Canna flaccida
Golden canna is a Southeastern U.S. native for sunny, wet sites and pond margins. Bright yellow, iris-like flowers rise above upright foliage. It performs best in full sun and consistently moist to wet soil. Rhizomes must be lifted where winters freeze hard in much of North America. Use it in rain gardens, shoreline plantings, and native restorations.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Species
- Height × spread: 3 to 5 ft (0.9 to 1.5 m) × 1 to 1.5 ft (0.3 to 0.45 m)
- Bloom window: late spring to summer (varies by climate)
- Color & flower form: bright yellow; open, irregular flowers
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 8 to 10; grown as annual or lifted in colder regions
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Native wetland species adapted to saturated soils and shallow water.
- Yellow flowers distinguish it from many hybrid cannas.
- Leaves are thick and upright with a narrower profile.
Strengths
- Native option for wetland and rain-garden designs.
- Supports butterflies and the Brazilian skipper larvae.
- Tolerates periodic flooding.
Care in one minute
rain gardens, pond margins, native plantings, pollinators
Watch‑outs
- Not tolerant of prolonged hard freezes; protect or lift rhizomes.
- Leafrollers and canna viruses can reduce vigor.
- Plants decline if soil dries for extended periods.
Best uses (tags)
- Site: full sun to light shade with constant moisture.
- Soil: sand, loam, or clay with organic matter; acid to neutral pH.
- Water: keep evenly moist; shallow submersion okay.
- Feed: light, balanced fertilizer in spring; compost mulch.
- Overwinter: in zones 7 or colder, lift and store rhizomes at 45 to 50°F.
Provenance note
Native to the Southeastern United States and widely used in Florida landscapes.
References
- UF/IFAS EDIS: Golden canna (Canna flaccida)
- NC State Extension: Canna flaccida
- USDA PLANTS: Canna flaccida
- ASPCA: Canna Lily y
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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