How To Keep Canna Lilies Happy During Winter For Beautiful Spring Blooms

Heat-loving canna lilies (Canna) can bring a dash of the tropical to any garden, but they may need special care through the winter. Canna lilies are known for their large, vibrant flowers in striking shades of red, orange, and yellow, which bloom from July to October. Their bold colors naturally attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, adding life to your garden. Thriving in partial to full sun and well-drained soil, they can also adapt to less ideal conditions. These tropical beauties have been a staple since Victorian times, often serving as the centerpiece in tropical flowerbeds and gracing parks and formal gardens with their elegance. Canna lilies pair nicely with colorful varieties of hibiscus flowers for a tropical garden that stands out. With their stunning blooms and versatility, they are the perfect choice to create a vibrant, tropical-inspired garden that thrives throughout the summer.

Knowing how to grow and take care of your canna lily is important. While canna lilies can overwinter right in the ground in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10, they may die if left in freezing temperatures in colder climates. Instead, by digging them up and storing them safely above freezing temperatures during the winter, you can ensure your vibrant canna lilies survive to bring joy to another summer. 

If your climate is too cold for canna lilies, don't worry, you can still save them for the next year. After the first frost, your canna lilies will begin to blacken. Start by cutting off most of the stem, leaving about three inches. Then carefully dig out your lily, trying not to cut through the rhizome — a bulb-like horizontal stem at the surface of the ground that stores the nutrients for the next year. Let it dry out, then prepare a container, such as this Rubbermaid 3 Gallon Roughneck Storage Box, with a layer of peat moss, such as Organic Spagnum Peat Moss, or similar material. Place each rhizome in the box, spacing them so they aren't touching each other. Then, add another layer of peat moss and repeat. Don't use the lid, as it can cause condensation and moisture problems, but you can use a layer of newspaper or cardboard at the top if desired. Then your rhizomes are ready to store in a cool location, such as a basement or garage. Learn more with tips for saving your spring bulbs once the flowers have bloomed.

If your rhizomes are extra-large, you may be able to propagate your canna lilies. Look for multiple eyes on the rhizomes, then carefully split them apart. Follow the same process for storage, and you'll be ready to enjoy an abundance of calla lilies next year.