Louisiana Canna
Canna glaucafam. Cannaceae
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Pl. DB4A — Canna glauca
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IOverview
Overview
The Louisiana Canna (Canna glauca) is a perennial forb or herb native to regions stretching from the southeastern United States through Central and South America. Known for its ornamental value, this plant thrives in moist environments with light soil types—ranging from sandy to heavy clay—and requires full sun exposure. It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is hardy in zones 9-11. Louisiana Canna is valued not only for its attractive foliage but also for its edible parts, which include the fruit and roots. Its adaptability and vibrant appearance make it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes across its native range and beyond.
Quick answers
What is Louisiana Canna?
The Louisiana Canna (Canna glauca) is a perennial forb or herb native to regions stretching from the southeastern United States through Central and South America.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Louisiana Canna thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 9-11 and grows as a perennial, reaching heights of 1.5 meters. Propagate through division or seed sowing. Harvest the fruit and roots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Louisiana Canna for the first time
8steps
Start with Louisiana Canna as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, gardening gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun. Ensure well-draining soil; amend if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 inches deep. Transplant young plants, spacing them about 3 feet apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture; avoid overwatering. Fertilize every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Cut back foliage in late fall if not perennial in your area.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitRoot
Edible uses: The Louisiana Canna's root and fruit are edible. Roots can be eaten raw or cooked, while the fruits are often used in jams or dried for later use. The plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil and full sun, making it suitable for gardens with similar conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Americas15 regions
native (15)BoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaUruguayVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Texas, Windward Is., Argentina Northeast, Mexico Gulf, Argentina Northwest, Bermuda, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Florida, Leeward Is., Louisiana, Mexico Southeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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