How to Store Cannas in Winter
The tall spikes of canna lilies, with their red, yellow or orange blossoms, make an impressive display beside a fence or wall. Cannas are available in a standard variety, which can grow up to ten feet tall, and dwarf variations, which top out at three feet.The tropical natives bloom steadily from mid-summer to fall, but wither at first frost. Canna lilies can thrive as far north as zone three. While cannas can survive the mild winters of zones seven through ten, you'll need to take extra steps to ensure another colorful display next spring. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Spade
- Cardboard box or paper bag
- Newspaper or sphagnum moss
- Sharp knife
Instructions
-
-
1
Cut back the foliage on your canna lilies to just above ground level. Push back any mulch to reveal bare ground around the base of the plant.
-
2
With a sharp trowel, dig around the base of the canna lily, loosening the dirt around the root clump. Cannas grow from thick, knotty rhizomes. Carefully dig up the entire canna root clump. If a piece of the clump breaks off, save it, as it may still be viable
-
-
3
Line the bottom of a cardboard box with crumpled newspaper or sphagnum moss. Set the root clumps on top of this. It's okay to stack the roots on top of each other, but don't pack them in too tightly. You should leave room for air circulation. You can also store the root clumps in paper bags.
-
4
Store the roots in a dark place where the temperature is about 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. An insulated garage, cellar or crawl space will work. Some people use an old refrigerator. Don't allow your roots to freeze and don't let them dry out. You can mist them a couple of times during the winter but most will do fine if left alone in the dark.
-
5
Retrieve the roots from storage after the last frost in spring. Cannas need to be divided every few years. Divide the roots in the spring before replanting. Use a sharp knife to sever the root clump into sections. Replant the sections in the flower bed. Water, mulch and wait for new shoots to appear.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Don't store the roots in plastic as this inhibits air circulation and traps moisture, which can lead to mold.
