Gardening Guides
Great Design Plant: Canna 'Pretoria'
Plant this showstopping lily in your garden now for the lush feel of a tropical landscape all summer long
When the frost of winter and early spring is receding and the anticipation of poolside barbecues and al fresco dining is on the horizon, it's time to prepare for lush summer blooms. For the ultimate summer exclamation plant, Sasha Newman of Little Miracles Designs suggests Canna 'Pretoria' because of its statement-making foliage and flowers. Plant 'Pretoria' in early spring for a sensational tropical accent in your garden come summer. The only thing missing will be the poolside service.
How to use it. Exotic architecture calls for exotic landscapes, and 'Pretoria' adds a colorful exclamation to your outdoor living spaces. Grow 'Pretoria' poolside and create a lush and tropical patio lounge. If your climate is temperate enough, plant 'Pretoria' directly into the ground. Otherwise opt for patio planters, which can easily be moved inside during freezing winters. Whether you plant this lily en masse or use it sparingly as a garden accent, vivid shades of orange topping bold variegated leaves amplify your garden from understated to spectacular.
Newman says that he uses the plant "as a starting point for color and texture development in the flower border." As the texture and color are so bold, use companion plants to complement rather than compete with the plant — textural plants with dark foliage and deep-flowering colors top his list.
Newman says that he uses the plant "as a starting point for color and texture development in the flower border." As the texture and color are so bold, use companion plants to complement rather than compete with the plant — textural plants with dark foliage and deep-flowering colors top his list.
Planting notes. While 'Pretoria' is more cold hardy than many tropicals, freezing winters still pose a threat to its survival. Plant in rich, moist and well-drained soil after the last freeze of winter.
Once the plant finishes blooming, cut the stems back to promote new growth. If your soil routinely freezes over, either plant 'Pretoria' in a portable planter or dig up the bulbs and move them inside for the season before the first major freeze. While this seems labor intensive, it is the typical treatment of tropicals, and Newman assures that it is well worth the trouble.
More great design plants:
Euphorbia | Red-Leafed Mukdenia | Blue Chalk Sticks | Hens-and-Chicks | Redtwig Dogwood
Toyon
Great design trees:
Bald Cypress | Chinese Witch Hazel | Japanese Maple | Manzanita | Persian Ironwood
Smoke Tree | Texas Mountain Laurel | Tree Aloe
Great design flowers:
Catmint | Golden Creeping Jenny | Pacific Coast Iris | Plumbago | Red Kangaroo Paw
Sally Holmes Rose | Slipper Plant | Snake Flower
Great design grasses:
Black Mondo Grass | Cape Rush | Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass
Once the plant finishes blooming, cut the stems back to promote new growth. If your soil routinely freezes over, either plant 'Pretoria' in a portable planter or dig up the bulbs and move them inside for the season before the first major freeze. While this seems labor intensive, it is the typical treatment of tropicals, and Newman assures that it is well worth the trouble.
More great design plants:
Euphorbia | Red-Leafed Mukdenia | Blue Chalk Sticks | Hens-and-Chicks | Redtwig Dogwood
Toyon
Great design trees:
Bald Cypress | Chinese Witch Hazel | Japanese Maple | Manzanita | Persian Ironwood
Smoke Tree | Texas Mountain Laurel | Tree Aloe
Great design flowers:
Catmint | Golden Creeping Jenny | Pacific Coast Iris | Plumbago | Red Kangaroo Paw
Sally Holmes Rose | Slipper Plant | Snake Flower
Great design grasses:
Black Mondo Grass | Cape Rush | Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass
Common name: Canna lily
USDA zones: Can be grown anywhere if bulbs are brought inside for winter. Winter hardy in zones 7 to 11.
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 4 to 6 feet tall, 1 to 3 feet wide
Tolerances/environmental benefits: Deer resistant; firewise landscaping; flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
Distinguishing traits. Billowy variegated leaves of light green and yellow form the foundation of this plant and accompany it year-round. Early summer brings 3-foot spikes of vivid orange blooms, making ‘Pretoria’ one of the most showy of the Canna lilies.