Winter Storage for Canna Lilies

by Jenny Harrington Google
    Cannas grow from a tuberous root called a rhizome.

    Cannas grow from a tuberous root called a rhizome.

    Canna lilies produce tropical-looking foliage and tall spikes adorned with brightly colored red, yellow, orange or pink flowers. Although these plants look exotic, they thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. Cannas can remain evergreen in the warmest areas but they go semi-dormant in cooler regions. They might need overwintering indoors in areas where the soil temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or if winter weather is especially wet, which can cause the roots to rot.


    Cannas require digging up after the foliage dies back in fall or early winter. In areas where the foliage remains green, the cannas can usually survive winter outdoors. Once the foliage dies, cut it to within 1 to 2 inches of the ground. Dig up the roots carefully, taking care not to damage or cut into them with the trowel. Canna rhizomes can spread out over 12 inches, so dig about 12 inches from the base of the plant to minimize the chances of cutting into the root.


    After digging up the roots, rinse the excess soil from the roots so you can easily inspect them. Roots showing signs of pest damage, or those that appear diseased with soft or sunken spots, should be disposed of. Only healthy roots will survive storage. After cleaning, store the roots in a box filled with dry peat moss. Arrange the roots so they don't touch each other and label the bag with the canna variety so you can quickly identify them in spring.


    Any location where temperatures remain between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit provides a suitable storage option. Relatively dry and dark locations work best, such as in an unheated shed, garage or basement. The canna roots remain dormant until you replant them. Inspect the roots monthly during storage so you can identify any roots that begin to rot or mold and dispose of them before the rot spreads to other roots stored in the same box.


    You can replant canna roots in late winter or spring after the soil temperature has warmed above 40 degrees and frost danger has passed. Cannas should be planted in a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Divide large roots before planting, cutting them apart into sections that each contain a growing bud on top, which is where the new leaves emerge. The top of the root must sit about 4 inches beneath the soil surface, and the plants require 12 to 18 inches of space between roots. Water the newly planted roots until the top 6 to 8 inches of of soil feels moist.

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