Canna

What is the difference between a Canna and an Arum, I bought this as a Canna but I think it looks more like an Arum,
But it seems you can call them either :cnfs:

 

Arum lilies, can also be known as calla lilies, or Zantedeschia, which is actually the genus name. Hope that solves some of the confusion.

 

No you cant call them either Pam.
What you have there is Zantedeschia, arum lilly as has been said.

Canna is something entirely different.

 

I've stuck my cannas in my pond. (variety; Florence Vaughan)

Put them in as small plants in July and they flowered nicely this year.

I'm going to experiment and see if they'll overwinter in the pond. If that works out successfully, then there'll be no need to take them out in the future for the winter.

Anyone tried this? Did it work or not?

 

I have never heard of Cannas in water - but you have obviously done your homework as I see it classed under ponds and aquatic in 'Daves Garden'

It should have a good chance of overwintering as water has a maximum density at 4C, ie the temperature at the bottom of a pond never goes below 4C. Water any colder than that floats to the top and forms ice.

 

I once grew a pot grown canna as a marginal in my small pond.
As you say they grow very well in those conditions.

On the down side, I tried it the next year with a different variety and it just did nothing.
I cant remember the varieties concerned now but I tend to think maybe the parentage of the plant might be the deciding factor when it comes to growing them submerged.

Another thing that comes to mind is starting it into growth next spring.
I find anything in water is a good month behind plants grown in normal soil, bearing this in mind and the fact that cannas are late starters you might find it starts very late, possibly too late.

But its nice to try these things, and I hope it works.

 

Thanks for the info, Pete.

If they grow back next Spring, I'll post a piccie. If they don't I'll let you know.

As you say, it's probably the parentage or type of Canna that determines whether it'll survive long term in the water.

 

Thought I'd put this on a "Canna" thread. Mine are in pots. I've cut them down and they're in a greenhouse kept at a minimum of 7C. I will repot them in the Spring. During the winter, should I let them dry out completely or should I give them a dribble of water every now and then, like you do with Brugs. They've got little shoots at the bottom. Thanks in advance

 

I used to tend to keep them dry.
It saves any rot problems that might occur.

I think 7C is a good temperature, but they will survive as low as zero if bone dry.

 

Thanks, Pete

 

When I re-pot them in the Spring, can I "divide" them, like you do with Dahlias

 

As long as each piece has a shoot its OK.
Good to let the cut surface dry a bit before replanting though

 

Thanks pete

 

I've kept them very dry. (Like Brugs) Now they're showing new shoots. Do I re-pot/divide them now or wait for a few weeks? I can keep them in the G/house.

 

As long as they appear to be raring to go you can divide or repot now.

If you divide make sure each piece has a new shoot, (stating the obvious I know):wink:

My personal thoughts are that its probably best to just keep them in the same pots for another couple of weeks and give them just a small amount of water on sunny days to get the roots wanting to move.
There is no real rush to get them moving just yet, especially with it being so cold this year.
Once it warms up there will be no stopping them.