Fact Sheet

We all know that plants are dynamic, living things, and because we understand so much about our own plants (we carry out trials around the world) we appreciate the subtle differences regarding their growth and habit.

Which is why it’s worthwhile visiting the section of our site which gives you local information – which plants are available; when it’s best to plant, prune and feed them; tips and so on. It’s all here to help you enjoy them more.

Tropicanna ® GOLD provides fantastic blooms

Introduction

When you think you had seen it all, along comes another surprise, Tropicanna® Gold with its bold striping of green and gold throughout each leaf, beautifully topped off in summer with a bright yellow edged orange flower.

Canna Tropicanna® Gold is the newest member of the Tropicanna family of cannas from Anthony Tesselaar International. It is a sport of the original Canna Tropicanna (var. ‘Phasion’).

Tropicanna® Gold, when planted out with the original Tropicanna® and the new Tropicanna® Black, make the perfect garden foliage partners, striking in color and form - these three varieties create impact.

Key Features

Brings a tropical touch to the garden
Brilliant orange flowers splashed with warm yellow edging and accents
Ideal for gardens, landscapes and water gardens
Can be planted in full sun or part shade
Distinctive gold and green striped leaves

Suggested Uses

Commercial landscapes in USDA zones 7 through 11 (no lifting required). It is ideal for planting in garden beds, borders and container plantings. Great for water gardens, ponds and bogs.

Growth Habit

Dense clump-forming plant with horizontal subterranean rhizomes. Upright growth habit. Full mature height achieved in one season.

Growth Pattern

Annual rhizome development.

Plant Size

In garden beds: grows to 4-feet tall in the first year, grows up to 6-feet tall in subsequent years in zones 7 and above if not lifted after growing season. In containers: will grow up to 4-feet tall, can be cut back any time to force new growth. Plant in large pot, 15- to 18-inches in diameter or larger.

Flower Size

Medium to large canna flower.

Mature Height

4 – 6 ft.

Spacing

Plant 18-inches apart in garden beds. Can be planted closer together in containers. Containers should be a minimum of 15- to 18-inches diameter to promote optimal plant growth/size.

Hardiness

Cannas are tropical plants and are sensitive to extended exposure to frost. Mild winters (USDA zones 7 through 11): As soon as the leaves begin to die back, cut off foliage to soil level, and leave in-ground or in large containers over the winter. In spring, growth will start up as warmer temperatures arrive. Severe winters (USDA zones 3 through 6): As soon as the leaves begin to die back, cut off foliage to about 4 inches, dig up the rhizomes, let them dry for a few days in a protected area. Store the rhizomes in a cool dry place for the winter. Divide the rhizome shoots and replant in spring. Start indoors to get an early jump on the season, but do not put outside until all danger of frost is past. May also be treated as an annual.

Flowering Period

Flowers all season long. Duration is typically 2 to 4 months. Many flowers are produced during the season.

Number Of Flowers

Four to eight flowers per stalk; stalks grow and mature to flower throughout growing season.

Flower Color

Orange flowers splashed with warm yellow edging and accents.

Fragrance

Not fragrant.

Foliage

Grown primarily for its foliage color, each exotic leaf of Tropicanna Gold provides an enticing combination of green and gold stripes. A temperature greater than 60°F is required for best leaf color. Leaves are a dark grey-green to light yellow-green with alternating interveinal yellow-green stripes, which fade to creamy yellow as the plant matures. Interveinal stripes begin at the midrib of the blade and extend upwardly and outwardly towards the outer edges or tips of the leaves, with the shape and color of the stripes being irregular. Makes brilliant cut foliage.

Pruning/Pinching

Not necessary. Spent flower blooms drop naturally. Dig and divide to maintain size and shape.

Temperature

Canna Tropicanna® Gold is a tropical plant and should be protected from frost. Plants will over winter in the ground and withstand light frosts; however, potted plants will need to be protected or over wintered in a greenhouse. Tropicanna Gold will start to grow when temperatures exceed 50°F in Spring, but leaves won't attain full color until temperatures regularly exceed 60°F.

Light Needs

Will perform best when planted in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. May be grown indoors near a window with bright natural light for extended periods, however, growth may be more elongated.

Soil Needs

Tropicanna Gold will tolerate a range of soils but will perform best in a deep fertile soil. It will tolerate poorly drained areas.

Water Needs

With masses of broad fleshy leaves, Tropicanna Gold requires frequent watering to perform at its best.

Fertilizer

In spring, use a slow-release flowering plant formula high in potassium to encourage flowering. Too much nitrogen can yield a plant that is excessively tall and elongated.

Disease Tolerance

Cannas are not prone to disease in the landscape.

Pest Issues

No major pests. Snails and slugs can damage leaves.

Special Care

Avoid windy locations as the large soft leaves can be damaged. Outdoors: Easy care plant. Better performance will be attained if plants are watered and fed regularly, but once established, Tropicanna Gold flowers readily with minimal care. In Containers: If a potted plant should dry out excessively, leaves may fade. If this should happen, cut back lackluster leaves or even the entire stem to the soil line. Water regularly. Plant will respond by sending up new shoots.

Parentage

Sport of Canna hybrid var. ‘Phasion’ (Canna Tropicanna®)