’ is a dwarf variety bearing crimson flowers with yellow borders. These are hybrids of garden origin whose parents are natives of the West Indies and Central America.

Size: Height 2—4 ft. (60—120 cm).

Light: Indirect sunlight with some direct sunlight.

Temperature: Keep warm; 70—80°F (21—25°C).

Moisture: Keep thoroughly moist in spring and fall. Reduce watering to a minimum in winter, to prevent the soil from drying out severely.

Feeding: Give standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks from summer until fall.

Propagation: Division of rhizomes in spring.

Special needs: If the temperature is very high, mist regularly.