Canna – Tropicanna

Tropicanna® Cannas are truly the most exotic of all cannas, standing apart from the rest with their bold, unforgettable presence. From their spectacular foliage to their stunning flowers, these plants are designed to make a statement in any garden or landscape. It’s no wonder that landscape professionals consistently reach for Tropicanna cannas when they want to create dramatic impact—whether planted en masse for a sweeping visual effect or featured as a standout “hero” in a mixed container.

One of the most remarkable features of Tropicanna cannas is their foliage. The leaves are super-broad and they come in three dazzling colour variations. This striking foliage provides a lush, tropical look that immediately draws the eye, even when the plant is not in bloom. When the flowers do appear, they are equally magnificent – vivid, intricate, and long-lasting, adding another layer of beauty to these already exceptional plants.

Beyond their visual appeal, Tropicanna cannas are low-maintenance and environmentally friendly. They thrive without the need for chemical sprays to control disease, allowing gardeners to enjoy their beauty guilt-free. This combination of dramatic aesthetics and eco-conscious growth makes Tropicanna cannas a favourite for both professionals and home gardeners alike.

Whether you’re looking to create a bold tropical display, add texture and colour to a mixed planting, or simply enjoy a vibrant focal point in your garden, Tropicanna® Cannas deliver unmatched beauty and performance. Their unique combination of exotic foliage, spectacular flowers, and easy-care nature ensures that they will remain a standout choice for years to come.

FLOWERS & FOLIAGE

The original Canna Tropicanna® has striped red, pink, yellow, gold, orange and green foliage with tangerine flowers produced over several months. Tropicanna® Black has scarlet-orange flowers and purple-black leaves, and Tropicanna® Gold’s green and gold striped foliage is topped with soft orange flowers edged in yellow.

PLANTING TIPS

A position in full sun is best, though Tropicanna cannas tolerate partial shade. They cope in most soils including poorly drained areas. Full foliage colour develops when days are warmer (15ºC/59ºF or more), and the plant looks fantastic when backlit by a setting sun. Cut plants back to 10cm (4") in late autumn to prepare for next summer’s show.

WAYS TO USE THEM

Plant them as a tall border where the westering sun can shine through the foliage. Make them the focus and hero of large patio pots filled with super bright annuals. Liven up plantings near water features or boggy areas where these cannas will happily thrive. You can even grow them in large containers indoors near brightly lit windows.

SHAPE & SIZE

Tropicanna cannas grow to form dense clumps from horizontal rhizomes. They’ll grow upright – in a garden bed they'll reach 1.2m tall in the first year and up to 1.8m tall from then on. In a large container they’ll sit at around 1.2m, and if in a sheltered position can be cut back any time to force new growth - see care instructions below.

FOOD & WATER

With masses of broad fleshy leaves, Tropicanna cannas do appreciate frequent watering to perform at their best. Feed in spring with a handful per plant of slow-release fertiliser.

PESTS & DISEASE

Tropicanna cannas aren't prone to disease. They rarely have issues with pests, though caterpillars can damage leaves. It’s worth noting that because these cannas have large soft leaves, it’s a good idea to position plants out of the wind so they’re not vulnerable to damage.

Tropicanna

Tropicanna Gold

Tropicanna Black

Tropicanna Hot Tamale - Limited release 2026

Landscaper tips

Perfect for use in narrow spaces where vertical cover is needed
Where boggy conditions may prove difficult to get anything established, let alone looking fabulous, Canna Tropicanna® will claim the space and thrive
These cannas are perfect for making a very showy statement in strategically positioned mega containers
With broad foliage and the option of stripes, Tropicanna cannas are a great addition to planting schemes around minimalist architecture

Care instructions:

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 pots over the winter. In Spring, growth will start up as warmer temperatures arrive.

Areas with 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 surrounded with wood chips if possible. Divide the rhizome shoots and replant in spring after last frost. Start indoors to get an early jump on the season, but do not put outside until all danger of frost is past. They require a soil temperature minimum of 60 deg to begin to grow in early spring, but grow best once temperatures reach 75+ F.

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