Description
Canna Lily ‘Tropicanna Black’ (Canna x hybrid, family Cannaceae)
Canna Lily ‘Tropicanna Black’ is a medium variety admired for its dramatic foliage and fiery blooms. Its broad, near-black leaves are streaked with deep red veins, creating a bold contrast that intensifies in sunlight. Rising above the foliage, brilliant scarlet-red flowers add a vibrant splash of colour that enhances the plant’s tropical appeal. Typically growing 90–120 cm, it may reach greater heights in ideal conditions, making it both versatile and reliable across different garden settings. A long-flowering variety, it blooms from summer to autumn in cooler regions and from spring through to autumn in warmer climates, where the foliage may also remain evergreen. Hardy and resilient, it establishes easily, becomes more drought-tolerant once mature, and delivers dramatic beauty with lasting reliability.
Where to Plant
‘Tropicanna Black’ is ideal for garden beds, borders, and large containers, where its bold foliage and brilliant red flowers create an instant focal point. Its strong, architectural presence makes it well-suited as a backdrop in mixed plantings, a striking hedge, or grouped en masse for maximum impact. It also performs beautifully beside ponds or pools, where its dark foliage contrasts against water and surrounding greenery.
Climate Suitability
Canna Lilies are suitable for all climates. In cooler areas, they flower from summer to autumn, while in warmer climates they bloom from spring into autumn and may retain evergreen foliage. These adaptable plants perform best in sheltered, sunny positions with consistent moisture and benefit from protection from strong winds.
When to Plant
Plant them in spring once the risk of frost has passed. In frost-free or warmer regions, planting can also be done in late autumn or winter, as the rhizomes will settle and develop roots during the mild season, ready for strong growth in spring.
Soil
Canna Lilies can be grown in a range of soils and can even tolerate damp conditions, but they perform best in rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure will improve fertility and structure, helping sandy soils retain moisture and heavier soils drain more freely. Adding organic matter at planting time sets the rhizomes up for strong growth and abundant flowering.
Location/Position
Choose a full sun to partial shade position. Canna Lilies thrive in full sun, which encourages the best flowering and foliage growth. However, in regions with extreme heat, they benefit from partial shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf scorch. Plant in a sheltered spot that offers protection from wind. While generally medium in height, ‘Tropicanna Black’ can grow taller in ideal conditions, so extra shelter may be beneficial.
How to Plant
Plant rhizomes 5–10 cm deep with the eyes facing upward, ensuring they sit just below the soil surface. Space plants 50–70 cm apart to allow room for large clumps to expand. Water well after planting to settle the soil, apply a controlled-release fertiliser to support early growth, and mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pots and Containers
Canna Lilies thrive in large pots with good drainage. Use a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost. Position in full sun to partial shade, water consistently, and fertilise during the growing season for continuous flowers. In cooler climates, move pots into frost-free areas over winter and reduce watering to prevent rot.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season, but avoid waterlogging. Increase watering in dry spells and hot weather. In winter, reduce watering significantly and only water lightly if the soil becomes dry, especially where plants are dormant. Avoid allowing the soil to remain dry for extended periods. Always water at the base to keep foliage healthy and prevent fungal issues.
Fertilising
Apply a controlled-release fertiliser in spring, then top up with liquid or granular fertiliser throughout the season to support foliage growth and prolonged flowering. Plants in pots will benefit from more frequent feeding.
Mulching
Apply mulch around the base of plants in spring to regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds. Refresh mulch in autumn to help protect rhizomes from frost in cooler regions.
Maintenance
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and keep plants tidy. In warmer climates, once flowering has finished at the end of the season, cut away spent stems but retain healthy foliage, removing only leaves that are damaged or unsightly. In cooler or frost-prone regions, once frost arrives and the foliage dies back, cut plants to ground level in late autumn or after the first frost. In frost-prone areas, either cover with frost cloth or lift rhizomes for winter storage.
Division
Canna Lilies can remain undisturbed for many years, but clumps may eventually become crowded or flower less vigorously. To maintain strong growth, divide every three to four years in winter. Lift the clump, separate the rhizomes so each has at least one healthy shoot, and replant immediately. In cooler, frost-prone regions, divisions can be stored in a dry, frost-free place until spring.
Pests and Diseases
• Slugs and snails – common on young shoots; deter with barriers, traps, or baits
• Rust or bacterial blight – improve airflow, water at the soil level, and remove affected foliage
• General – monitor regularly and treat promptly to maintain plant health
Caution: Harmful if eaten.
Supplied as a bare-rooted plant.
Important Reminder: While we strive for realistic representations of our products, factors such as climatic conditions, natural variation, or manufacturing changes may affect the exact appearance of each variety. Generally, the images used depict mature specimens, while the supplied stock is dormant or juvenile and will develop over time. These images are intended as a guide only.