Red Golden Flame Canna

Red Golden Flame Canna (Canna x generalis 'Red Golden Flame') is the carnival of the canna family: bright orange-red flowers outlined in yellow, held above broad green leaves. It grows 70cm to 1.2m tall and only 35cm to 50cm wide, so all that colour fits into a bed or a big pot. It is raised from seed rather than from a heavy rhizome, so it arrives as a young plant ready to grow on.

Why you'll love it

• Bicolour blooms. Each flower is orange-red with a yellow edge, which reads like a flame from across the garden.
• A long run of colour. Flowering starts in mid spring and continues until the frosts, so the show lasts the whole warm season.
• Calm green leaves. The broad green foliage steadies the bright flowers and keeps the clump lush even between blooms.
• Narrow enough for patio pots. A spread of 35cm to 50cm sits comfortably on a deck, balcony or courtyard.
• Heat loving. It takes hot weather in its stride, and the roots are rated hardy to -12C for cold winters.

Where it works best

Hot colour borders. Plant in groups of three or five, about 45cm apart. Mix it with bronze and yellow plants for a tropical palette, or set it against blue and silver foliage.

Patio pots and containers. Use one plant per pot of 30cm or wider, in full sun. The tall flowers make a good centrepiece for a mixed pot.

Poolside and entertaining areas. Bold leaves and bright colour give a resort look, and the plant copes with heat reflected off paving.

Growing Red Golden Flame Canna in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun brings the most flowers; part shade works if you accept fewer blooms. It grows in tropical, subtropical and temperate gardens. The leaves die back with frost or cold, and the roots are rated to -12C, so the clump returns in spring.

Soil. Plant in nutritious soil enriched with compost, or in a quality potting mix in containers.

Water and feed. Water weekly in dry spells, aimed at the soil or into the pot and not over the leaves. Feed fortnightly through the growing season, or use a slow release fertiliser each season.

Pruning. Deadhead spent flowers and remove finished stems. After winter has browned the foliage, cut it to the ground. Mulch generously over the crown in cold locations to protect the roots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Red Golden Flame Canna as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It is grown from seed, so it arrives as a small plant with a few leaves, not a full clump, and it needs a season of warm weather to fill out. Plant it into warm soil for the quickest start.

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 for full sun
• Colourful plants for pots
• Tropical plants for lush colour
• Poolside garden plants

Common questions

Will the bright colours clash with other plants?

Hot orange and red work best with plenty of green around them, and the canna's own broad leaves help. Blue, silver or deep bronze foliage nearby adds contrast.

How much sun does it need?

Full sun gives the most flowers. Part shade is tolerated, but expect fewer blooms.

Is it hardy?

The roots are rated frost hardy to -12C. The leaves die back over winter, and in cold districts a thick mulch over the crown helps the roots through.