Canna lily care and overwintering

Canna lilies (*Canna* × *generalis*) are among the most structurally dramatic plants in the summer garden. Foliage ranges from bright green to bronze-purple to variegated, with flower stalks reaching 2–8 feet depending on cultivar. They are not related to true lilies (*Lilium* spp.) despite the.

Canna lilies (Canna × generalis) are among the most structurally dramatic plants in the summer garden. Foliage ranges from bright green to bronze-purple to variegated, with flower stalks reaching 2–8 feet depending on cultivar. They are not related to true lilies (Lilium spp.) despite the common name.

Cannas are tropical and subtropical plants (native to Central and South America and the Caribbean) that thrive in summer heat and humidity. In USDA zones 8–11, they are perennials that can remain in the ground year-round. In zones 4–7, they must be dug and stored over winter or treated as annuals.

Zones and hardiness

Per Missouri Botanical Garden, Canna × generalis is reliably hardy in zones 8–11 as a perennial. In zone 7 with mulching, rhizomes often survive winters with temperatures to 10°F. In zones 4–6, rhizomes must be dug after the first killing frost and stored indoors.

Per NC State Extension, in zones 7–8, applying 4–6 inches of mulch over the rhizome zone after frost kills the foliage typically provides adequate protection in most winters.