Canna indica (Indian shot) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: Canna indica produces tall, upright stems clothed in broad, paddle-shaped leaves that lend an immediate tropical intensity to any collection. The foliage ranges from fresh green to flushed bronze depending on light, while the flower spikes carry sculptural red or orange blooms held high above the canopy. Its rhizomatous base steadily thickens, giving the plant a strong architectural stance and a lush, exotic texture.

Growing conditions: This species is fully tender in Ireland and must be grown indoors, in a heated glasshouse, or lifted and stored each winter. It requires full sun, warmth, and rich but free-draining compost. Keep barely moist during the colder months to avoid rhizome rot. Although native to Asia and the wider tropics, it performs reliably here when protected from frost and given consistent summer heat.

Traditional & herbal uses: Canna indica has a long history in traditional medicine, with its roots and rhizomes used in various cultural contexts. The plant has been associated with uses relating to reproductive and menstrual complaints, and the starchy rhizome has also been processed into a form of arrowroot by grinding, soaking, and settling the starch.

Maintenance & harvesting: Feed generously during active growth and water deeply in summer, ensuring good drainage. Lift rhizomes in late autumn if grown outdoors, or maintain them indoors in cool, barely moist conditions to prevent desiccation. Divide rhizomes between March and April to rejuvenate older clumps and increase stock. Handle divisions carefully to avoid damaging the fleshy roots. Flowers and foliage are non-toxic, but the large rhizomes should be cleaned and processed correctly if handled for starch extraction.