How to Grow Canna lily 'Phasion'

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Canna lily 'Phasion'

Canna × generalis 'Phasion'

flower

Canna lily 'Phasion' is a striking tropical perennial known for its dramatic dark purple-bronze foliage and vibrant orange-red flowers. This cultivar reaches 4-5 feet tall and adds bold architectural interest and color contrast to gardens and containers. It thrives in warm climates and brings a lush, exotic aesthetic to landscape designs.

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Example Canna lily 'Phasion' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Canna lily 'Phasion'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Canna lily 'Phasion' blooms
Around Jul 16

≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Canna lily 'Phasion' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (more sun intensifies foliage color)

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply 2-3 times per week during growing season. Thrives in boggy or wet conditions and near water features.

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Spacing: 24 inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days from planting to first flowers

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Planting depth: 4-6 inches deep for rhizomes

Soil

Type: Rich, moist, well-draining loamy soil or even heavy clay soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or well-rotted manure Peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention Organic matter for nutrient richness

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 7b-11; can be grown in zone 7a with winter protection

7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Dormancy/Planting

2-4 weeks

Canna rhizomes are dormant, stored dry or just beginning to sprout in spring

Plant rhizomes after last frost date when soil is warm (60°F+). Choose location with full sun. Amend soil with compost before planting. Keep soil moist after planting to encourage sprouting.

Emergence & Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Shoots emerge from rhizomes, unfurling dark purple-bronze foliage in spiraling clusters; plant rapidly gains height

Water consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly or use slow-release granules. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate temperature. Remove any dead or damaged foliage.

Bud Formation & Flowering

3-4 weeks

Flower buds appear at stem tips; first blooms open revealing vibrant orange-red flowers in terminal spikes

Increase watering frequency in hot weather. Apply potassium-rich fertilizer to promote blooming. Remove spent flower clusters (deadhead) to encourage continuous flowering.

Peak Flowering & Bloom Period

8-12 weeks (June-September in most regions)

Plant produces abundant orange-red flowers continuously throughout summer and fall; foliage remains dark and ornamental

Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly. Maintain consistent moisture. Feed every 3-4 weeks with balanced or high-phosphorus fertilizer. Watch for pests.

Dormancy Preparation & Winter

3-5 months

Flowering slows as temperatures drop; foliage eventually browns after hard frost; plant enters dormancy

In zones 7-9, cut stems back to 4-6 inches after frost. Mulch heavily with 4-6 inches of compost or leaves for winter protection. In zones 10-11, minimal dormancy; cut back lightly and keep soil moist. Dig and store rhizomes in zone 7 and colder areas.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Colocasia (Elephant ear) Hedychium (Ginger lily) Daylily Hibiscus Lantana Impatiens Caladium Fern Hosta

Avoid planting near:

Water lily (if in aquatic settings; different water depth needs) Drought-tolerant plants like agave and cacti (conflicting water needs)

Common Pests

Remove affected leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps.
Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plants; spray with neem oil or spinosad if severe.
Increase humidity by misting foliage; spray with water jet to dislodge; use miticide if infestation is severe.
Remove affected leaves; ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or copper fungicide if needed.
Prune out heavily infested stems; spray with horticultural oil; use insecticidal soap for young scales.

Uses

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Edible Starch from Rhizomes

Culinary

Canna rhizomes contain easily digestible starch and were historically cultivated as a food crop. The rhizomes can be cooked like potatoes or processed into a gluten-free flour. [source]

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Ornamental Foliage & Cut Flowers

Household

The dramatic dark purple-bronze foliage and orange-red flower spikes make 'Phasion' ideal for tropical-themed gardens, containers, and dramatic flower arrangements. The tall, architectural form creates visual impact in landscape design. [source]

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Pollinator Attractant

Wildlife

Canna lilies attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with their colorful, nectar-rich flowers. 'Phasion' is particularly attractive to hummingbirds seeking orange-red blooms. [source]

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Florist & Floral Design

Craft

The large flower spikes and striking foliage are popular in tropical and contemporary floral arrangements. Both flowers and dramatic leaves are used in high-impact bouquets and event design. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

In traditional medicine systems, canna has been used for anti-inflammatory and digestive purposes, though scientific evidence is limited. The rhizomes contain compounds with potential antioxidant properties. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Canna lilies are ornamental plants; cut flower spikes for arrangements when 2-3 florets are open. Cut stems at the base and change vase water every 2-3 days (flowers last 1-2 weeks in arrangements). Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to encourage continuous blooming through the season.

Fun Facts

🌱 'Phasion' was hybridized in the 20th century and is one of the most striking modern canna cultivars, valued for the dramatic contrast between its deep purple-bronze foliage and vibrant orange-red flowers.
🌱 Canna lilies are not true lilies despite their common name; they are in the family Cannaceae and are more closely related to bananas and gingers, which explains their tropical appearance and growth habit.
🌱 Canna lily rhizomes are hardy enough to survive mild winters in many temperate zones and can be dug up and stored indoors like dahlias, making this exotic-looking plant accessible to gardeners in cooler climates.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Compost Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Last Frost Date Mulch Perennial pH

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