How to Grow King Humbert
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King Humbert
Canna × generalis 'King Humbert'
flowerKing Humbert is a stunning tropical canna lily featuring bold bronze-burgundy foliage and vibrant orange-red flowers. This ornamental plant grows 4-5 feet tall and creates dramatic focal points in gardens with its large, paddle-shaped leaves and impressive flower spikes. It's a heat and humidity lover that brings a tropical aesthetic to temperate landscapes.
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Example King Humbert timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant King Humbert
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First King Humbert blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact King Humbert dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-11; grows as annual or lifted/stored in zone 6
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Dormancy/Sprouting
3-4 weeksRhizomes are planted in spring soil and begin to produce shoots and roots as temperatures warm above 60°F
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, or plant directly outdoors after frost danger passes. Keep soil warm and moist but not waterlogged.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksTall stems with large bronze-burgundy paddle-shaped leaves emerge and rapidly increase in height
Provide strong sunlight, consistent moisture, and rich soil. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Stake tall stems if windy.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower spikes begin to form at the stem tips with visible buds developing
Continue regular watering and feeding. Switch to higher phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooming. Remove any damaged foliage.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (can be continuous with deadheading)Spectacular clusters of bright orange-red flowers open along sturdy spikes, creating bold displays above the foliage
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain consistent moisture. Continue feeding every 3-4 weeks. Watch for pests.
Decline/Dormancy
4-6 weeks before frostAs temperatures cool in fall and frost approaches, flowers fade and foliage yellows; plant enters dormancy
Stop fertilizing 6 weeks before first frost. Reduce watering. In zones 6-7, dig rhizomes after frost kills foliage, clean, dry, and store in cool location (50-60°F). In zones 8+, can leave in ground with mulch.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning, use pheromone traps, apply neem oil, or use spinosad-based organic pesticides
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Increase humidity by misting, spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Remove rolled leaves by hand, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), or spray with neem oil
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and
Hand-pick, use beer traps, apply diatomaceous earth, or use copper barriers around base
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil regularly
Uses
Stunning Cut Flowers
HouseholdKing Humbert's vibrant orange-red flower spikes and tropical appearance make them excellent for dramatic floral arrangements, wedding bouquets, and tropical-themed event displays. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryCanna flowers are edible and can be used to garnish plates or as a colorful addition to salads, though they are primarily grown for ornamental value rather than flavor. [source]
Landscape Focal Point
HouseholdWith its tall stature, bold bronze-burgundy foliage, and striking orange-red flowers, King Humbert creates dramatic garden features and serves as an excellent backdrop plant or specimen in tropical and contemporary landscape designs. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making King Humbert valuable for pollinator-supporting gardens. [source]
Dried Seed Pods
CraftThe decorative seed pods can be dried and used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and other dried flower crafts for textural interest. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flower stems when the lowest flower is just opening for longest vase life. Cut stems at an angle in early morning. Change water every 2-3 days. Remove foliage below waterline. Flowers last 7-10 days in water. To collect seeds, let spent flowers dry on plant, then gather seed pods when papery and brown.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 King Humbert cannas were bred in the early 1900s and named after King Humbert I of Italy, making them a heirloom variety with over 120 years of garden history.
- 🌱 Canna rhizomes are sometimes grown for starch production in tropical regions; historically, the plant was called 'Indian shot' because the hard, shiny black seeds resemble buckshot.
- 🌱 The bold bronze-burgundy foliage of King Humbert actually deepens and becomes more richly colored when grown in full sun and with consistent heat, making this variety especially valuable for creating dramatic color contrasts in garden designs.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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