Orange Canna Lily

Underneath a scruffy green cordyline I've planted a clump of Canna lilies. They have purple leaves and beautiful orange flowers, and I suspect they are very much the common garden variety!

Glowing Orange Flowers

These were the first canna lilies I'd ever grown, and I was worried that winters in the Moosey Garden might be a little too frosty. No problems - but I do cover them with mulch in the autumn, just in case. In late summer the flowers appear, and when the afternoon sun catches the striped leaves the effect is magical.

What a beautiful soft, glowing flower colour! The colour orange makes such a strong contrast with the surrounding greenery in the border. I've heard of people who chop the orange flowers off - they must be mad.

More Cannas

I also grow the lovely specialty striped varieties of Canna. Overall I find them wonderful for late summer colour. They do flower late for me, though, and I suspect they might not fare so well without shelter.

Update - 2010

For accuracy of these garden records I need to mention the following. I now have no idea where these Cannas went. I don't know if I moved them, or indeed why. I only remember their beautiful foliage with the sun shining through. I think this might be a situation of RIGP - 'rest in garden peace'. The space where they were planted is now much shadier, and is filled with hostas.