Of course, these flamboyant bright rose to red flowers are, well … dazzling, but cannas are such excellent foliage plants, the blooms are almost just a bonus. The gorgeous, large lettuce-green leaves that sheathe the strong, sturdy stems supporting the showy flower spikes are equally impressive and have a stunning visual impact at the height of summer.

To say these dramatic architectural plants add ornamental interest to the garden is an understatement. The prolific long-lasting blooms and wonderfully lush foliage lend an exotic flare that’s simply beyond compare.

Heat- and humidity-loving, they mingle well with other annuals and perennials, especially those that share the canna lily’s tropical temperament. Grouped or massed, they create a theatrical backdrop for shorter plants in beds and borders, but they also make spectacular screens in mild climates and can even be grown in a large container.

Tough, strong growing