We plan to plant our Cannas in a large pot that will remain indoors in that room, we may also plant a Caladium bulb with the Canna rhizomes or we may plant some cloeus with the Cannas.

Cannas come in a variety of colors and sizes, some grow up to 7 feet tall. Their blooms and leaves are very tropical looking and they are absolutely beautiful. Specifically Canna ‘Red Futurity’ needs to be protected from frost. It can be grown grow outdoors in zones 8 and higher, in colder zones it must be moved inside or dug up and stored through the frosty winter months.

This Canna will grow to about 3- 3 1/2 feet tall and does best in full sun but will tolerate part shade. Soil must be well drained or you risk root/ rhizome rotting. Like most tropical bulbs if you want to plant these outdoors you must do so in the spring after the last frost, they will bloom in summer and will need to be dug up and stored in the fall before the first frost (unless you live in zone 8 or higher).

The Canna ‘Red Futurity’ is distinguished by it’s dark burgundy leaves and it’s stunning red flowers that just stand out against the dark burgundy background.

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The great thing about bulbs, tubers and corms is that they usually will re-flower year after year when given the right growing conditions and care. Specifically calla lilies are grown from tubers and bloom in late spring and are considered “perennial bulbs” that will return year after year.

They are hardy in zones 9 & 10 and can be left in the ground between blooming seasons, in all other zones they will need to be dug up, dried and stored during the winter. Calla lilies don’t do well in frosty conditions and will often fail to return the next season if exposed to freezing temperatures.

The great thing about Calla lilies is that they can be grown as a houseplant easily. As houseplants they should be given a 2 to 3 month rest period without moisture once they bloom. Flowers will fade and can be cut back but the leaves will remain green until you reduce the amount of water given. Reducing the water after flowering will initate the 2 to 3 month rest period. After this time has passed they should be repotted and lightly watered until new growth appears.

If you prefer to grow your calla lilies outdoors you can start your in indoors in later winter and transplant them outdoors after your last frost in the spring, the calla lilies will grow and bloom through spring, summer and even fall but will need to be dug up, divided and stored during the winter if you aren’t in zones 9 or 10.

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Begonias don’t like full sun! They actually prefer to have about 50% shade and need morning/ AM sun. Their leaves can become sunburned easily so be careful where you plant these guys!

Begonias are another plant that can be killed by over watering them. Begonias need water but cannot become waterlogged! They should only be watered when the top soil is dry, be very careful to avoid over watering these!

Begonias should be planted in the spring and many sites say that your begonia tuber should not be planted until a sprout appears first. Tubers sprout best in a warm and dark place so if yours is slow to sprout check it’s location.

The autumn and fall cooler temperatures will not damage your begonia if you have them outside. Also, Begonias can be beautifully grown indoors if you prefer this method. They will do best in filtered light through a sheer curtain or something similar.

It is recommended that you stop watering your begonia tuber in or around may. This is the beginning of their dormant time and they will need this time for the tuber to grow and store food for the next bloom season. Wait to dig up your begonias, the foliage must dry up and break away “with the brush of a hand” before you should dig them up.

For prorogation techniques check out this helpful site: http://www.bradsbegoniaworld.com/prop.htm 

Flowering Problems-
If your begonia grows flower buds but they fall off before opening this is a sign that your begonia is over watered. If your begonia had large leaves and is becoming tall and “spindly” it is not getting enough sunlight and needs a brighter location.

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I did not take the photo listed in this post. I also do not hotlink images so I am giving credit where credit is due. The image is from: http://www.bookishgardener.com/plants/index.html

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