Hi Martuna you are lucky that you live in a zone where you "should" be able to leaves cannas in the ground to over winter. I would tend to be optomistic that you will see your cannas again when it warms up, but cannas don't tend to do so well with a cold, wet, soggy soil. So if they don't make it this year for some reason, I would amend the soil where you have the cannas planted so it is better draining (mix in some horticultural sand or some organic material, or both, and while your at it you might as well throw in some well rotted manure) and try again. Once you have amended your planting bed try planting some test cannas (perhaps some cheaper ones that are easily replaced) to make sure that they will survive. Anyway here's hoping that things work out well and your cannas grow to new heights. Cheers, Grant

If you are digging up a plant, you will be digging up roots. Therefore it is already rooted and needs only be planted with some water and B-1 and or superthrive to reduce transplant shock. Do not remove leaves as they are used to draw water from the roots,but they may droop because of first shock but should respond shortly. Freezing temps are deadly to plumies so if you get temps below 32 you must take the plants inside. You can use frost cloth and xmas lights for brief frosts but long time cold kills. I would try to wait to cut the branches late in fall or better in about February. Always strip off leaves and flowers before rooting. If flowers form while rooting you can watch the leaf growth and remove the flowers if the leaves stop growing, but a flower on a cutting before rooting is a major drain and leaves suck the water from the stock which is needed to root.

A pruning saw (or any small saw) will cut through roots too thick for pruners. A small spade will cut better with your weight on it than a large wide one (the stiletto heel principle). Then rock the plant from side to side- and cut more roots underneath it. How about inviting some friends round for a gardening party (a bit like a paint party when you get them to help decorate the house), and you provide the refreshments. Tell them it's a "green gym".

Nothing to be afraid of, I'm always shuffling my lilies around. I find them to be quite easy to grow. Other than voles, and stem borers, the only time I lose them is when I try to stretch their limits for shade tolerance. If yours are getting crowded, I'd consider that a sign that they're happy, and you could probably find some new homes for some of them now. Otoh, if they are shrinking in size, I'd want to dig in there, and find out why-voles, rot, etc.