Canna Musifolia - Canna Lily

Canna 'Musifolia' is a giant, possibly the largest species of canna on earth. Reaching heights of over 2.5m (8ft), it is a highly ornamental plant with immense leaves resembling those of a banana, with a matte green colour edged and veined in purple. It grows rapidly and is hardy down to -15°C (5°F) in well-drained soil, making it suitable for many regions. Even without flowers, it can find its place in an exotic and lush garden.

Canna 'Musifolia' is an herbaceous rhizomatous plant from the Cannaceae family. It is of uncertain origin, but is probably a native hybrid from Venezuela, introduced in France in 1858. It quickly forms a lush clump, sometimes reaching a height of 4m (13ft), occupying over 1m (3ft) of ground space. It produces large "banana" leaves, with a matte olive-green colour, dark red veins on the top, and purple margins. The leaves stand upright along sturdy reddish stems. The flowering occurs in summer, but only appears in warm regions or exposures. It takes the form of spikes of small orange to red flowers. The plant easily propagates vegetatively, producing numerous suckers.

Canna 'Musifolia' is ideal for gardeners who love tropical plants. It is perfect for regions that enjoy mild winters. It is very easy to cultivate if it receives enough water and nutrients during its growing season. It will survive winter without special protection in most regions. In a large bed, it can be paired, for example, with hardy banana plants such as Musa 'Sakhalin', M. velutina or M. ventricosa, Dahlia imperialis, Ricinus communis, kniphofia, Mahonia 'Soft Caress', agapanthus, Beschorneria yuccoides, or even Melianthus major. As a precaution, one or two rhizomes can be removed in autumn to protect them from extreme cold, or it can be grown in a large container on a patio, with appropriate watering and fertilising.