Canna Cleopatra - Indian shot

Canna 'Cleopatra' is an ancient and remarkable variety, difficult to find in traditional horticultural trade. This tall plant is as strange as it is beautiful. Each rhizome produces a different plant, some offering variable flowers on the same spike, displaying various variegations of yellow, white, orange, and bright red, while others produce solid, red flowers. Its luxuriant banana-like foliage is equally surprising, with dark brown-chocolate spots depending on the plants. This extraordinary variety undoubtedly deserves a prominent place on patios or in beds, inspired by exotic or contemporary styles.

Canna 'Cleopatra' is a horticultural variety obtained in an unconventional way. It is what is called a chimera. The genetic peculiarity of this hybrid cultivar lies in the fact that each individual possesses two different genetic heritages that coexist but do not fully express themselves. This peculiarity explains its instability and therefore the variability of its appearance. It is now propagated through "in vitro" tissue culture. Among these tall cannas, reaching a height of 1.2m (4ft), two types of plants can be distinguished:

- plants with broad burgundy to brown leaves, producing an abundance of red-orange flowers

- green-leaved plants, randomly variegated with chocolate-brown, like the stems. They are slightly less floriferous. The flowers, with a fluctuating pattern, are variegated with red, yellow, and white, in varying proportions. Red-orange flowers can also be observed.

Canna edulis, or C. indica, is a large perennial native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America. It has been crossed with C. flaccida, with wider flowers and spectacular variegations, native to wet areas of the southeastern United States, giving rise to numerous cultivars that delight enthusiasts of exotic-looking but easy-to-grow plants. All these plants belong to the Cannaceae family, in the same group as gingers and bananas. In spring, its thick and knotted rhizome develops a dense clump measuring at least 1m (3ft) tall, composed of numerous large entire leaves whose sheathing base forms a false stem. From July to the first frosts, thin floral stems reaching a height of 1.5m (5ft) appear in the centre. The asymmetrical flowers with shiny petals are grouped in dense spikes.

Hybrid cannas are majestic and colourful plants, ideal for adding spice to the back of flower beds or planted in large groups on a lawn. Their cultivation is accessible to all. Consider planting them in dense flower beds of about ten bulbs of the same variety, or by mixing green and purple foliage. Canna 'Cleopatra' is a marvel for curious gardeners. It can be used to create stunning exotic-looking container displays. Given the size of this variety, a large container will be required. It is superb planted in isolation, but also forms a beautiful combination with a banana tree, bamboo, castor oil plant, or nandina. Grow this plant like a dahlia. Dig up the rhizomes before the frost arrives and replant them in spring.