Growing Cannas in Water: A Unique Way to Display These Aquatic Plants

With their large, lush leaves and vibrant blooms, cannas make a striking addition to water features. Their ability to grow directly in ponds and fountains creates unique displays. Follow proper planting techniques for the best results when cultivating these semi-aquatic plants in water.

Why Grow Cannas in Water?

Cannas originate in tropical and subtropical wetlands They thrive in moist soil and flooded conditions in nature This makes them well-suited to growing as marginal aquatic plants. Their lush foliage adds texture, height and visual appeal to pools, ponds and fountains.

Floating freely in water or planted in containers partially submerged, cannas create tropical effects. Their bright flowers contribute dazzling colors. Designers use cannas to soften hardscaping and add plant interest to water elements.

Growing cannas this way provides several advantages

• Unique display for focal interest
• Height and volume contrasts to water surface
• Bright blooms to enliven water features
• Softening of hard edges on ponds and fountains
• Oxygenation of water

Selecting Cannas for Water Cultivation

When choosing cannas for in-water growing, seek out designated aquatic varieties. Look for descriptions specifying suitability for ponds, fountains and bog gardens.

Recommended water-friendly options include:

• Tropicanna – vibrant orange and yellow striped leaves
• Australia – mottled red/green/yellow foliage
• Red King Humbert – large red blooms
• Striata – green and white striped leaves
• Pretoria – variegated cream/green leaves

Avoid dry-land cannas lacking the adaptations to flourish fully immersed. Consult local nurseries and online sources to find suitable aquatic types.

Planting Cannas in Water Features

Follow these tips to successfully establish cannas in water:

• Start with young actively growing plants free of pests and disease.

• Transplant from pots into aquatic baskets or containers with drainage holes. Use a rich soil-less potting mix amended with controlled release fertilizer.

• Set containers in 2-6 inches of water so the soil stays constantly moist but crowns remain above water level.

• Anchor pots in place using rocks or weights to keep from floating.

• Situate in full sun for at least 6 hours daily. Provide partial shade in extremely hot climates.

• Maintain water levels at 2-6 inch depth. Top off any evaporation weekly.

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly according to product instructions.

• Divide congested plants in early spring before new growth begins.

Caring for Cannas Over Winter

In cold climate regions, cannas grown in water gardens require special overwintering care:

• Cut back foliage after first hard frost.

• Lift plants from water and allow soil to partly dry out.

• Move containers to frost-free location like a greenhouse or sunny window.

• Water sparingly, keeping soil slightly moist but not saturated.

• Resume normal watering in spring after danger of frost passes.

• Transplant back into water feature after new growth is several inches tall.

Designing Displays with Cannas

When planning water gardens or fountainscapes using cannas:

• Use large containers and vigorous growers near pond edges, smaller pots and varieties in shallow sections.

• Contrast fine-textured grasses and leafy plants with cannas’ bold foliar shapes.

• Repeat cannas in groups of 3 or 5 for greater visual impact.

• Combine colors for vibrant compositions, or create monochromatic themes.

• Let cannas spread and intermingle for a naturalistic look.

• Control growth by trimming and confinement for neater designs.

Enjoying the Tropics in Your Own Backyard

Thanks to their aquatic adaptability, cannas bring a taste of the topics to backyard water features. Their lush leaves, striking patterns and tropical flowers lend exotic flair. Planted artfully, cannas can transform plain ponds and fountains into staycation-worthy escapes. Learning proper growing methods allows anyone to successfully cultivate these marginal water plants. The end result brings the vibrancy and ambience of a tropical vacation right to your own garden.