How to Winterize a Canna Lily

The canna lily is a tall, graceful and striking plant. Although cana lillies are perennials, they are very susceptible to frost. If your cannas are planted in containers that you can move to warmer areas or growing near the house as foundation plants, they may survive the winter without winterizing. But if they are planted in the middle of the yard, here are some winterizing methods to try.

1. Dig up your cannas and store them for the winter. First, cut them back to 6 to 8 inches high. Dig them up and store them in a moist, cool, dark place, like in your garage. When the danger of frost is past, divide and replant them.
2. Leave your cannas in the garden and cut them back to 8 to 10 inches high. Pile mulch around the base to a depth of 2 to 3 inches.
3. Leave your cannas in the garden and cut them way back to 4 to 6 inches high. Pile mulch so they are completely covered. In the spring, uncover them. This method would be better in an area with more severe winters.

For all these methods, make sure the plant roots stay moist. They are tropical plants and should not be allowed to dry out.

You may need trial and error before you hit upon the right method for your area but, when you find it, you will be happy you did.