11 Stunning Red Canna Lily Varieties for Vibrant Garden Displays
Fiery blooms and lush foliage create a tropical garden display that wows all season.
Canna lilies are a show-stopping group of flowering perennials known for their vivid blooms and bold, tropical foliage. While canna lilies are available in many hues, red canna lily varieties are among the most sought-after for gardeners seeking dramatic, eye-catching color in borders, containers, or as specimen plants. This guide highlights the most beautiful and reliable red canna options, complete with growing tips to help your garden burst with color all summer long.
What Are Canna Lilies?
Canna lilies (Canna species and hybrids) are not true lilies but members of the Cannaceae family, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. With their large banana-like leaves and bold, upright flower spikes, cannas add an unmistakable tropical touch to any landscapeâeven in regions where winters are cold and harsh.
They :
- Grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 11.
- Are perennial in warm regions (zones 8â11), but must be lifted and stored indoors as rhizomes in colder zones.
- Produce blooms in shades of red, yellow, orange, and pink, with many cultivars reblooming through the season if deadheaded regularly.
- Have striking foliage in green, bronze, burgundy, or variegated colors, adding visual interest even when not in flower.
- Attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators thanks to their nectar-rich blossoms.
Growing and Caring for Canna Lilies
To enjoy the best performance and dazzling blooms from your red canna lilies, follow these essential tips:
- Sunlight: Choose locations with at least 6â8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil: Plant in rich, well-draining soil with ample organic matter. Cannas thrive in moist garden beds but dislike waterlogged roots.
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, watering more frequently in drought or in containers.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly or use a controlled-release formula for strong growth and prolific blooms.
- Mulching: Mulch to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Winter Care: In zones 8â11, cannas can remain outdoors. In colder climates, dig up rhizomes after the first frost, dry and store in a frost-free site until spring.
- Pests & Diseases: Watch for canna leaf rollers, slugs, and snails, and treat early if needed.
11 Red Canna Lily Varieties to Transform Your Garden
The following cultivars represent some of the most dependable and visually stunning red canna lilies available to gardeners today. Each variety offers its unique blend of flower form, leaf texture, and overall plant size:
1. ‘Lucifer’
- Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Lucifer’
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 2â4 feet tall
- Flower Color: Brilliant scarlet red with a gold lining
- Foliage: Lush green
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Zones: 4â10
‘Lucifer’ stands out for its glowing red petals edged with goldâa rare and delightful bicolor effect. Compact in size, it makes a stunning choice along walkways or in mass plantings near walls and fences. Its green foliage naturally frames the luminous blooms to dazzling effect, though the large leaves can be wind-sensitiveâplant in a sheltered spot for best results.
2. ‘Musifolia’
- Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Musifolia’
- Plant Size: Up to 10+ feet
- Flower Color: Small, vivid red to orange-red blooms
- Foliage: Enormous, banana-like leaves with deep green to bronze tones
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Zones: 7â11
‘Musifolia’ is among the largest cannas, making an imposing tropical accent. Its massive, lush foliage is nearly as showy as its strikingly red flowers. Ideal for back-of-border placements or as a summer privacy screen.
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3. ‘Red Dazzler’
- Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Red Dazzler’
- Plant Size: 4â5 feet
- Flower Color: Large, velvety red
- Foliage: Green
‘Red Dazzler’ delivers clusters of velvety, deep red blossoms from midsummer onwards. Its sturdy stalks and excellent disease resistance make it a reliable performer in borders or containers.
4. ‘The President’
- Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘The President’
- Plant Size: 3â4 feet
- Flower Color: Classic, bold red
- Foliage: Vibrant green
A garden favorite, ‘The President’ produces prolific spikes of large, true red flowers above neat, medium-sized foliage. Perfect for borders, entryways, or accent planting in mixed beds.
5. ‘King Humbert’ (Red King Humbert)
- Scientific Name: Canna x generalis ‘Red King Humbert’
- Plant Size: 5â6 feet
- Flower Color: Bright red to orange-red
- Foliage: Bronzy-green or dark burgundy
‘King Humbert’ is known for its tall, bold growth and dense clusters of large, vibrant red flowers. The contrasting dark foliage provides nonstop color impact through the growing season.
6. ‘Tropicanna Black’ (also known as ‘Phasion’ or ‘Durban’)
- Plant Size: 4â6 feet
- Flower Color: Intense red or orange-red
- Foliage: Deep purple-black leaves with dramatic striping
This striking cultivar combines smoldering red blooms with exotic, near-black foliage streaked with red and bronze. It’s an outstanding choice for contemporary show gardens or contrasting with lighter-leafed plants.
7. ‘Red Leopard’
- Plant Size: 4â5 feet
- Flower Color: Crimson red with orange flecks
- Foliage: Green, lance-shaped leaves
‘Red Leopard’ displays clusters of intricately speckled red blooms from midsummer until frost. Its upright habit and exotic flower coloring set it apart in beds or large planters.
8. ‘Black Knight’
- Plant Size: 4â6 feet
- Flower Color: Deep crimson-red
- Foliage: Smoky purple or burgundy
‘Black Knight’ is celebrated for its tall stature, prominent flower spikes and smoldering, dusky foliageâa classic choice for sophisticated displays and dramatic garden contrasts.
9. ‘Brandywine’
- Plant Size: 3 feet
- Flower Color: Vibrant, pure red
- Foliage: Green edged with red
‘Brandywine’ forms dense clusters of cherry-red blooms, thriving in smaller garden spaces or at the front of borders. The red-edged green leaves add further charm and vibrancy.
10. ‘Firecracker’
- Plant Size: 3â4 feet
- Flower Color: Scarlet-red, flaring flowers
- Foliage: Sleek, green
‘Firecracker’ more than lives up to its name, producing clusters of fiery red blooms that sparkle against simple green leaves. Compact and early-flowering, it’s ideal for small gardens or patio pots.
11. ‘Striata’ (also known as ‘Bengal Tiger’)
- Plant Size: 5 feet
- Flower Color: Red, yellow to orange flecked, variable
- Foliage: Green with bold yellow stripes
Grown as much for its variegated, stripy foliage as its lively bicolored blooms, ‘Striata’ (or ‘Bengal Tiger’) is a stunning focal point either in flower or leaf. Its striking form stands out in any lush border.
Table: At a Glance â Red Canna Lily Varieties
| Variety | Height | Flower Color | Foliage | Zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ‘Lucifer’ | 2â4 ft | Red w/ gold edges | Green | 4â10 |
| ‘Musifolia’ | 6â10+ ft | Red-orange | Giant, green-bronze | 7â11 |
| ‘Red Dazzler’ | 4â5 ft | Velvety red | Green | Varies |
| ‘The President’ | 3â4 ft | Bold red | Green | Varies |
| ‘King Humbert’ | 5â6 ft | Red | Dark bronze-green | Varies |
| ‘Tropicanna Black’ | 4â6 ft | Intense red | Purple-black striped | Varies |
| ‘Red Leopard’ | 4â5 ft | Red w/ orange flecks | Green | Varies |
| ‘Black Knight’ | 4â6 ft | Crimson red | Purplish, smoky | Varies |
| ‘Brandywine’ | 3 ft | Pure red | Green w/ red edge | Varies |
| ‘Firecracker’ | 3â4 ft | Scarlet red | Green | Varies |
| ‘Striata/Bengal Tiger’ | 5 ft | Red-orange | Variegated | Varies |
Design Tips & Garden Uses for Red Canna Lilies
- Tall varieties work best at the back of flower beds, as bold seasonal screens, or to add drama against fences and walls.
- Shorter varieties are suited for the front of borders, containers, or as vibrant edging plants.
- Mix with other tropicals like elephant ears, bananas, and colorful coleus for layered, jungle-inspired plantings.
- Pair with silver or blue foliage plants (such as dusty miller, agave, or blue fescue) to magnificently showcase the canna’s red blooms.
- Use canna lilies near water features or pondsâmany thrive in moisture and even shallow water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are red canna lilies difficult to grow?
A: No, canna lilies are easy to grow if provided with full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. They are very forgiving and tolerate occasional neglect, though best flower quality is achieved with regular feeding and deadheading.
Q: Can red canna lilies overwinter outdoors in cold climates?
A: They are hardy outdoors as perennials only in zones 8â11. In colder zones, dig and store rhizomes indoors after the first frost. Keep them in a dark, dry place until spring when danger of frost has passed.
Q: Will red canna lilies spread or multiply?
A: Yes, canna lilies grow from rhizomes that slowly spread, forming clumps. Every 2â3 years, divide to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigorous flowering.
Q: Are red canna lilies deer resistant?
A: Cannas are often listed as deer-resistant, but in times of scarcity, deer or rabbits may nibble shoots. Their large, tough leaves tend to be less palatable than more tender plants.
Q: Do canna lilies have any pests or diseases?
A: The main pest is the canna leaf roller caterpillar, which can cause leaf damage. Inspect leaves regularly and remove any infested foliage or treat with suitable controls. Slugs and snails may also feed on leaves, especially in wet weather.
Final Thoughts
Red canna lily varieties are unmatched when it comes to adding bold, tropical flair and lasting color to gardens of all sizes. From the dazzling bicolor ‘Lucifer’ to the stately ‘Musifolia’ and the richly-hued ‘Black Knight,’ every gardener can find a favorite to suit their space and design vision. With just a bit of care and attention, these flamboyant plants will reward you with months of stunning blooms, lush foliage, and lively pollinator activity every summer.
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