Bronze Scarlet Canna

Bronze Scarlet Canna (Canna x generalis 'Bronze Scarlet') is the dramatic canna: dark bronze-black leaves topped with large, warm red flowers. It stands 70cm to 1.2m tall and only 35cm to 50cm wide, so it gives a bed or a patio pot a strong focal point without needing much room. It is raised from seed rather than from a heavy rhizome, which is why it can be sent as a young tubestock plant.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves that carry the show. The broad bronze-black foliage brings bold colour and shape even between flushes of flowers.
• Warm red flowers for months. Blooms open from mid spring and keep coming until the frosts, so one plant covers the whole warm season.
• Compact for a canna. At 35cm to 50cm wide it fits a pot or a narrow bed, yet 1.2m of height still makes an impact.
• Handles heat. It copes with hot weather and dry spells once settled, and flowers best in full sun.
• Cold hardy at the roots. The roots are rated hardy to -12C, so the plant dies back over winter and shoots again in spring.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Group three or five plants about 45cm apart so the leaves just meet. The dark foliage is a strong backdrop for pale flowers and silver-leaved plants.

Patio and balcony pots. One plant suits a pot 30cm or wider. Keep it in the sunniest position and water into the pot, not over the leaves.

Tropical style borders. The big leaves give a lush, jungle look beside an outdoor room or entry, even in southern gardens where it rests over winter.

Growing Bronze Scarlet Canna in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the most flowers, though part shade is tolerated. It suits tropical, subtropical and temperate gardens. The top growth dies back in winter, and the roots are rated frost hardy to -12C.

Soil. Plant in nutritious soil. Dig in compost before planting, and use a quality potting mix in containers.

Water and feed. In dry spells water weekly, at the base of the plant or into the pot, not over the leaves. Feed fortnightly through the growing season, or use a slow release fertiliser each season.

Pruning. Remove spent flower stems, and cut the dead foliage to the ground once winter has taken it. In cold districts, mulch generously over the crown to keep the roots warm.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bronze Scarlet Canna as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Because it is grown from seed and not from a large rhizome, expect a small leafy plant rather than an instant clump. Plant it into warm soil or pot it on, and flowers follow once it has some size.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Plants that suit pots and containers
• More tropical style plants
• Plants for poolside gardens
• Frost tolerant plants in Australia

Common questions

Will the leaves stay dark?

The foliage is naturally dark bronze-black. Full sun gives the best flowering, and part shade is tolerated with fewer blooms.

Does Bronze Scarlet Canna die back in winter?

Yes. The leaves die back over winter and the plant rests below ground. Cut the dead growth away, mulch the crown in cold districts, and new shoots appear in spring.

Can I grow it in a pot all year?

Yes, its narrow spread suits a pot of 30cm or more. Water weekly in dry spells, feed fortnightly while it grows, and give it plenty of sun.