Indian Shot
Canna indica
Also listed as Canna coccinea, Canna ascendens
Also known as Indian Canna, Small-flowered Canna, Wild Canna
Climate Match for your location
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A tropical perennial with bold, large paddle-shaped foliage in green, bronze, or variegated colors, topped by showy spikes of red, orange, yellow, or pink flowers. Ideal for adding dramatic height and color to warm-season gardens.
Why grow it
Canna indica offers dense, architectural foliage and extended summer bloom in a single plant, making it useful where height and visual weight are needed without requiring multiple species. Compared to other tropical perennials, cannas tolerate a range of soil conditions and flower reliably with minimal deadheading. They perform well in both ornamental borders and water garden edges, providing options for different garden contexts.
Watch out for
In temperate regions, rhizomes require winter storage or heavy mulch protection; inconsistent overwintering can reduce year-to-year vigor. Cannas benefit from consistent moisture during the growing season and may flag noticeably during dry spells, requiring supplemental watering in some climates. Crowded plantings can reduce air circulation and increase susceptibility to fungal issues.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cannaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Tropical South America and West Indies
Native to: Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A tropical perennial with bold, large paddle-shaped foliage in green, bronze, or variegated colors, topped by showy spikes of red, orange, yellow, or pink flowers. Ideal for adding dramatic height and color to warm-season gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Indian Shot grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Canna indica offers dense, architectural foliage and extended summer bloom in a single plant, making it useful where height and visual weight are needed without requiring multiple species. Compared to other tropical perennials, cannas tolerate a range of soil conditions and flower reliably with minimal deadheading. They perform well in both ornamental borders and water garden edges, providing options for different garden contexts.
Watch out for
In temperate regions, rhizomes require winter storage or heavy mulch protection; inconsistent overwintering can reduce year-to-year vigor. Cannas benefit from consistent moisture during the growing season and may flag noticeably during dry spells, requiring supplemental watering in some climates. Crowded plantings can reduce air circulation and increase susceptibility to fungal issues.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cannaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Tropical South America and West Indies
Native to: Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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